Analysis conducted by The Meetings Show into its hosted buyer program has shown that both hosted buyers and exhibitors see real value in its offering.
This year, The Meetings Show attracted 721 hosted buyers from 35 countries – a 67 percent increase on 2013 – with 80 percent of hosted buyers attending for two or more days. Hosted buyers made more than 10,000 pre-scheduled appointments with many more arranging additional meetings onsite.
As a result of their attendance at The Meetings Show, 78 percent of hosted buyers said they were planning on placing business with exhibitors they met.
“I fundamentally believe in the event’s format, particularly the hosted buyer benefits,” commented Gerald Hampel, senior venue finder, Yellow Meeting in Paris. “I appreciate the flexible nature of the event as it allows time to discover new suppliers and gain inspiration from the education program.”
Hosted buyers came from internationally recognized organizations such as Boots, BP, Sony, Unilever, Dell, Cisco, Nationwide and American Express as well as renowned agencies such as Zibrant, Banks Sadler, drp Group, MCI and Concerto.
“The hosted buyer program has grown significantly and shows true value to both hosted buyers and exhibitors. The aim of The Meetings Show has always been to provide meeting industry professionals with the opportunity to build new connections and do business,” said Steve Knight, event director, The Meetings Show.
“Our analysis shows that as a direct result of attendance, buyers, of which more than 50 percent are from the UK, are placing business with exhibitors. Our plan is to expand the hosted buyer program in 2015, so even more people can take advantage of the benefits it offers.”
Organized by Centaur Exhibitions, The Meetings Show is a major event for the UK inbound and outbound meetings industry, taking place July 7-9, 2015, at Olympia, London. Organized by meeting professionals for meeting professionals, it is focused around a large exhibition, networking opportunities and professional education.
