Following an increase in exhibitor (11%) and visitor (13%) numbers for 2012, the Best of Britain and Ireland (BOBI) 2013 event has launched its new sales campaign featuring ‘Early Bird’ rates, a new show layout in a new hall and a new look logo.
Show Director Sam Warnock tells CN he is hoping to move up visitor numbers to 2,600 from 2,300 in 2012. “We are hoping to grow the list of 285 exhibitor companies to 300 for the 2013 edition,” he said.
Organiser Expo Management will use the Birmingham NEC’s Hall 8, 13- 14 March 2013.
Warnock added that visitor positive perceptions of 2012 compared to 2011 were up from 29 per cent to 41 per cent. Last March, as part of English Tourism Week the show claimed to be “the largest gathering of tourism professionals from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales to date”.
‘Early Bird’ stand rates for bookings before mid- September this year, offer a discount of £30 per sqm off standard rates.
“At Expo Management, we understand that tourism budgets are being constantly squeezed, and we wanted to offer both our regular and potential new exhibitors, a real incentivised offer. By signing up early they can maximise their exposure via the website, meeting planner and social media campaigns – and most importantly save money,” said Warnock.
“By moving the event to Hall 8 in the NEC we have been able to review the overall floor plan to make getting around the show even easier for visitors. Dedicated areas for each of the exhibiting nations are clearly identified, along with a national area for those exhibiting companies that cross regional and national borders such as hotel groups and travel technology providers.”
In line with industry trends, organisers are promising to double the number of domestic and international VIP buyers invited to the show.
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