A strong run-up to the opening of IMEX 2010 on May 25th has seen a significant number of new exhibitors deciding to take space at the Frankfurt trade show plus an upturn in stand increases from existing exhibitors.
62 exhibitors have increased the size of their stands compared to 2009 and a total of 29 new stands with hundreds of new exhibitors will be present. In addition 45 new hosted buyer groups have been confirmed since last year which puts the show on target to exceed their 2009 hosted buyer figures of 3,779. All buyers are also guaranteed to stay longer at the show this year thanks to a combination of new travel arrangements and new fam trips both before and after the show.
As IMEX Group Chairman, Ray Bloom, comments: “Now that the first quarter of the year is nearly complete we have seen a fresh surge of interest. We often speak about the importance of sentiment in this industry, but now more than ever we are beginning to see real optimism returning – and the marketing and promotional behaviour from exhibitors to prove it. There has been a marked change in demand during this first quarter and it is not confined to a couple of regions or market sectors. It’s across the board.”
Among the exhibitors to have increased their stand space in the past two months are Mallorca, Moscow, Serbia, Las Vegas, Trinidad and Tobago, Ecuador, Panama, Japan, India, Lebanon and Taiwan. From the private sector, Kuoni, Sales & Promotion, GL Events and TUI will also be increasing their stand sizes.
New exhibitors in the same period include several cruise companies, namely Transocean and Business on Cruise. Returning after a short break are Norwegian Cruise Line and Sea Dream Yacht Club.
Several new exhibitors from the private sector will also be present: Business Travel Group; Eventusta; Kenes Group; Meet Adria DMC and ATY.
Other companies returning to the show are the Israeli Ministry of Tourism, Transcielos from Peru and 2003 Wild Card Winner, Poznan (Poland) who will now exhibit at IMEX for the first time on their own stand – a result of their growth and success in the global meetings industry since winning the IMEX Wild Card Scheme seven years ago.
Hotel groups will also be represented in larger numbers than ever at IMEX 2010. The Great Hotels Organisation makes a return to IMEX, having last exhibited in 2004. Vienna International will be at the show for the first time, whilst Virgin Edition return having last exhibited in 2008. This is in addition to 12 hotel groups that have already increased space or are new to the show.
Says Ray Bloom, “This growth in demand from the hotel sector is important. Competition among hotel groups is always strong but now we are seeing some big brands returning to the marketplace and making their presence felt. The profile they receive at IMEX has always been unparalleled and we know that the impressive business volumes that many hotel groups achieve year on year in Frankfurt acts as a powerful incentive for others to exhibit too. We are also delighted to see a growth in the cruise lines exhibiting and a particular increase in space from Asian destinations this year.”
