In this episode of Beyond the Blend, host Rob Taylor sits down with Anthony Roberts, CEO of Blueprint Event Company and the driving force behind Lubricant Expo, the world's largest lubricant-focused exhibition. Anthony shares how his passion for events, music, and community-building led him to create a global platform that is shaping the future of the lubricant industry.
Key Topics Discussed:
✅ The Journey to Lubricant Expo – From organising music events and running a live venue in London to launching industry-leading exhibitions, Anthony explains how he transitioned into large-scale trade shows and co-founded Blueprint Event Company.
✅ Why Lubricant Expo? – Anthony shares why he and his team saw a gap in the market for a global lubricant industry event, how they launched in Germany, expanded to North America, and now set their sights on Dubai for the Middle East edition in 2026.
✅ The Power of Collaboration & Community – He discusses how partnerships with associations, industry bodies, and key players have helped Lubricant Expo thrive. He also explains why the industry has welcomed them so warmly and how collaboration is more than just a buzzword in his approach.
✅ Choosing the Right Locations – Why Germany (Essen/Düsseldorf), Detroit, and Dubai were selected as key locations for Lubricant Expo, and how these venues connect industry players from around the world.
✅ The Future of Live Events – Despite the rise of AI and virtual events, Anthony explains why face-to-face networking, chance encounters, and in-person collaboration remain irreplaceable in the lubricant industry.
✅ Balancing Business & Family – With four kids and a fast-growing business, Anthony shares how he sets boundaries, prioritises weekends, and ensures work-life balance, crediting both his business partner and his wife as key to his success.
✅ Expo Best Practices – Top tips for exhibitors and attendees on how to maximise their experience, including pre-event marketing, networking strategies, and meeting planning.
Standout Quotes:
🗣️ “The lubricants industry welcomed us more warmly than any other sector we’ve worked in.”
🗣️ “Face-to-face networking will always be irreplaceable—no AI can replicate the power of a handshake.”
🗣️ “We built Lubricant Expo to serve the entire lubricants supply chain, from base oils to end users.”
🗣️ “I might be CEO at work, but my wife is definitely CEO at home.”
Expo Tips from Anthony Roberts:
🎯 For Exhibitors: Engage early, leverage marketing support, and make it clear why people should visit your booth. Use pre-event outreach and email signatures to let customers know you’ll be there.
🎯 For Attendees: Study the exhibitor list, book meetings in advance, and maximise your time—plan your visit like a strategic business trip rather than a casual event.
🎯 For Everyone: The key to a successful Expo experience is being proactive—don’t just show up, show up prepared!
Connect with Anthony Roberts & Lubricant Expo:
🔗 Website: Lubricant Expo
🔗 LinkedIn: Anthony GB Roberts
🔗 Upcoming Events:
Lubricant Expo Europe (Düsseldorf, 2024)
Lubricant Expo North America (Detroit, 2025)
Lubricant Expo Middle East (Dubai, 2026)
Stay Connected:
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