Global Growth Underpins IMEX Vision for Future

The fifth IMEX came to a close and surpassed all previous visitor and hosted buyer numbers. Record numbers on all three days at Messe Frankfurt saw over 3,500 hosted buyers through the doors of Hall 8, amongst an overall visitor total of 8.000.

As IMEX Chairman, Ray Bloom, explained in his closing ceremony speech, the uplift was a direct result of last year’s strategic decision to expand the show’s long-haul hosted buyer program, with a particular emphasis on the U.S. market.

“That decision has had a noticeable impact this year with exhibitors testifying to a substantial increase in buyer power. Being long-haul travelers, these buyers tend to stay at the show for longer. That increase in contact time means more time spent in appointments and doing business, plus more time for networking and professional education,” he said.

He went on to explain that IMEX had also increased the number of intermediaries it had worked with globally for 2007, with a strong emphasis on delivering high quality buyers.

Speaking about one of the flagship elements in the New Vision program, the Future Leaders Forum, Mr. Bloom was delighted to report that the concept now reaches across six countries and has seen more than 1200 students participate since it started in 2003.

“Just one glance at the speaker platform tells you how seriously our meetings industry takes the need to attract and encourage the brightest young talent. There is strong demand for the Future Leaders Forum from several new corners and this is an initiative which we plan to expand globally in the coming 12 to 24 months,” he wrapped up.