IMEX organisers upbeat over buyers' interest in Frankfurt

LONDON IMEX has reported growing confidence in its Frankfurt-based show as exhibitor and buyer numbers look set to increase. The original predictions had put exhibition space at 7,000sqm and the number of hosted buyers at 2,000. Organisers Mr Ray Bloom and Mr Paul Flackett now claim these figures will stand at 10,000sqm and 2,500 respectively. "The response to the show has been much greater than we anticipated," Mr Flackett said. "Companies have been increasing their space and bringing in more co-exhibitors. We expect to attract close to 2,000 exhibitors from 100 countries now." He added the hosted buyers are coming from 25 countries and their research has identified a further 3,000 German international event bookers coming to the show, taking the total number of buyers to around 5,500. "We are currently developing the online technology needed for the hosted buyer appointments which will be tested three months before the show," he said. "But we are aware that the system should be updated according to different needs. Some buyers prefer group appointments while some others prefer individual." Meanwhile, IMEX has appointed Mr Tom Houlton to the role of director of international relations. Mr Hulton stepped down as chief executive officer of the International Congress and Convention Association earlier this year.