exhibitions: IMEX reports: Success for IMEX in Frankfurt
Success for IMEX in Frankfurt
IMEX Frankfurt 2010 set new records for hosted buyers and countries represented, according to figures released on the final day of the exhibition in May.
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 and exhibitors also reported increases in levels of business and appointment numbers.
"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 Ray Bloom, chairman, IMEX Group.
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,” Bloom remarked.
"Figures are one thing but we all know that quality is what matters most to IMEX visitors and exhibitors. I am delighted, for example, that we are seeing an increasing numbers of smaller companies, destinations, agencies, CVBs and the like investing in IMEX because they know full well the show will raise their profile and help them punch well above their weight. They are ambitious for their share of the market and we are pleased to help them achieve it," he said.
Education for all
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.
"It is clear that people arrive at IMEX with a determination to get the most out of each day and that our education programme has now become a considerable asset and an important part of the value that IMEX delivers," said Bloom.
The IMEX New Vision programme continued to set ever higher standards for the variety, quality and scope of its English and German seminars. This year a total of 82 seminars, presentations and workshops took place. The Professional Development and Innovation Pavilion, sponsored by the Convention Industry Council, provided an excellent platform for drop-in sessions on the show floor. Highlights included a session based on New York Times’ best-selling book – “Influencer: The Power to Change Anything” and first phase findings from Convention 2020, a new piece of global market research that examines how the international meetings and conventions market will change in the next 10 years.
Last year, IMEX launched Meetings Under the Microscope to help meeting planners look beyond the logistics of meetings and events planning. This programme has now been expanded with case studies and education sessions. Highlights included “Getting into the mood to meet: Meetings Mindset” by Jon Bradshaw, founder of Equinox Motivation and IMEX business development director, and “Return on Expectations – Lessons from Einstein”, which was presented by Jeremy Cassell and Tom Bird, of Performance Improvement Consultancy RTP.
Short ‘power’ sessions on the Corporate Responsibility Centre, which was ‘powered by GMIC’ (Green Meeting Industry Council) were also new. These were designed to meet increased demand for green education and offered case studies from previous award winners and guidance on ‘how to go green’. Also new this year were ‘energiser’ sessions offering daily rejuvenation through guided mediation, yoga and breathing exercises.
Success FOR IMEX in Frankfurt Part 2 ››
