Following the conclusion of ‘one of the most successful International Confex for years’, the show’s organiser is already looking to the next outing for the UK meetings industry’s longest serving show brand.
The news follows the successful re-establishment of International Confex as the premier exhibition for the UK events industry, which saw thousands of visitors flock to Olympia London over an intensive exhibition last week.
The event attracted 6,803 attendees (BPA audit pending) over the two days with a core visitor count of 5,502.
The first day attracted more than 4,100 attendees into the Grand Hall, with a high number of those returning on the second day, which saw an attendance of 3,500 (including return visitors).
International Confex exhibition director, Donna Bushell, commented: “We’re delighted that so many buyers came back on day two, we’re thrilled that the dwell time of each buyer seemed much longer than before, and we couldn’t be happier for our 320 exhibitors, many of whom secured great business on the show floor.
“The comments we have had from exhibitors and visitors have been outstanding and many have said that this has been one of the most successful Confex shows for years. There was a tangible buzz about the show from the start, and the momentum kept going until the last moments.”
Highlights of the event included the two keynote speeches of Kanya King MBE and Karren Brady CBE, who both spoke in front of packed out crowds of more than 200 people on each day of the show.
The keynotes formed part of a high-level education programme that saw thousands of visitors attending more than 80 seminar sessions throughout the two days.
International Confex will co-locate with the Event Production Show next year when both events arrive at Olympia London on 18-19 February 2015. While each exhibition will retain its individual identity, the co-location will act as added incentive for buyers looking at both aspects of the market.
“There is so much more we can achieve with this great brand,” concluded Donna Bushell. “We believe we have gained confidence back from the industry, now we need to really push the boundaries of the show, make it bigger, better, more interactive and continue to place great content at the heart of the visitor experience.”
