Organising an event can be time consuming and stressful, so anything that makes it easier is definitely welcome, particularly for hard-pressed PAs. International Confex has always been a great place to pick up information on venues and destinations, as well as finding out about event services suppliers. This year, however, the organisers have added more special features to make it work even harder.
‘This year’s Confex is about making a real statement, which visitors will be able to experience before they’ve even walked through the doors of Earls Court,’ says director Alison Willis. ‘As well as the enhanced look and feel of the show, we’ve simplified the layout with three new sector areas – Location, Logistics and Something Special. We’ve also expanded our features and increased the amount of content aimed at specific markets. We have a really diverse audience and it’s vital our content is tailored to meet their needs to ensure Confex remains the fantastic industry event that everyone knows and loves.’
Networking has always been at the heart of the show’s appeal and this year’s Confex has really embraced this by introducing a central networking hub. This includes The Floating Bar which, as the name suggests, is on water in the middle of the show floor. It’s a great place to meet up with colleagues or contacts. As usual, there will be celebrity keynote speakers, though as Executary News went to press the organisers hadn’t confirmed any details – we hope to bring them to you in our next issue. And if you feel you need to brush up on your event-organising skills, or maybe you’ve only just taken on responsibility for events, the show’s educational seminar programme – Confex Knowledge – is bound to inspire you.
Three good reasons to visit Confex…
1 Advice Centre
A popular feature of past shows, the Advice Centre is the place to chat to industry professionals, academics, technology and marketing consultants, and experienced event organisers. You’ll be able to learn more about the events industry, pick up tips on organising an event and improve your personal development skills. The experts will be offering help on a wide range of subjects, including:
• Venue finding and destination research
• Organising events all the way from concept to the big day
• How to increase income from events through sponsorship
• Promoting your conference or event
• Risk assessment and disability access
• Education and careers advice
• Creative ideas for your next event
• Sustainable marketing techniques
• Technology developments
Either drop by the Advice Centre or book an appointment online before you go.
2 CV Clinic
Part of the Advice Centre, the CV Clinic offers a free service that’ll help you improve your work life by taking a critical look at your CV. A recruitment expert will be on hand to give your résumé a healthcheck to make sure you’re selling yourself in the most advantageous way.
3 PA & Corporate Day
New for next year’s show is a PA & Corporate Day, aimed at supporting the large number of corporate PAs and marketing managers that organise meetings and events as part of their job. The day will include special seminars and events, specifically tailored for PAs.
To register for the show, simply go to www.international-confex.com and fill in all your details.
Who’s there?
Here are just some of the names you’ll find at Earls Court for Confex 2011…
Accor Hotels • Army & Navy Club • Belfast Visitor & Convention Bureau • Bournemouth International Centre • Bovey Castle • Brooklands • Café de Paris • CCC Events • Celtic Manor Resort • Designer Flowers • Hand Picked Hotels • Hardens Party Guide • Harrogate International Centre • Hyatt Hotels • Ice Angels • Identilam • London Chamber of Commerce • Odeon Cinemas • Park Plaza Hotels • Ricoh Arena • The Belfry • Visit London • Vue Entertainment