With onsite figures reporting a 16% increase in pure Visitors and a 13% increase in total attendance (both pre-ABC Audit), the biggest rise in seven years, International Confex 2007 proved a successful show. Although they…
With onsite figures reporting a 16% increase in pure Visitors and a 13% increase in total attendance (both pre-ABC Audit), the biggest rise in seven years, International Confex 2007 proved a successful show. Although they are still to be audited, preliminary onsite figures show over 12,500 attended Confex 2007, up from 11,127 (ABC Audited) in 2006. This included over 8,300 pure visitors, up from 7,211 (ABC Audited) in 2006.
Confex attribute the growth to a more creative marketing campaign as well as the introduction of a number of new initiatives and feature areas designed to attract and keep new visitors to the show. The organisers are also confident that the investment in the branding of the show will see a further increase in 2008.
Highlights at the show included the hugely popular Confex Knowledge seminars; keynote sessions were screened live to adjacent theatres to fulfill the demand for the speakers. Confex also looked and felt more enticing than in previous years with the introduction of the Oyster and Champagne Bar, the London Bar and the Blue & Green Bar all providing fitting back drops for networking at the event.
“We did what we said we were going to do,” commented Duncan Reid, Director, Confex Group. “One of the major things our research showed us was that visitors wanted to be inspired; so we created an inspirational environment. With the help of our exhibitors I’m confident we will keep building the event for 2008. Re-bookings are up 25% year on year, a rise from the previous year, so I know the whole show is on the up.”
“We are obviously delighted with the increase in visitor numbers seen at this year’s event. It’s the first time the show has reported a significant growth for some time and it’s pleasing for us and the rest of the industry,” Duncan continued. “Confex has a unique role in the industry; to represent the industry and to reflect its quality. The fact that we are looking so healthy is a good indicator of the strength of the meeting and events industry.”
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
