Applications for The Meetings Show hosted buyer programme are now open. The show will take place from 13-15 June at Olympia London and is now in its fifth edition. Buyers wishing to be part of the programme should visit the website (www.themeetingsshow.com) to check qualification criteria before completing their application.
Following a successful show in 2016, where UK hosted buyer numbers increased by 11% as part of an overall 2% increase, 2017 will once again deliver a programme designed to allow qualified buyers to conduct business, network, and learn in a format designed to fit around their personal schedule.
Set in the heart of London with superb transport links, The Meetings Show offers buyers a chance to expand their industry knowledge and contacts through pre-scheduled meetings with a constantly growing exhibitor list, gain access to exclusive networking events as well as learning and development opportunities from the education programme.
“With nearly 10% of our exhibitors new for 2017, our well established offering is the ideal opportunity for meetings professionals to gain inspiration and ideas,” comments Steve Knight, Event Director of The Meetings Show. “Whether you are a buyer from the corporate, agency, association, government or not-for-profit sectors, our wide range of suppliers and partners, along with a focused education programme makes The Meetings Show a must-attend event.”
Alison Roddam from the National Cancer Research Institute said of her attendance in 2016: “(2016) was my first time at The Meetings Show. I’ve been able to meet a number of key venues to form relationships with, as well as current suppliers. It’s been easy to arrange the day – to be able to schedule appointments allows me to have a structure. For anyone who runs meetings and conferences it’s very useful, either to form a picture of an existing event or build something from scratch. There are so many people here who can help formulate an idea and take an event forward.”
Kim Biggs from Cisco commented: “I really enjoyed the show. There was a lot of our suppliers, making it easy to touch base with those we don’t sometimes see because we are too busy working or travelling. The highlight has been the organisation of the event. It’s made my life very easy, it’s simple to come here. From organising travel to accommodation, the process and website was amazing, easy, fast and brilliant.”
“I like the fact that meetings are pre-planned so you can drop into the stands and feel comfortable knowing they are waiting for you,” comments Tania Hughes of HelmsBriscoe. “I came to meet with venues and to experience different networking whilst gathering updates on what’s going on in the industry. It’s great to be able to go into the lounge, chill out, get on top of work but not miss anything. There’s lots of new things going on, it’s great to have the industry under one roof and the socialising is a highlight. It’s all worth it because I’ve given out some nice enquiries.”
Individuals choosing fully hosted buyer status will benefit from two days at the show, complimentary travel and accommodation for up to two nights. Buyers based in Greater London or the South East, as well as those needing to comply with travel policies can participate in the semi-hosted buyer option, which includes just four pre-scheduled appointments per day.
All hosted buyers have access to the online diary to organise their time at the show in advance, access to hosted buyer lounges with complimentary refreshments, invitations to exclusive networking functions and the opportunity to apply for post event tours.
Organised by Centaur Live (a division of Centaur Media Plc), The Meetings Show is the premier event for the UK inbound and outbound meetings industry, taking place 13-15 June, 2017 at Olympia, London. Organised by meeting professionals for meeting professionals it is focused around a large exhibition, networking opportunities and professional education.
