International Confex saw thousands of event professionals brave the weather for the opening day of the show on Tuesday (28 February) at Olympia London. Despite weather affecting plane, rail and road networks, event professionals turned out in force, and attended a full conference programme.
Despite London being easier to navigate than other parts of the country, many event professionals travelled from afar, using different modes of transport to get to the show come what may. Realise.mespeaker Richard John even made it in from snow-bound Lincolnshire after a 6-hour drive.
The show organisers also promise a warm welcome at Olympia London on Wednesday, with the added incentive of the Confex Keynote, Janet Street-Porter CBE, taking to the main stage.
“It was really impressive the lengths some of our visitors went through to get to the show, trekking across the country and sticking at it, despite some poor weather and unpredictable travel schedules!” commented event director Liz Agostini. “It just underlines their dedication and we’re delighted to have rewarded them with some brilliant content in a really buzzy show.”
The Event Production Show and office*, also taking place at Olympia London with Confex, offered visitors a Day 1 of networking and education and good business opportunities.
Day 2 kicks off at 9.30am tomorrow, so come along to Olympia London and find out why so many visitors braved the cold weather on Day 1.
A Day 1 highlight on the CN Pavilion was a lively debate on the future of hosted buyer programmes. Moderated by Robert Kenward, the #eventprofstalk session was standing room only and heard from a panel, including Johnny D. Martinez from Shocklogic; Adam Parry, editor of Event Industry News; Valerie Kosh from C-Wise and CN editor Paul Colston. The consensus appeared to be that the model needed to change and evolve to continue to be fit for purpose in the modern global events world.
On Day 2, the CN Pavilion will have, at 10am, Right Angle Events MD, and ex-DCI in the Metropolitan Police Steve Gaskin speaking on ‘Securing your events – how to win customers by keeping your delegates safe against the threats of the modern world. At noon the EMA will deliver a session on bullying and at 2pm #eventwell founder Helen Moon will talk about getting fit for event purpose.
