New buyer initiatives for 2010
The London Business Travel Show (BTS) is to move from three to two days for its 2010 event.
Research among attendees showed there was an "almost overwhelming desire to go to two days," David Chapple, the event director, said.
"This will help exhibitors with their ancillary costs, like hotel bills and will also help visitors focus more on the event," he said.
Mr Chapple said Centaur Exhibitions, which runs the BTS, had moved other events from three to two days without any reduction in the number of visitors attending.
He said the move to two days was part of a three pronged policy to make the show more attractive to exhibitors and buyers.
The second initiative was a "host of new exhibitors' packages" and the third enhancements to the executive buyer programme which was launched at this year's show in February.
Mr Chapple said the show was now entering a "new era of evolution."
He said the research revealed the "overriding need" of buyers and suppliers was for "an even greater return on investment and an event that continues to provide real value for buyers."
New opportunities for exhibitors include an ‘appointment-led' exhibitor package and an all-inclusive ‘ready to exhibit' stand.
Mr Chapple said the appointment package would allow exhibitors to fix up meetings with buyers in advance of the show.
"Each visitor, speaker, buyer and supplier will all be given their own e-mail address for the show so that they can connect with others visitors.
"Our research shows that people like to find friends and colleagues and arrange to meet them."
There will also be an all inclusive pricing for ready made stands for small suppliers who will simply have to turn up on the day.
"This is really about providing ROI for exhibitors who will know for certainty how much it will cost them," Mr Chapple said.
He said the executive buyer programme will be split into sections for those with an annual budget of £3m or more, a VIP section for those between £500,000m and £3m, for those with a managed/semi-managed approach to buying and those with an unmanaged approach.
Mr Chapple said there had been a 38% increase in the number of large buyers - those with budgets over £3m - at this year's show.
He said these buyers at the 2010 show "will be provided with a tailored and packed schedule of appointments, high-level education and exclusive daytime and evening networking events, and a dedicated concierge service to help them plan their visit."
He said more new initiatives for the executive buyer programme would be announced over the next few months.
"This is a continuation of the long term programme of investment started for the 2009 event that will support the event's evolution and its position at the heart of the industry for many more years to come," Mr Chapple said.
The Business Travel Show will take place on February 9-10, 2010 at Earls Court 2.
www.businesstravelshow.com