Exhibitions
Exhibitions
In the days long before multi-channel TV, or the Internet, exhibitions were an effective way of showcasing telecommunication products and services.




Photo: GPO stand at Earls Court © BT Heritage 1960 TCB 417 E24782.
| EXIT | Exhibitions | Telecom Fortnight | London 2012 | Ideal Home | Buzby Special |
Overview

In 1949 the Post Office Exhibition stand was designed as a permanent feature at the Birmingham British Industries Fair held at Castle Bromwich. BIF fairs were held in Birmingham and London (Olympia), from about 1920 to 1960, and were organised by the 'Department of Overseas Trade.'

On 10th April 1961 the Postmaster General inaugurated a particular 'Telephone Week' during which period the public was invited to visit telephone exchanges. 'Telephone Weeks' pre-dated this occurence and these events later became 'Telecom Fortnights.'

The Daily Mail Ideal Home Exhibition was also a regular event at which Post Office Telecommunications had a dedicated stand.

New marketing initiatives lead to the creation of 'The Buzby Special' - a travelling exhibition.

Telecom Fortnights
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'Telephone Fortnights' were held annually during which period the latest telephones could be marketed and telephone exchanges were opened to visitors.




Buzby sticker: British Telecom Fortnight 7-19 July 1980 © BT Heritage.
   
Special Exhibitions
Special Exhibitions
Special exhibitions, such as the Radio Exhibition at 'Earls Court', were useful in promoting the work of the Post Office.




Photo: Radio and the Post Office, 1962 Earls Court © BT Heritage TCB 473P 8062.
   
London 2012
London 2012
Planning for the London 2012 Olympics started as early as 2008 while the bids were taking place. Although not a regular exhibition it was a demonstration that BT could co-ordinate and deliver services efficiently.



Booklet: London 2012 (PHME 55321) © British Telecommunications plc 2008.
   
Daily Mail Ideal Home Exhibition
Daily Mail Ideal Home Exhibition 1972 The Ideal Phone Stand 203
Post Office Telecommunications and then British Telecom was a regular exhibitor at the annual show.






Scans: Daily Mail Ideal Home Exhibition Booklet 1972.
     
The Buzby Special
The Buzby Special
'The Buzby Special' was a travelling exhibition of telephone marketing which did a whistle-stop tour of many railway towns for a number a years.





Leaflet scan: The Buzby Special 1978.
   

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