Broadcast Video Expo had 11,503 visitors last week, reputedly the highest attendance ever for a broadcast industry show in the UK.

The three-day exhibition also attracted more visitors than last year, up by more than 300 people.

Several of the companies that exhibited - including Sony, EVS and Vitec - have already signed up for the 2010 event. JVC, Canon, Newtek and Root6 will also appear next year.

Broadcast Video Expo event director Kieron Seth said: “Judging by the activity at the show, 2010 will be not be a stand-still year. The interest shown at the event in new tapeless systems and adopting improved workflows clearly shows that the industry and manufacturers are working together to mutual benefit.”

Roger Stanwell of the trade association IABM admitted that while money may not have changed hands too often, the increased attendance was indicative of a long-term confidence in the market.

"The halls were busier than many expected with lots of networking in evidence,” he said. “Even if fewer deals were being concluded, BVE certainly demonstrated the importance of trade shows in maintaining relationships in preparation for the upturn."