The inaugural meetings of The Meetings Show UK Advisory Board and Education Panel – two independent groups of industry leaders brought together to strategically advise Centaur Exhibitions on the launch of their new show - took place in London last week.
During intensive sessions focused on the delivery of a successful show in 2013 the groups identified key areas for the creation of a perfect conference and meetings industry show. Specifically these included the need to attract the highest quality buyers from associations, agencies and corporates, whilst delivering a high quality education programme that all attendees can benefit from.
Chair of The Meetings Show UK Advisory Board and Managing Director of Kennedy Consulting, Paul Kennedy: “The Advisory Board and Education Panel provided a wealth of ideas and knowledge that will be of benefit to both buyers and suppliers attending The Meetings Show UK in July 2013. Whilst it was great to confirm that our ethos and plans for the show are supported by such credible industry experts, the real success was the number of new ideas, information and advice we received. Working in an open and honest manner we developed a range of ideas that will ensure The Meetings Show UK’s position as the market leading event for meeting professionals.”
Chair of The Meetings Show UK Education Panel and Managing Director of The Right Solution, Sally Greenhill: “The meetings highlighted the need to deliver education in new, creative and focused ways. Attendees of all types want a relevant learning experience. The diverse range of skills and backgrounds around the table ensured a varied meeting with input from all sides of the industry.”
The Meetings Show UK Event Director, Steve Knight: “It is a rare occasion that such knowledgeable and experienced individuals come together – to have them focused on the development of our show was a huge compliment and we are extremely grateful for their time, effort and energy. The outcomes and deliverables ranged from top level strategic planning to simple logistics, all of which will be considered and built into the show.”
HBAA, Executive Director, Peter Ducker: “The Advisory Board’s first meeting clearly demonstrated The Meetings Show UK’s desire to answer the needs of buyers and suppliers. This was a chance for experts from all sides of the industry to meet, discuss what they want from the show and forge plans that will deliver results for everyone involved. Crucially it provided an opportunity to challenge the accepted norms of a trade show and suggest changes that will make it appealing to all.”
Melbourne Convention Bureau, Development Director UK & Europe, Fiona Chappell: “I wanted to be part of the Advisory Board as it presents an opportunity to shape an event tailored for the UK Inbound/Outbound Meetings industry that delivers real results and is cost efficient. The meeting was a great success as points were raised that had yet to be considered by the organising team. Gathering together this particular dynamic will result in a well rounded event that will offer all sectors of the meeting industry a new business environment.”
Marketing Birmingham, Commercial Director, Ian Taylor: "It was truly inspiring to see so many high profile individuals come together to develop ideas for the benefit of attendees from both the buyer and supplier sides of the industry. It was clear to all present that this show is all about professionalism – from the delivery of high quality buyers to the ground breaking education programme.” |