IMEX to build stronger US presence at show

Made up predominantly of US bureaus, IACVB has earmarked IMEX as its international exhibition outside the US and is likely to combine the show in 2006 with its international conference. IMEX chairman Ray Bloom said this would lead to greater representation of exhibitors from the US: "It gives us access to even more US suppliers. While we have a sufficient representation at the show, there is room for improvement and this will help us tap into that potential. "It is important that the US is involved as much as possible in our industry," he continued. "The US is the largest market and the pioneer of incentive travel." Approximately 120 US exhibitors have already signed up for show, taking place in Frankfurt from 19 to 21 April. However, the impact of the IACVB and IMEX partnership is likely to show itself as of 2006. "It's an ongoing relationship," said Bloom. The move contributes to the continued expansion of the show, which this year is predicted to be 15 percent larger, with 3,000 hosted buyers expected to attend, an increase of almost 200 on the previous year. New exhibitors include Sandals Beaches and Resorts, which only entered this market recently, and Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, which is trying to increase brand awareness of its conference and incentive offering across Europe. Quality and quantity of attendees has risen, said Bloom. MPI's Global Corporate Circle of Excellence, whose members include Europe's top conference and incentive buyers, will be holding its first Global Forum at IMEX. "My aim has always been to get quality visitors on the floor and attracting buyers of such a high calibre underpins our strategy to deliver the best marketing opportunities to our exhibitors," he said.