Confex's Global Gathering   (Events)

International Confex welcomed thousands of visitors to its 25th annual exhibition at Earls Court encompassing its tried and tested mix of UK and international venues and destinations, corporate events and the party industry.

Abigail Parkin spoke to event director, Duncan Reid (pic left) as well as exhibitors about the impact of this year's event. (18 March'08)

International Confex reported its highest ever visitor numbers with pre-ABC audited figures showing a 15% increase in visitors to 9,550. Add to this 1,350 visitors from the Technology for Marketing show and this gave visitor total of 10,900, up 31% on last year. Total attendance (including exhibitors) was reported as up by 23% to 15,100.

“I am delighted with the onsite figures and the response from our visitors
to this year’s show," said event director, Duncan Reid. "Our exhibitors once again pulled out all the stops to help support the show and deliver quality visitors. We are definitely moving in the right direction refining the product so we can continue to build and grow the event for the future.”

Confex Knowledge, the show's education programme also proved a success  
with keynote speaker sessions, including a speech by award winning chef 
Jean-Christophe Novelli, screened live to adjacent theatres to fulfil demand. 
The advice centre and CV clinic were also fully booked for the entire three 
days.

What they said...

Simon Thompson
Founder Director, Conferences UK

"Conferences UK had a large stand
right at the front of the exhibition,
manned by seven staff and it was extremely
busy throughout the exhibition. During the event Conferences UK had an opportunity to meet with large corporate clients like 02 and American Express and present its new bill back and commission share services based on high volume business. International Confex also gave the perfect opportunity to also launch the new International Venue Finding Agency, www.conferencevenues.com.

"Conferences UK has already reconfirmed its stand for next year! 
We contracted many new venues and corporate clients during the event. 
Since the event, major chains like Marriott, IHG and Accor have listed
their international venues onto www.conferencevenues.com and over
1,700 international venues are fully searchable online."


Tanya Mitchell, Jumeirah Hotels & 
Resorts, Director of Sales - MICE"Jumeirah has been exhibiting at
International Confex for a few years  
now. Initially, we participated in order to
build our brand awareness as an 
international hotel and hospitality group,
but the demand for RFP's, especially in 
Dubai in recent years, meant that
we very quickly began to regard the 
tradeshow as a bona fide lead generator.
"We have recently embarked on a rapid expansion plan, with an aim to have
57 hotels and resorts announced by the end of 2011 throughout the world.
This expansion has already begun and much of our focus at Confex 2008 
was on the fully renovated Jumeirah Essex House in New York. 
 
"Having recently spent US$90million bringing the hotel back to life, with 
considerable attention paid to its art deco heritage, Jumeirah Essex House is
 one of our key group focuses for 2008. With its stunning location right on
 Central Park and just minutes from all the entertainment of Times Square 
and Broadway, plus the shops of Fifth Ave, Jumeirah Essex House is quickly 
 becoming the incentive hotel of choice in the Big Apple. Lead generation 
at Confex proved that the demand for Jumeirah Essex House in New York 
can be as big as the continual demand for Jumeirah in Dubai!" 


Ian Taylor, Commercial Director 
-Marketing Birmingham “International Confex was a huge success
 this year and it was clear to see the
 huge effort that had gone into organising
 the show, from the  quality presentation
 to the slick management.

“We were joined by Edgbaston Cricket 
Ground, Hyatt Regency Birmingham, 
 The Public West Bromwich and Radisson SAS
 Birmingham on our stand. All of our partners 
felt that we saw a high volume and excellent
calibre of visitors throughout the event.


“We are currently following up a number of leads worth tens of thousands
 of pounds to Birmingham and some leads generated for our stand partners
have already resulted in confirmed business.

“The academic element of the show was also very successful this year, 
with a full programme of informative and interesting seminars which we 
heard consistently good feedback from.  This really added value for visitors,
as well as enhancing the experience for exhibitors who could also attend 
the sessions. 
“In summary, Confex 2008 was a great show and we felt we achieved what
 we set out to. We look forward to next year.”
Will Broome, London Launch and President Elect for ISES UK

"The ISES networking event in partnership with Visit London on 13th February at International Confex was a resounding success with over 200 guests enjoying the sumptuous surroundings of the London Bar. This was a
fabulous opportunity for ISES and Visit London members to relax and network together over a glass of (Revelstoke!) wine after a busy day at
the show.

"The London Bar itself was beautifully and inventively designed by Partridge Events, whose director, Jacqui Partridge, was presented with a gift for long standing service after she stepped down from the Board of ISES following an incredible three and a half years as VP Events.

"Innovative music was provided by Sternberg Clarke which set the scene and Bash Bars created a wonderfully stylish up-lit central bar. Other sponsors included Gallowglass, 1Vis, Colorset, In Water, Thorns, Great Hire and Hawthorns."


Click image for picture gallery;
  

RK__________________________