EVENTS

Innovation and growth at IMEX 08
Organisers of IMEX, the award-winning global meetings industry exhibition, report increased participation from all sectors of the industry and from across the world, at this year’s Frankfurt show, 22 - 24 April. Together with a rise in the number of hosted buyer groups and a forecast increase in the number of key German decision makers attending, IMEX organisers are predicting the busiest and largest IMEX to date.
The demand for extra stand space has been high from both new and existing exhibitors with more than 60 exhibitors having already increased their presence. Notable increases have been seen from across the Asia-Pacific region including Australia, Japan, Macau and Singapore. From Eastern Europe, Bulgaria returns with a 76% larger stand, while Croatia, the Czech Republic, Montenegro and Slovakia are all increasing their presence. Other boosts in space have come from destinations as diverse as Argentina, France, Costa Rica, Germany, Greece, Malta, Norway, South Africa, Spain and Tunisia. Travel groups Hogg Robinson Group, Kuoni and TUI have all increased their presence by between 75% – 120%, with Emirates Airlines also taking over a third more space.
US representation will also be higher with Las Vegas, Texas Tourism, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau and Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau joining established IMEX exhibitors New Orleans, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, New York City and Florida in a new centralised US quarter.
IMEX organisers also report an increase in the participation of the leading hotel groups, with up to six new hotel groups including Capella Hotels & Resorts, Preferred Hotel Group and Prestige Hotels; plus increases seen from 13 hotel groups including Dolce International, NH Hoteles and Steigenberger Hotels.
Says IMEX Chairman, Ray Bloom, "With the 6th IMEX now just a few months away we are looking forward to welcoming even more participants to Messe Frankfurt in April and having the chance, once again, to deliver outstanding business opportunities to exhibitors, hosted buyers and visitors. In addition, we are proud to be able to offer innovative new ideas and services to the industry in the form of enhanced corporate and association programmes; plus showcasing best environmental and political best practice. We are all looking forward to experiencing the IMEX ‘buzz’ once again this April."