Applications for The Meetings Show hosted buyer program are now open. The show will take place from 13-15 June at Olympia London and is now in its fifth edition. Buyers wishing to be part of the program should visit the website, to check qualification criteria before completing their application.
Following a successful show in 2016, where UK hosted buyer numbers increased by 11% as part of an overall 2% increase, 2017 will once again deliver a program designed to allow qualified buyers to conduct business, network, and learn in a format designed to fit around their personal schedule.
Set in the heart of London with superb transport links, The Meetings Show offers buyers a chance to expand their industry knowledge and contacts through pre-scheduled meetings with a constantly growing exhibitor list, gain access to exclusive networking events as well as learning and development opportunities from the education program.
“With nearly 10% of our exhibitors new for 2017, our well established offering is the ideal opportunity for meetings professionals to gain inspiration and ideas,” comments Steve Knight, Event Director of The Meetings Show. “Whether you are a buyer from the corporate, agency, association, government or not-for-profit sectors, our wide range of suppliers and partners, along with a focused education program makes The Meetings Show a must-attend event.”
Alison Roddam from the National Cancer Research Institute said of her attendance in 2016: “(2016) was my first time at The Meetings Show. I’ve been able to meet a number of key venues to form relationships with, as well as current suppliers. It’s been easy to arrange the day – to be able to schedule appointments allows me to have a structure. For anyone who runs meetings and conferences it’s very useful, either to form a picture of an existing event or build something from scratch. There are so many people here who can help formulate an idea and take an event forward.”
Kim Biggs from Cisco commented: “I really enjoyed the show. There was a lot of our suppliers, making it easy to touch base with those we don’t sometimes see because we are too busy working or travelling. The highlight has been the organization of the event. It’s made my life very easy, it’s simple to come here. From organizing travel to accommodation, the process and website was amazing, easy, fast and brilliant.”
“I like the fact that meetings are pre-planned so you can drop into the stands and feel comfortable knowing they are waiting for you,” comments Tania Hughes of HelmsBriscoe. “I came to meet with venues and to experience different networking whilst gathering updates on what’s going on in the industry. It’s great to be able to go into the lounge, chill out, get on top of work but not miss anything. There’s lots of new things going on, it’s great to have the industry under one roof and the socializing is a highlight. It’s all worth it because I’ve given out some nice enquiries.”
Individuals choosing fully hosted buyer status will benefit from two days at the show, complimentary travel and accommodation for up to two nights. Buyers based in Greater London or the South East, as well as those needing to comply with travel policies can participate in the semi-hosted buyer option, which includes just four pre-scheduled appointments per day.
All hosted buyers have access to the online diary to organize their time at the show in advance, access to hosted buyer lounges with complimentary refreshments, invitations to exclusive networking functions and the opportunity to apply for post event tours.
Organized by Centaur Live (a division of Centaur Media Plc), The Meetings Show is the premier event for the UK inbound and outbound meetings industry, taking place 13-15 June, 2017 at Olympia, London. Organized by meeting professionals for meeting professionals it is focused around a large exhibition, networking opportunities and professional education.
The Meetings Show is the premier event for the UK inbound and outbound meetings industry, organized by Centaur Live (a division of Centaur Media Plc), taking place 13-15 June, 2017 at Olympia, London. Organized by meeting professionals for meeting professionals it is focused around a large exhibition, networking opportunities and professional education. The hosted buyer program – the largest in the UK – will attract buyers from the corporate, association, agency and public sectors. The show will feature destinations from over 50 countries across 6 continents, venues, hotels and key providers of meetings products and services.
The Meetings Show team is headed up by Event Director Steve Knight – a well-known and highly respected figure within the meetings industry.
The Show includes:
• The Exhibition: Featuring destinations, venues, hotels and suppliers, the exhibition sits at the heart of The Meetings Show.
• The Conference: Planned by education experts from across the industry, the conference will be timed so that the sessions work in harmony with the exhibition and more than 12,000 meetings taking place on the floor.
• Networking: All five nights of the show, starting on Sunday 11th June will feature networking events across London’s latest and most exciting venues. For those looking to see more after the show has closed there will also be fam trips visiting key regional destinations around the UK.
• Association Conference: For meeting organisers in the association sector, an association conference on Monday 12th June is a must attend opportunity to learn, meet and network with peers.
The Meetings Show has an Advisory Board that meets several times a year both in person and virtually, bringing together their wealth of experience, ideas and strategic understanding of the meetings industry.
Leave a Comment