14% Increase in Visitors at the Academic Venue Show
May 2010
The VENUEMASTERS team are delighted to announce that the 2010 Academic Venue Show was a success with over 450 visitors in attendance. This reflects a 14% increase on last year and a 30% increase on 2008, which is a remarkable achievement in the current climate. The event took place on 12 May at the Emirates Stadium in London.
There were over 40 top academic venues exhibiting, promoting their facilities for a wide range of events. In addition there were three industry seminars, including a popular session from Ruby Wax on improving communication skills, which was delivered to over 100 visitors. Initial feedback on the event from visitors and exhibitors has been extremely positive.
Leicester Conferences exhibited at the show and Sales & Marketing Manager, Trevor Miller, commented; ‘It was a very successful exhibition and our enquiry numbers were significantly up on last year. We are currently working on a number of proposals for events taking place in the near future and hope to convert them into confirmed bookings. It was interesting to see how busy the show was when the market is still in a downturn and it demonstrates that academic venues are very much sought after in the conference, meetings & events industry.'
The best stand award rewards exhibitors for their efforts in helping to make the show a success. This year's winner was Royal Holloway, University of London whose theme was ‘picture your next event at Royal Holloway'. In addition to designing the stand around the theme with picture frames and easels, there was also a competition to win a photo frame and a bottle of champagne. The venue staff also dressed as artists for the day.
VENUEMASTERS Chief Executive, Terry Billingham commented: ‘From the moment the doors opened, we know we had a busy event on our hands. With record numbers through the door in the first hour, and a constant flow of visitors throughout the day, there was a real buzz about the show. The seminars also proved very popular amongst visitors and Ruby Wax's session was eagerly anticipated. We're really pleased with the increase in visitor numbers and the initial feedback received. Everyone has worked really hard to make this year's show a success."
