International Confex will take place 22-23 June 2021 at ExCeL London, organiser Mash Media has confirmed.
The exhibition, which services the MICE industry, has seen a 158% increase in visitor registration year-on-year. Organisers say this underlines the importance of the event taking place in a live setting rather than online.
Event director Duncan Custerson said that during the Covid-19 pandemic Mash Media has been a central figure in advocating for the sector. It facilitated the creation of cross-industry movement One Industry One Voice and keeping the community informed with all developments. He said that it was only right that International Confex hold a fully live experience as a result.
Tough year
“It’s been an appalling 12 months for the industry, and there is no doubt we have suffered business casualties. But as an industry I genuinely believe we have been galvanised,” said Custerson. “We have made tremendous progress in getting recognition from Government and have worked hard to illustrate just how vital an economic component we are.
“The industry has come together this year, but we think it is vital to physically bring everyone together in person too, so we are planning to make 2021’s International Confex the most powerful yet. Everyone in the sector is welcome, and we urge you all to support each other.”
What's on?
Custerson hinted at what to expect but added that more details on speakers and initiatives would be forthcoming in the weeks to come.
“Pre-Covid, conferences and meetings were worth £32bn to the UK economy annually, while the exhibitions market was worth some £11bn. We don’t yet know the scale of the damage done by the virus, but it is fundamentally our job to help restore the industry to its former glory, so no half measures. You won’t be disappointed with what is in store.”
Custerson added that the event would be Covid-secure, with Mash Media and ExCeL London mandated to follow the Government-endorsed All Secure Standard guidance, as set out by the Association of Event Organisers.
