2008 releases strongest results yet
IMEX 2008, at which Ovation Global DMC exhibited, produced particularly strong results for its sixth exhibition at Messe Frankfurt, as evidenced by final figures recently released by organisers, Regent Exhibitions.
The total buyer increase was 5.3% against the previous year with hosted buyer and trade visitor numbers up to 8,751 (2007 - 8,310). Much of this increase was attributed to a higher number of hosted buyers attending from markets outside of Western Europe; plus a 10.5% increase in the number of German trade visitors attending. Aside from the USA, the German outbound market is the second largest in the world.
IMEX also succeeded in fulfilling its objective to deliver more hosted buyers from long-haul markets. As Ray Bloom reminded his audience at the show’s closing press conference “We have, in fact, more than tripled the number of long-haul buyers attending in just two years and will maintain that momentum with further expansion in the next 12 months.” Hosted buyers this year travelled from all the major Western European destinations, as well as markets such as China, India, Japan, Brazil, UAE, South Africa and the USA.
IMEX 2008 was also marked by a strong lead on a number of influential and topical industry issues. The Messe Frankfurt trade show was the greenest yet with innovations such as the use of hydroelectric power, recyclable plastic badges, the use of bio-diesel fuels and anti-idling policies on shuttle buses as well as strict policies on food, paper and waste recycling. Next year all exhibitors will have the option of using green energy for their power supply during the exhibition.
IMEX 2009 will take place from 26 – 28 May in Hall 8, Messe Frankfurt.