A record number of well over 3.800 hosted buyers from more than 60 markets attended this year's show, among a visitor total of nearly 9.000. The mood amongst buyers and exhibitors was also positive and optimistic, with many reporting increases in levels of business and appointment numbers.
The result can be seen in the online appointment numbers. Individual and group appointments rose by 14% this year, which represents a total of 57.000 business appointments made between buyers and exhibitors before and during the show. The number of diary messages exchanged before and during IMEX increased by 9% to over 12.000.
"Figures are one thing but we all know that quality is what matters most to IMEX visitors and exhibitors. I am delighted, for example, that we are seeing an increasing numbers of smaller companies, destinations, agencies, CVBs and the like investing in IMEX because they know full well the show will raise their profile and help them punch well above their weight." stated Bloom, IMEX Group Chairman.
Ray Bloom summed up: "As usual at IMEX there's no such thing as a quiet time and no such measure as good enough. We will always strive to develop the show further and to ensure our buyers and exhibitors all benefit from our efforts to push back the boundaries of what, where and how a trade show can deliver better value and more business for them."
The participation of east end destination management at the international IMEX has been a total success.