IMEX 2008

IMEX, the largest international trade show, which was held between 22–24 April in Frankfurt, Germany, was in inspiring demonstration of optimism and innovation. Achieving record numbers, the trade show and its side events were full of superlatives. Trade show organiser, Mr Ray Bloom, was happy to find that the international convention business yields positive results across the globe.

The three-day trade show registered over 8,500 customers, of which over 3,600 were invited guests, which held more than 40,000 individual meetings in all. Slovenia has participated in the trade show since the beginning, and this year's 6th trade show attracted a record number of Slovenian exhibitors. The Slovenian Tourist Board—in association with the Slovenian Convention Bureau, the Ljubljana Tourist Board and 19 companies (Austria Trend Hotel Ljubljana – Hotel Management d.o.o., HIT d.d., Hit Alpinea d.d., Terme Maribor d.d., Gospodarsko razstavišče d.o.o., Sava Hoteli Bled d.d., Demaco d.o.o. - Intours, Istrabenz Turizem d.d., Terme Olimia d.d., Kompas d.d., Cankarjev dom, Hoteli Bernardin d.d., Metropol Group d.d., Grand hotel Union d.d., Panonske Terme, Adria Airways d.d., Monsadria d.o.o., Hotel Lev d.d., Hotel Slon d.d.)—organised a presentation in an exhibition area of 84 sq metres.

The show was a success for Slovenia, and foreign event organisers are showing a growing interest in Slovenia as a venue for various events. On the European convention market, Slovenia is recognised as a new and attractive destination for business and incentive travel. Numerous advantages for foreign event organisers, such as a favourable geographic location, diversity and quality of offer and affordability, are boosting the demand for Slovenia's convention and incentive offers. The Slovenian stand was visited by more than 250 visitors from around the world, mostly Europe.

During the trade show, the Slovenian stand hosted 5 group presentations and more than 150 face-to-face meetings. We are pleased to hear that, for instance, Finland ranks Slovenia as the leading new destination in Central/East Europe. As always, a major focus was given to creative and authentic visitor animation activities. Thanks to such activities, the stand attracts more visitors and raises a lot of interest. The animation programme was prepared and carried out by master Janez in the role of Primož Trubar, a historic figure whose 500th anniversary is celebrated this year. He entertained visitors by making 1 euro coins out of chocolate, which were later affixed on the inside of a folded brochure with two handmade information sheets giving details on Primož Trubar. Featured in the trade show publication, the Imex Daily News, this visitor animation programme proved very successful.

The next IMEX trade show will take place between 26–28 May 2009.

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