Newsletter 11 2006

GCB News

GCB boosts German presence in Paris
Germany stand at Salon Bedouk 2007 four times larger than last year - great prize-draw at redesigned stand

The German meetings industry will now have a much stronger presence at Salon Bedouk MC & IT (Meeting Congress & Incentive Travels) on 24 and 25 January 2007 in Paris. And many more partners will be featured under the umbrella of GCB German Convention Bureau e.V. In 2006 the GCB made its debut at Salon Bedouk to boost the promotion of events in Germany on the French market. International visitors regularly showed their interest in Germany. The fair’s expansion at the new venue for 2007 - Paris Expo Port de Versailles - inspired the GCB to enlarge its presence. “Salon Bedouk has established itself on the dynamic MICE market (meetings, incentives, conventions and events) as an important contact venue. With our larger stand we will benefit especially from the fair’s expansion,” believes GCB director Lutz P. Vogt.
The redesigned Germany stand at Salon Bedouk MC & IT 2007 will have 24 square metres of space - four times more than in 2006. Under the umbrella of the GCB, various Germany cities will present their offerings: The convention bureaux of Bremen, Munich, Hamburg and Stuttgart, Hotel Grand Elysee Hamburg and the Maritim Hotels. There’ll be a prize draw where Salon Bedouk visitors can win a weekend each at Grand Elysee Hamburg, in Stuttgart, or in Maritim Hotels all over Germany.

www.gcb.de

 

IMEX takes long-haul to new limits following push for global growth

IMEX today announced a significant growth in the numbers of hosted buyers expected to travel to IMEX ‘07 from Australia, China, India and the US in particular. The award-winning exhibition for the international meetings, incentive travel and conference industry has expanded its long-haul hosting programme through a considerable increase in the number of intermediaries who will be bringing groups from these markets; at the same time as developing its already strong presence amongst European hosted buyers. The continued strength of its partnership with official airline, Lufthansa, is reflected in a total of 85 international gateways – up from 62 - now being used to fly hosted buyers to IMEX from around the world. Of these, 15 will fly out of the USA, which further consolidates IMEX’s foothold in this strategically important market. A corresponding growth in the number of new American intermediaries means that US buyers will attend in larger numbers than before.

Fresh interest from US market
Long-standing European partners including Intercontinental Hotels, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, the GCB (German Convention Bureau), Euromic, Rezidor Hotels and NH Hotels will all now bring new groups of hosted buyers from the USA; as well as Air Tahiti Nui, Iceland Air and Delivering America. New partners Experient, Quorum Publishing, Sydney Convention Bureau, Not-for-Profit and Allied Europe have also all committed to bringing hosted buyer groups from longer-haul markets. The world’s largest site selection agency, HelmsBriscoe International, has also strengthened its commitment by promising up to 85 buyers and, for the first time, their associates will be accompanied by their high level corporate clients.

According to IMEX Chairman, Ray Bloom, it is a sign of sustained market confidence that the majority of hotel groups represented at IMEX will be increasing the size of their hosted buyer groups for 2007. “This is a testament to the way we’ve been able to develop these relationships, the value that they have achieved through IMEX and also to their own belief that the market still promises growth that’s yet to be unlocked,” he said. The Eastern European appetite for participation has also grown measurably for 2007. Both buyers and exhibitors from Russia, the Ukraine and Poland have shown a strong desire to use IMEX as a platform for exploring the international conference, meetings and incentive travel market. In total, IMEX organisers are expecting over 3,500 hosted buyers this year, amongst an overall visitor total of more than 7,500.

Growing exhibitor enthusiasm
IMEX has grown by more than 50% since the inaugural exhibition in 2003 and exhibitors continue to demonstrate their belief in the business that IMEX delivers by increasing their presence at the trade show. For 2007, exhibitors from around the world have already confirmed their commitment by booking more space, demonstrating the global appeal of the exhibition. Such increases include Argentina who have increased their stand by 67% and Hilton Hotels & Resorts which will take 61% more space. Other strong increases have come from last year’s inaugural Green Exhibitor Award winners, Sri Lanka; as well as Mexico, Russia, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Hotels, Slovenia and Romania.

www.imex-frankfurt.com