Intersolar. Just the name of the event almost brings a smile to my face. The latest event in the series took place in Munich at the end of May. Over nine halls, 1400 companies exhibiting, 60,000 visitors. It is tangible proof that solar is now a sizable business, not a niche interest for enthusiasts.  

It shows how quickly things can grow. It is less than 10 years ago that this was a small collection of stands in the Freiburg Town Hall in Southern Germany. However, by providing a useful service to an identifiable audience in an effective way, the organisers have done an outstanding job in growing the event to its current level.  

It also shows how spectacularly the UK is determined to miss out on this booming industry. There were no more than a dozen UK-based companies in the list of exhibitors, and many of those were publishers. 

We exhibited there, as we have for a number of years now. The great benefit to us is the chance to meet so many customers face to face. So much of the business of bookselling is done through intermediaries, whether a book shop, or Amazon, or some other third party, that the opportunity to talk to the people who actually shell out hard cash (or proffer their credit cards) to get our books is invaluable.  If only all events were as well focused and fruitful as this one. If you think of going to just one solar trade show a year, this should be it!