IMEX announces new programme for UK Corporate market

IMEX, the worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events, has today announced the launch of a new hosted programme specifically for UK corporate meeting planners.

The first UK Corporate Buyers programme will be delivered in association with Eventia and will provide a comprehensive programme of events designed to help buyers establish important business leads and learn from experts in the industry.

The two-day programme to be held on Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 April 2007, will include complimentary flights from the major UK airports, overnight stay in a five star hotel and includes attendance at the IMEX Gala Dinner, a prestigious black tie evening taking place at the stunning Frankfurt Opera House.

Thursday will begin with a comprehensive working buffet breakfast seminar. This interactive seminar, organised by Eventia - the trade body for organisations that provide business solutions through the use of events - will enable delegates to hear from leading industry speakers in their field on inspiring and thought-provoking topics focused around the corporate event planning industry. These include Neil Jones, an event marketing specialist with experience in all forms of live communications and Emma Bainbridge, head of events at global events and performance improvement agency BI and Board Director of Eventia. Also involved is the C&IT Campaign for Change focussing discussion on how to utilise the latest techniques and ideas in CSR in event planning and production.

Says Eventia Executive Director, Izania Downie: "We're gearing up for a great presence at IMEX 2007.  Not only are we taking two hosted buyer programmes to the Show, but we're running a seminar which should strike a chord with a lot of visitors.  It's all about strategic event planning, and will show how to get more value and better results from events programmes. Aside from these initiatives, we'll be delighted to see all comers at the Eventia stand.”

The Corporate programme will conclude with a full day at the IMEX exhibition where the buyers will be able to meet with over 3,300 exhibitors who will be representing some 150 countries worldwide, representing national and regional tourist offices, major hotel groups, airlines, destinations management companies, service providers, trade associations and more.

Ray Bloom, IMEX Chairman said, “This new initiative is an exciting step in delivering a focussed programme for corporate buyers which packs in enormous business opportunities during the exhibition, alongside top level education and fantastic networking and social events. Corporate buyers are looking to maximise their time as effectively as possible and this programme will allow them to achieve that goal. With the help of the major hotel chains we expect up to 50 buyers to attend the programme in this first year.”

As a part of their launch into the UK incentive market, first time IMEX exhibitor – Maui Jim – will be offering participating UK corporate buyers gifts from their fabulous range of premium polarised sunglasses. Maui Jim, Inc. has already established a considerable corporate incentive business in the USA, providing premium branded sunglasses to corporate buyers and hopes to capitalise on the strength of the UK premium incentive market.

IMEX 2007 will take place from 17-19 April in Hall 8, Messe Frankfurt, Germany. For further information or to apply to attend the UK Buyer programme please contact Debbie Woodbridge (woodbridge@imex-frankfurt.com) or visit  www.imex-frankfurt.com.