Seltek at the International Biotech & Lab Automation Exhibition

The curtains have now closed on the 2005 IBLA exhibition and what an outstanding success it proved to be!

The stand was our best yet and attracted many visitors; it was a great opportunity to meet many of our contacts. The new Claude and Claudette graphics certainly proved eye catching and the 'BIG' plasma screen was an excellent 'attention grabber' (thanks to audiofile - www.audiofile.co.uk).

We couldn't have wished for a better location, immediately visible from the registration hall - conveniently close to the refreshment area. In fact we were so impressed we've already booked the spot for next year!

The unique BiO Challenge (left) was hugely popular. The brainchild of Director - Guy Buncombe it was designed and made in conjunction with Lucidata Consultants (www.lucidata.com). Obviously based on a tried and tested child's game, it's simplicity proved to be part of the attraction. The aim of the challenge was to pass the ring from one end of the wire to the other without touching it and setting off the 'beeping' alarm! The novelty was attaching the device to a timer allowing us to record the time of each 'challenger'. Pictured right is Stephen Trenchard of Technopath (www.techno-path.com) recording his winning time (an outstanding 15.45 seconds) whilst being adjudicated by our consultant Rob Assinder. Stephen wins a helicopter ride over London, presented by Seltek's Life Science Division Manager, Scott Peacock (below, left).

Meanwhile the guys from Becton Dickinson (www.bd.com)(who were opposite us at the exhibition) made a gallant effort, repeatedly returning to challenge any new high score that was recorded. Stuart Gibb from BD recorded an excellent time of 16.08 seconds to secure second place and a magnum of fine champagne. Finally in third place, David Thomson from Lab901 (www.lab901.com) with 20.06 seconds takes away a whirligig of chocolates.

And the point to all this was?............ Well apart from the obvious aim of attracting people to our stand - charity! Whilst the first go was free, any subsequent attempts to beat the clock required a small donation to the World Cancer Research Fund (www.wcrf-uk.org). The BiO Challenge raised over £50 for the charity.

And the slowest recorded time? 100.42 seconds, recorded by...................a slow person with a very steady hand!