Launched at the iconic Mancunian venue Victoria Warehouse, Confex Future Focus (CFF) is a new exhibition that debuted 4-5 July.
Attracting professionals from across the sector, the International Confex spin-off celebrated the bright future of the events industry.
Event organisers, agencies and corporate planners packed thought-provoking educational seminars and debates whilst building meaningful business relationships and extending industry connections on the showfloor.
With all theatres consistently at capacity, a panel debating the topic – ‘What does the North have to offer for events?’ proved to be a particular crowd pleaser. Thom Hetherington (Northern Restaurant & Bar Show), Nelson Beaumont-Laurencia (Manchester BID), and Marcie Incarico (Out There Events) created standing room only with an irrefutable case on the attractions and opportunities for global events across the cities of the Northern Powerhouse.
Jaw-dropping interactive technology permeated every inch of CFF from Eventologists mirrored infinity portal at the entrance of the show to the Guineapig Global playroom with their Thought Bubbles, Tropism Well and Dancing Spheres as well as holograms courtesy of Musion Events’ EyeCandy, projection mapping by Polestar Productions and a VR extravaganza with WRG Live to name but a few.
As the event drew to a close, Mash Media event director Simon Farnfield commented: “We launched this event off the back of many successful years with International Confex, so wanted to create a sister offering outside London, to champion the incredible suppliers and innovative event delivery in the north.
"I want to thank all our exhibitors, sponsors and, most importantly, our visitors who made the first year of the show such a success and look forward to building for next year’s show which will be on 3-4 July 2019. If you’re a future-focused event organiser or supplier – make sure you save the date.”
