Visitor numbers at the events industry exhibition International Confex, held at London's Earl's Court this week, were the highest in the show’s 25-year history.

Pre-ABC audited figures show a 15% increase in visitors to 9,550. This does not include the additional 1,350 visitors who crossed over from the Technology for Marketing show (TFM) giving a total visitor figure of 10,900, up 31% on last year.
Meanwhile, total attendance (including exhibitors) was up 23% to 15,100.
 
“I am delighted with the onsite figures and the response from our visitors to this year’s show,” said event director Duncan Reid. “Our exhibitors once again pulled out all the stops to help support the show and deliver quality visitors. We are definitely moving in the right direction refining the product so we can continue to build and grow the event for the future.”
 
Confex Knowledge, the shows education programme, also proved a hit with keynote speaker sessions, including a speech by award-winning chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, which had to be screened live to adjacent theatres to fulfil demand. The advice centre and CV clinic were also fully booked for the entire three days.

Visitors and exhibitors alike seemed generally impressed with this year’s event. On the visitor side, Lisa Wigley of Evolution Partners commented: “I have been a visitor to Confex for the past 3 years and this year I am really impressed by the variety of venues, destinations and suppliers.” Meanwhile, debutant Joseph Morgan of Burnham Beeches Hotel said: “It has given me lots of ideas and the seminars were full of useful advice.”
 
From an exhibitor perspective, Martin Boyle of Edinburgh International Conference Centre said: “This year’s show looked fantastic and we got some really good enquiries from a number of visitors.” Meanwhile, John Vibert at Hotel de France commented: “Confex 2008 has been the best show so far. There was plenty of support both pre and during the show and we have had a number of positive enquiries. Overall we are very happy!”

Look our for the video review of Confex, including interviews with Duncan Reid and a number of exhibitors, coming soon on EVENTS:review