Exhibitors at The Meetings Show 2014 are expected to generate an average of £409,551 of new business as a direct result of exhibiting at the show, reveals post show research.
This year’s show attracted 474 exhibiting companies – an increase of 20% from 2013 – each benefiting from the 60% increase in hosted buyers.
The average number of pre-scheduled appointments per exhibitor was 21 with several exceeding 100 appointments. Exhibitors also benefited from the large number of walk on meetings. These results, highlighting the significant new business benefits for exhibitors have been compiled following post show research with more than 92% of the exhibitor base.
Visit Belfast’s Director of Business Tourism, Rachel McGuickin: “Many visitors had specific business to place, including RFPs and we expect a significant return on our investment in what is a vital event for the UK market. Moving forward, The Meetings Show will be a core part of our marketing plan as it has already become the place for our buyers to gather and meet.”
Nicola Chapman, Director of Sales, Hilton Worldwide, said: “The quality of the buyers at The Meetings Show has been excellent. In particular we have seen a growth in the UK attendees, which is our focus for the show and led to some strong enquiries which we are certain will convert over the coming weeks and months.”
Charlie Taylor, Consultant Director of Communications, Dubai Convention and Events Bureau commented: “Both Dubai Convention Bureau and our exhibiting partners, particularly the incentive focused DMCs have had a successful exhibition. The quality of the hosted buyers has been high.”
Steve Knight, Event Director, The Meetings Show, comments: “Analysis shows that 88% of exhibitors said The Meetings Show was important to their business, and the amount of business generated certainly confirms this. It also cements our position as the UK’s leading trade show for meeting industry professionals. It is a place they can meet senior decision makers, particularly from the UK; make new connections; generate business and enjoy top quality education which is relevant to their profession.”
Organised by Centaur Exhibitions, The Meetings Show is a major event for the UK inbound and outbound meetings industry, taking place 7-9 July 2015 at Olympia, London. Organised by meeting professionals for meeting professionals it is focused around a large exhibition, networking opportunities and professional education.
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