What new features do you have planned?
This year is very exciting; not least with the incorporation of RSVP and the launch of our sister show International Outdoor Event Expo (IOEX).
All in all, it is going to be a busy affair for our visitors, which is why we’ve launched our new Loyalty Programme and are asking visitors to pre-schedule meetings with our exhibitors, helping to organise their day(s) around the education on offer and the networking opportunities available.
In return for five pre-scheduled meetings, visitors will gain silver status giving them access to a dedicated lounge as well as a number of other incentives such as reserved seating at the Confex Knowledge seminars. If 10 or more meetings are pre-arranged, visitors will achieve gold status, and further incentives, including accommodation and private lunches. Companies endorsing and committing to our loyalty programme include Helms Briscoe, Adidas, Zibrant, AstraZeneca, Kenes UK and Tesco’s to name but a few.
Also new for 2012, we have developed our Awards Day programme led by the awards industry doyenne Caroline Jackson Levy. The bespoke half-day education programme specifically for those that organise corporate awards events, will include a range of topics including ROI on awards sponsorship, creativity with limited budgets and how to select the right host for your event.
What will the change in venue mean for the show?
Both International Confex and our venue Excel London have a lot to gain from putting on a successful show. It is Excel’s biggest FAM trip and they are very excited and appreciative of the opportunity to work with us to produce a fantastic showcase for our industry.
The location of the show will also enable planners based in the Docklands area particularly from the financial sector in Canary Wharf to attend the show, many of which for the first time. Attracting event planners from AMEX, Barclays, Deutsche Bank, and Morgan Stanley will provide our exhibitors with a great opportunity for a further return on their investment.
The other fantastic advantage of being located in Excel is of course the proximity of London City Airport. We have a number of buyers flying direct to London City airport to come to the show to plan their next UK event. Some great names such as Asics, Disney and Pfizer all flying direct to London City to be at the show.
How many visitors are you expecting?
International Confex 2012 expects to see more than 12,000 attendees from every sector of the events spectrum.
How do you plan to integrate RSVP?
RSVP will sit along side our Something Special section of the show under the International Confex banner. This area is bigger than it was last year, which is testament to the RSVP exhibitors who will now further benefit from a greatly increased audience of buyers we know are interested in their products. Adding to this, visitors to RSVP will now be able to get access to a wider audience of event suppliers than before. In summary it is a very exciting move for us to incorporate RSVP into the show.
How will regular Confex visitors benefit from the introduction of IOEX?
The decision to launch IOEX and co-locate with International Confex makes perfect sense as both shows will benefit hugely from the cross over of visitor traffic. International Confex visitors will also be able to meet with suppliers to the live events industry.
Our research has shown that many of our event planning visitors are responsible for planning live events and the co-location provides the opportunity to maximise their time at the show and negate the need to source these suppliers elsewhere. IOEX will see up to 100 exhibitors displaying a range of products and services from outside broadcast to temporary structures, lighting and AV, to signage and graphics; attractions and entertainment to furniture and flooring.
What types of new visitors are you hoping to attract to IOEX?
IOEX will attract thousands of event organisers from the growing communities of sports, music, festivals, local government and outdoor entertainment, while also meeting the needs of the growing number of live and experiential marketing agencies. In addition to the International Confex visitor those exhibiting at IOEX will be exposed to largest gathering of buyers for their market.
How has your research influenced the show?
The research we have undertaken with industry stakeholders is something that we continue to invest in and act upon. We have been delighted with both the exhibitor and visitor take up for the show to date and this is a reflection on the fact that we have acted upon what the industry wants from its showcase event. International Confex continues to innovate and invigorate, so come down to the show and experience it for yourself.
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