IMEX NEWS - The eighth IMEX exhibition officially opened its doors today with 3,800 hosted buyers from across the globe.
The event for the meetings, events and incentive travel industry takes place at Messe Frankfurt 25-27 May 2010.
Demand from exhibitors for buyers to attend from across Europe, the US and the emerging destinations China, Brazil and India has been strong and resulted in 45 new buyer groups from around the world.
A total of 62 destinations increased their stands this year at the event, and there are 38 new exhibitors including the St Lucia Tourist Board and Abercrombie and Kent. Morzine in France, Uganda and the Hof Conference and Cultural Centre are new to the show this year after winning the IMEX Wild Card scheme. The scheme was designed to attract new destinations eager to launch in the global market.
More floor space has been taken by exhibitors including Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and Moscow, among many.
Chairman of IMEX Group and organiser of the show, Ray Bloom, says: "In a world increasingly reliant on technologies where questions continue to be raised about how to combine virtual and live events, I believe that now more than ever it is vital to remind ourselves that people need, enjoy and are motivated by the physical presence of their colleagues and peers.
“In truth this desire is possibly more vivid, more powerful and more appreciated now that the world is dominated by email, the internet and virtual relationships."
