exhibitions: IMEX reports: IMEX sets new records in 2010
IMEX sets new records in 2010
IMEX once again set new records for hosted buyer numbers and countries represented, as the show came to a close on May 27.
"The past couple of years have challenged our industry on many fronts, not least economically, but I am delighted that both buyers and exhibitors have voted with their feet and turned up in greater numbers than ever to do business at IMEX this year," said IMEX Group chairman, Ray Bloom, talking at the exhibition’s closing press conference.
A record number of well over 3,800 hosted buyers from more than 60 markets attended this year's show, among a visitor total of nearly 9,000.
Buyers from emerging markets were particularly evident at IMEX, demonstrating a new wave of buying power and interest that many exhibitors were pleased to see. Buyers from Brazil, Russia, India and China attended in larger numbers, with groups from Asia and the US also noticeably bigger than last year. Changes to hosted buyer itineraries for 2010 ensured that more of them stayed at the show for three full days and spent longer periods on the show floor with exhibitors. However, Bloom explained that IMEX will still continue to focus on developing European markets to maximise reach to buyers in the UK and on the continent in addition to the long haul markets.
"We can see the results of these increases in our online appointment numbers. Individual and group appointments rose by 14 percent this year, which represents a total of 57,000 business appointments made between buyers and exhibitors before and during the show. The number of diary messages exchanged before and during IMEX increased by nine percent to over 12,000."
The IMEX education programme also proved extremely successful this year. It was the biggest programme delivered to date, with 82 separate sessions, most of which were packed out. The majority take place outside of show hours so as not to cut across core business.
Bloom summed up: "As usual at IMEX there's no such thing as a quiet time and no such measure as good enough. We will always strive to develop the show further and to ensure our buyers and exhibitors all benefit from our efforts to push back the boundaries of what, where and how a trade show can deliver better value and more business for them."
