Organisers UBM have promised to plough extra resources into the show as a result, suggesting that "exhibitors and visitors would be better served by one leading industry event that has the resources behind it to up the ante every year to meet changing demands".
A simplified floorplan is one way in which it hopes to achieve this and ensure the show continues to "innovate and inspire"
despite entering into its 28th year this year.
Three new "sector areas" will split the show up into Location, Logisitics and Something Special, while the Media 10 Marina will provide a central spot for networking.
Other changes include further investment to the hosted buyer programme so that more visitors can obtain places, sector dedicated days including an Association Day and a luxury spa area.
Celebrity keynotes and the Confex Knowledge sessions will no doubt once again be a highlight of the show, although famous names are yet to be revealed.
"International Confex has consistently grown both in visitor numbers and exhibitors. However, as we enter into a key year for the events industry ahead of the Olympics, it’s important that it remains fresh and inspiring. Visitors need us to raise the bar on engagement and creativity, which will in turn get exhibitors to raise it higher and we’re really excited about next year’s show," said International Confex portfolio director Jonny Sullens.
"Our audience has also changed over the years and reflects a real diversity in terms of the sectors that our buyers represent, so tailoring content to specific audience groups has also been an important factor to make sure Confex remains the fantastic industry event that everyone knows and loves," he added.
Four debut exhibitors
Strand Palace Hotel
Stand L301
Over the years the hotel has benefited from substantial investment. Visitors to its stand will be able to find out more about the hotel and its most recent investment in its meetings and events facilities which brings the total number of function rooms to nine.
Big stuff design
Stand R203
Established for more than 20 years Big Stuff design started out by making unique signage for stores in London’s Camden High Street. It now works for some of the biggest brand names in the country making bespoke displays, signage, and themed areas. Visitors to its stand will be able to find out about its creative workshop weekends.
Guinness World Records
Stand R301
In January 2011, Guinness World Records announced it is bringing the thrill of live record breaking to the business arena with the world’s first-ever record breaking teambuild activity. Confex attendees will be able to try their hand at actual world records adjudicated by Guinness World Records judges.
Bespoke Props
Stand R106
Specialising in made to order props, Bespoke Props will be talking visitors at Confex though how it has brought to life all sorts of objects from delicate table centres to giant glittering shoes.
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