Following the success of the inaugural Meetings Show in July, exhibitors from around the world are either significantly increasing their stand space or committing to exhibit for the first time at next year’s show, which takes place from 8-10 July, 2014 at Olympia, London.
A wide range of exhibitors, including several major destinations, have dramatically increased their stand size. Of particular note are London & Partners, who have trebled the size of their stand, and Visit Sweden who have increased theirs by 50%.
Major new exhibitors for the 2014 show include Accor Hotels, Choose Chicago and the Turkish Culture and Tourism Office. With more than 85 hosted buyer appointments Istanbul gave The Meetings Show 2013 such a strong endorsement that the entire country will be represented next year.
The list of confirmed exhibitors is especially strong amongst UK destinations and venues including VisitScotland, Bath Tourism Plus, NewcastleGateshead Initiative, The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, Chelsea Football Club and imago.
Hotel partners signed up include Hilton Worldwide, Four Pillars Hotels, Dolce Hotels, Zacchera Hotels and Guoman and Thistle Hotels.
International returning destinations include the Korea Tourism Organisation, VisitSweden, Tourism Ireland and Cyprus Tourism Organisation.
First time exhibitor, Dana Lewis from Accor Hotels said of their decision to exhibit: "Accor are excited about joining up with The Meeting Show for 2014. The feedback we have had this year from some of our hotels and partners was extremely positive, and the timing and location was a key factor for us as well. We will have a number of key openings in 2014 and look forward to making further announcements in the run up to the show."
Tracy Halliwell, director of Business Tourism & Major Events at London & Partners, said: "From the opening night’s networking event at Leadenhall Market to appointments with hosted buyers throughout the event, the 2013 Meetings Show was a real success for London. In 2014 we will continue delivering value to our partners and The Meetings Show is an important part of this plan, demonstrated by our desire to increase the size of our stand and once again significantly support the networking and association programmes."
Sue Wilkes, representing Choose Chicago said of their decision to exhibit: "The Meetings Show clearly established itself in 2013 as the premier exhibition for the UK’s meetings industry. It is the perfect place to meet, network and learn, which is why we are so keen to be involved moving forward. The hosted buyer led model is the ideal way to ensure we meet genuine high quality buyers looking for creative and unusual destinations."
The Meetings Show, event director, Steve Knight comments: "As the only hosted buyer led show taking place in the UK, sales for the next show are off to a flying start as exhibitors recognise our model achieves a significant and measurable return on investment."
"A wide range of last year’s exhibitors are looking to increase space and benefit from our increased focus on delivering more hosted buyers from both the association and agency sectors. Even more exciting are the number of enquiries and growth we are seeing from potential new exhibitors – many came to the 2013 show and were so convinced by our hosted buyer model that they are looking to take significant space in 2014."
Further details of confirmed exhibitors will be announced over the coming weeks.
