Confex 97 lures in 1,200 companies

Confex 97 is now in its 15th year and will open its doors to visitors from February 25 to 27 at Earls Court 2.

Confex is the main annual industry forum for meetings, events and incentive travel and this year’s event will host 1,200 companies from 70 countries.

The event attracts an audience of specialist organisers for whom meetings and events represent their core business: for example professional conference organisers, and destination marketing consultants. It also attracts generalists who are looking to enhance corporate activities and organise meetings.

The show will be divided into four sections: overseas meetings, events and incentive travel; UK meetings, events and incentive travel; corporate entertainment and events; and event support services.

Confex 96 attracted 9,143 “decision makers” within the industry, and the organisers, Blenheim Exhibitions & Conferences, are expecting an increase in numbers this year.

The show will also include a programme of seminars and complementary workshops. Sessions will include: Meetings Technology – Toward the Next Millennium; Bums on Seats – Effective Conference Marketing; and Career Planning in the Meetings Industry.

There will be a number of new exhibitors at the show. Following the privatisation of the Jersey Conference Bureau last year, this year will see the launch of the Bureau’s new image and branding.

Commercial casting, a new company which specialises in providing celebrities for corporate events, will be at the show for the first time and will sponsor the best stand award.

Germany’s preparations to host the World’s Fair Expo 2000 will also include an Expo 2000 themed stand at Confex, hosted by the German Convention Bureau.

Confex 98 will be at Earls Court 1 and will take place from March 3 to 5, 1998.

Commenting on the decision to change venues, show director Paul Thandi says: “We will be able to improve the look and feel of the show and create clearer separation between sections. The extra space will also allow us to explore long-haul destinations such as North America and Asia further.

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