IMEX partners ExpoPlatform for three-year tech deal

IMEX Group has agreed a three-year deal with ExpoPlatform as official event tech partner ahead of IMEX America this October.

The announcement comes after a successful IMEX Frankfurt 2023 in May, where a new online platform launched with features designed to maximize business connections and ease of use for participants.

Work has since been going on behind the scenes to optimize and improve the tools on offer for the next edition of IMEX America, which takes place from October 17 until 19. Read the case study here.

Other stories from our weekly events news wrap include:

➡️ ExCel London plans partnership strategy for growth

➡️ Austria’s largest congress centre unveils ‘world-first’ kinetic display system

➡️ NEC Group announces new CFO

➡️ IBTM exhibitor bookings surpass 2019 levels

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Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️

IMEX signs three-year official tech deal with ExpoPlatform

This new development makes the UK-based company the official tech partner for the organizer during this period.

It follows on from the success of IMEX Frankfurt in May and ongoing work for the upcoming edition of IMEX America next week.

The show in the German city saw a new online platform launched with features designed to maximize business connections and ease of use for participants, while work has since been going on behind the scenes to optimize and improve the tools for upcoming events.

Gary Coombs, CIO of the IMEX Group, said:  “Changing one of the most fundamental systems IMEX uses was a huge task, but ExpoPlatform has an innate understanding of our requirements as a tradeshow organizer.

“The result was a new online platform with a range of features and tools carefully designed to maximize business connections and ease of use.

“First and foremost, we wanted a platform designed to add value for our attendees and exhibitors and enhance their experience at our shows. A people-first rather than a tech-first approach, if you like.

“The sheer breadth of the platform allowed us to customize the set up so that it fits our needs and those of our clients.”

Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, said: “We learnt a huge amount during the first implementation at IMEX Frankfurt and are pleased with the improvements we’ve been able to make for IMEX America.

“ExpoPlatform has been a great partner and hugely responsive in adapting to our specific needs – this gives us great confidence in how we can continually improve the platform for our clients’ benefit in the future and supports our business priority of delivering an enhanced user experience.”

Tanya Pinchuk, CEO of ExpoPlatform, added: “IMEX events are among the greatest showcases for business, while also spearheading positive change in our industry through their education programs and principles.

“That’s why we are delighted to be working with them to make their events even more smart and seamless.”

IMEX America takes place in Las Vegas between October 17 and 19. Read the full release here.

Austria’s congress centre unveils ‘world-first’ kinetic display system

Austria Center Vienna has revealed the world’s first kinetic display system at its entrance. 

The country’s largest congress venue unveiled the polySTAGE – a transformative stage attraction with 52 individually controllable LED elements.

It works to convert the entrance hall from an exhibition space into an interactive art exhibit or stage.

Susanne Baumann-Söllner, director of the Austria Center Vienna, said: “Arriving at a congress is often like entering a different world.

“The new polySTAGE not only creates a unique wow effect, but also has countless possible uses for trade conventions and corporate customers.

“We are very pleased to present an absolute world first in Vienna, which is also destined to cause a sensation on the international event and congress market.”

ExCel London unveils new long-term partnership strategy

ExCel London plans to explore new growth options beyond its core business with a new long-term partnerships plan.

This includes a new expansion and redevelopment programme to organise more family and immersive experiences.

The venue is collaborating with industry veteran Jonathan Neill to create and deliver these new partnerships.

NEWS: With 2023 set to become our busiest ever year, #ExCeLLondon has launched a new long-term partnerships strategy to further unlock growth beyond its core events business.

The new project will be led by sponsorship consultant @jonathanneill

More: https://t.co/BvJcWFxEpz pic.twitter.com/OEk6d8BaIt

— ExCeL London (@ExCeLLondon) October 5, 2023

Jonathan said: “ExCeL makes connections, drives innovation, and is a real symbol of collaboration and creativity.

“With the venue’s expansion plans and continued development of live attractions, we’re looking forward to developing our partnership proposition, engaging with new like-minded brands and working together to create partnerships that add real value.”

Simon Mills, ExCeL’s chief commercial officer, added: “London’s event industry is thriving and ExCeL sits in the heart of that, experiencing our busiest year yet with booming visitor numbers and contributing approximately 25% of all inbound business tourism to the capital.

“The timing is now right to expand this position and to explore avenues outside our core business and our wider 100-acre estate.

“We’re very excited about our long-term growth plans and know Jonathan has the experience and business prowess to deliver this.”

NEC Group appoints new CFO

The NEC Group has named a new chief financial officer amid a series of C-suite hirings.

Paul Reeve, with background in UK and European entertainment and media, takes on the role as group CFO.

https://twitter.com/thenecgroup/status/1709100967763788158

His appointment comes after the company welcomed Melanie Smith CBE as its group CEO last month.

Melanie said: “I am delighted to welcome Paul to the NEC Group. Paul is a well-respected finance leader with a strong track record in driving commercial and operating performance.

Paul brings outstanding experience in live events, ticketing and venue management which will be pivotal to us unlocking the next phase of our growth.”

Paul added: “The Group is entering a new, transformative era and I am pleased to join at this exciting time, so I can support Melanie and the team in driving the business to new heights.

“I look forward to exploring how we can maximise efficiencies and profitable growth.”

Prior to joining the NEC Group, Paul was European CFO at Anschutz Entertainment Group and also held key roles at WPP plc and Dentsu.

IBTM exhibitor bookings surpass 2019 levels

IBTM World is set to register record exhibitor bookings for its 2023 edition, with 85% of exhibiting spaces already sold out.

Figures from RX Global reveal the bookings have surpassed 2019 levels for the show, which takes place in Fira, Barcelona on November 28.

Region-wise, Mexico, Costa Rica and Los Angeles will mark their return, while Jakarta will exhibit for the first time.

Hong Kong and Macao will have bigger stands than before – as will Jordan, Morocco and Abu Dhabi.

Stands from Europe, especially Antwerp, Paris, Barcelona and London, will also be prominent in the show.

Vasyl Zhygalo, IBTM World’s portfolio director, said: “The resurgence in exhibitor numbers illustrates the importance of IBTM World in creating a platform for connection and community.

“The vast and diverse exhibitor participation represents more opportunities to do business, as well as indicating the robustness of the global business events sector.

“We’re thrilled to see the return of several exhibitors as well as welcoming new ones and we look forward to an exciting show where attendees come together to shape the future of business events.”

We hope you enjoyed reading this article and found it useful. At ExpoPlatform, we want to help you build better events and communities. Please get in touch and ask for a demo here. Thank you 😀