IMEX in Frankfurt 2011 results – business placed at show rises by 12%

It is also further evidence of the growing number of long-haul hosted buyers attending the show for three full days and their desire to maximise time spent doing business and having meetings with exhibitors on their stands during that time. In addition this year more European buyers than ever attended for two full nights, which also appears to have had a positive impact on this figure.97% of all respondents view IMEX in Frankfurt either as “very” or “quite important for their business” with over three quarters stating their reason for attending as “to keep abreast of the industry and discover what’s new”. 68% sought out new suppliers, whilst “seeking inspiration away from the workplace” was a key factor for over half of all buyers who responded. In addition, 53% took the opportunity to meet with existing suppliers and 55% also chose to network with other visitors and industry colleagues.

In terms of hosted buyer satisfaction, survey results showed that 89% were “very or completely satisfied” with their attendance and results at the show, whilst 91% were likely to recommend IMEX to a colleague. Most of the respondents (85%) are “extremely likely or likely” to visit IMEX in Frankfurt 2012, with a further 13% confirming they are “somewhat likely to attend.”

The importance of relationship building
Feedback from the 2011 post-show survey also reveals that despite the rise in digital and virtual communication, many hosted buyers still favour face-to-face meetings and events over the alternatives such as teleconferencing, for example. The importance of strong relationships within the industry was a recurring theme as to why face-to-face meetings are so essential, with one respondent stating that “human touch and personal contact are very important for all of us”.

Asked whether enough is being done to convince board directors and chief executives of the value, productivity and performance-boosting effects of meetings and incentives, 84% felt that, yes, it was. Of the hosted buyers who disagreed, one reason given was that “too many boards of directors do not understand the value of industry knowledge and networking at ground level”. The importance of investing in innovative social media and technology featured among hosted buyers’ suggestions for ways in which organisers could adapt their events to suit the values and preferences of the ‘next generation’ and up-and-coming industry participants.

BRICs popularity continues to rise
The surveyed buyers were also asked whether they would consider placing business in one of the BRICs countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China) in the coming year. 33% replied that they either already have or will consider proposals for placing business in one or more of these countries, whilst 11% have already done so.