Germany tourism mart IMEX 2010 wound up with IMEX Group chairman Ray Bloom announcing that the show had once again set new records for hosted buyer numbers and countries represented. "The past couple of years have challenged our industry on many fronts, not least economically, but I am delighted that both buyers and exhibitors have voted with their feet and turned up in greater numbers than ever to do business at IMEX this year," said Bloom.
More than 3800 hosted buyers – a record - from more than 60 markets attended this year's show, among a visitor total of nearly 9000. The mood amongst buyers and exhibitors was positive and optimistic, with many reporting increases in levels of business and appointment numbers.
"Buyers from Brazil, Russia, India and China attended in larger numbers, with groups from Asia and the US also noticeably bigger than last year," said Bloom. "We can see the results of these increases in our online appointment numbers. Individual and group appointments rose by 14 per cent this year, which represents a total of 57,000 business appointments made between buyers and exhibitors before and during the show. The number of diary messages exchanged before and during the show increased by nine per cent to over 12,000."
Tuesday's IMEX Politicians Forum saw 28 politicians from Sweden, Greece, Austria, Canada, Croatia, Panama, Poland, Denmark, Scotland and Australia amongst others, spend a day debating how the industry can work better with its political representatives for each group's mutual benefit.
"The meetings industry must continue to present itself consistently, and communicate with one voice - and that voice must powerfully articulate its economic strengths and the long-term benefits the sector provides at both regional and national levels," said Bloom.
He also described excellent levels of interest and support for the launch of IMEX America and the positive response to the partnerships announced during the show, particularly the support of Maritz Travel. Bloom also explained how the IMEX model will be developed in Las Vegas and be unique in the US market. Further initiatives will be launched over the coming months.
He concluded by announcing that over the next two years IMEX will be embarking on a comprehensive website development plan.
Germany tourism mart IMEX 2010 wound up with IMEX Group chairman Ray Bloom announcing that the show had once again set new records for hosted buyer numbers and countries represented. "The past couple of years have challenged our industry on many fronts, not least economically, but I am delighted that both buyers and exhibitors have voted with their feet and turned up in greater numbers than ever to do business at IMEX this year," said Bloom.
More than 3800 hosted buyers – a record - from more than 60 markets attended this year's show, among a visitor total of nearly 9000. The mood amongst buyers and exhibitors was positive and optimistic, with many reporting increases in levels of business and appointment numbers.
"Buyers from Brazil, Russia, India and China attended in larger numbers, with groups from Asia and the US also noticeably bigger than last year," said Bloom. "We can see the results of these increases in our online appointment numbers. Individual and group appointments rose by 14 per cent this year, which represents a total of 57,000 business appointments made between buyers and exhibitors before and during the show. The number of diary messages exchanged before and during the show increased by nine per cent to over 12,000."
Tuesday's IMEX Politicians Forum saw 28 politicians from Sweden, Greece, Austria, Canada, Croatia, Panama, Poland, Denmark, Scotland and Australia amongst others, spend a day debating how the industry can work better with its political representatives for each group's mutual benefit.
"The meetings industry must continue to present itself consistently, and communicate with one voice - and that voice must powerfully articulate its economic strengths and the long-term benefits the sector provides at both regional and national levels," said Bloom.
He also described excellent levels of interest and support for the launch of IMEX America and the positive response to the partnerships announced during the show, particularly the support of Maritz Travel. Bloom also explained how the IMEX model will be developed in Las Vegas and be unique in the US market. Further initiatives will be launched over the coming months.
He concluded by announcing that over the next two years IMEX will be embarking on a comprehensive website development plan.
