Pre-ABC audited figures: CONFEX in London

International Confex closed on a high note this year as exhibitors and visitors alike declared the event a success after what has been a very challenging year for the industry.

Pre-ABC audited figures showed the event attracted 11,058 visitors, up 2% on the previous year's figure of 10,857. As expected, exhibitors took fewer staff to the show resulting in the overall total attendance figure falling 3% to 14,359 from 14,786 last year.

Duncan Reid, Portfolio Director, said "I am very pleased with the onsite figures. These figures not only highlight the renewed optimism within the industry but the reputation Confex has as the place to undertake business, source new ideas, network and learn."

Feedback from exhibitors reinforced this positive mood. Paul Phillips, Head of Sales and Marketing, Harrogate International Centre, said, "Confex proved itself to be a quality event and it was good to see the industry in a confident mood with some great organisations represented. Harrogate has had one of it's most successful events ever with the Association of Surgeons signing up to bring their conference to Harrogate in 2014, 2018 and 2022."

Reid also commented that the show's forst ever hosted buyer programme which welcomed just under 100 buyers from the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands and Sweden is already receiving applications for next year's programme.

Looking to next year's show, Reid assures "The Confex team will continue to invest energy developing inspirational ideas, rich educational content and increasing the number of alliances with industry partners ans associations to ensure the show remains dynamic and envolves in response to the market's needs."

International Confex 2011 will be held 01-03 March, Earls Court, London.