Lab Innovations celebrated its eighth edition on Oct. 30 and 31. The event saw 3860 attendees — a 24% increase from the previous year — making it the largest Lab Innovations to date. One hundred sixty-two exhibitors had their products on display, with attendees made up of lab managers (up 9% from previous year), scientists (up 9% from previous year), procurement managers (up 32% from previous year), chemists (up 65% from previous year), and lab technicians (up 24% from previous year). Josh Chapman, Scientific Laboratory Supplies’ managing director, emphasized the growth and quality of professionals, noting the event’s ability to reach a variety of lab professionals. “Both SLS and our suppliers are able to make hundreds of new business connections and showcase products to thousands of people across two days, which would otherwise take months to do,” Chapman said. “Every year the event grows, and the quality of visitors this year has been second to none.” Visitors were able to sample hundreds of products, technologies, and solutions for their laboratories, including SPECTROGREEN from Spectro, an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer with Dual Side-On Interface technology; and Nexera UHPLC from Shimadzu, which uses AI to automatically detect and resolve lab issues. Exhibitors and visitors flood the showroom at Lab Innovations 2019. Courtesy of Alto Marketing. Insights and Innovation seminars supported lab professionals in future-proofing their laboratory and learning best practices for lab management, with topics including “Combining AI and Computer Vision to Address Research Challenges,” “Using Virtual Reality in The Lab,” “Evolution of UKAS Assessments,” “Cannabis Testing: Growing Pains and How to Reach the Highs,” and “New Approaches to the Skills Crisis.” Alison Willis, Easyfairs’ divisional director, said that this year’s success will help in the planning of next year’s Lab Innovations event, which is already underway. “Lab Innovations 2019 has been the biggest and best event to date with a clear dynamism and buzz from both exhibitors and visitors, who are keen to return next year,” Willis said. “With over 84% of our current floor space already rebooked, the success and value of Lab Innovations 2019 is evident. We are now really looking forward to an even bigger and better show in 2020.” Lab Innovations 2020 will take place on Nov. 4 and 5 at the NEC, Birmingham, England. Registrations for visitors and exhibitions can be found on the event website: www.lab-innovations.com.