The evolution of the NACFB CFE

Some 132 exhibitors are expected to attend this year’s show on 21st June 2017, marking a 169% increase on the 49 stands present at the first event in 2010.

This growth is the latest in a string of smashed records for the CFE, which has seen the expo evolve from humble beginnings into one of the Commercial Finance Industry’s top events.

Evolution

Launched in 2010, some industry figures initially questioned the decision to host such an event in the midst of a severe recession.

However, the popularity of the CFE immediately soared with 63 exhibitors registering for the following year.

By 2013, attendances had grown from approximately 850 at the first show to over 1,000 visitors and the show was extended from Pavilion 1 of Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre to include the second pavilion.

The Members Lounge has become a popular feature of the CFE

This growth continued apace, reaching a new high with 125 exhibitors and 1,700 visitors in attendance in 2016.

Although last year the CFE had 3,000 sq m of space, recent demand has necessitated yet another move from the show’s original Pavilion 1 to Hall 3A.

And with over 4,000 sq m of show space, over 130 exhibiting companies and extended ‘Meet the Expert’ and conference programmes, the CFE is now set for a seventh consecutive year of growth in 2017.