IMEX 2008 closed against a backdrop of sound business optimism throughout the global meetings industry.

In his closing ceremony speech, IMEX Chairman, Ray Bloom, explained that IMEX 2008 had been marked by a series of record-breaking highs, both on and off the show floor.

“An indication of the robust and healthy nature of the international meetings industry currently is that IMEX welcomed well over 8,500 buyers to Messe Frankfurt, of which more than 3,600 were hosted buyers - a far larger proportion of these being from long-haul markets than ever before. Adding to this positive picture is the fact that these buyers achieved over 40,000 pre-organised appointments over the last three days, of which more than 30,000 were made through the individual online appointment system” he said.

In addition, Bloom explained that working closely with the German Convention Bureau to market even more intensively to German buyers - and to Germany’s influential marketing professionals - had clearly paid dividends this year.

“Noticeably more German trade visitors made the trip to Frankfurt. We will continue to maximise our German partnerships and leverage the fact that we are located within the most influential outbound market in Europe to ensure that German buyer participation builds every year,” he assured his audience.

Bloom also pointed to the exceptional growth in quality and variety of those meetings planners and buyers attending this year’s Association Day. Record numbers (270) attended this dedicated, all-day session, proving the widely acknowledged importance of this annual networking event, which is co-organised by ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association).

More than 800 buyers and exhibitors also attended the evening’s networking event. He explained that association buyers represent a highly desirable market for international meetings industry suppliers and reconfirmed IMEX’s commitment to making every effort to attract the right strength and depth of buyers whilst, at the same time, keeping the Day’s format fresh, stimulating and relevant.

Looking ahead to new developments for IMEX in 2009, Bloom told his audience that IMEX would continue to focus on building the quality and scope of its long-haul hosted buyer programme, as announced two years ago.

“We have succeeded in tripling the number of long-haul hosted buyers coming to IMEX since 2006. These buyers are of key strategic importance to the show alongside our extensive European hosted programme. We will continue to consolidate and build on this programme over the next 12 months.”

Bloom also explained how a number of the IMEX New Vision initiatives are set to benefit from development in the coming months.

He highlighted the continuing growth and popularity of the Future Leaders Forum (FLF), which is run in partnership with MPI (Meeting Professionals International).

With eight forums taking place across North America, Asia and Europe this year, and the recent formal launch of the Future Leaders Network, he explained that IMEX and MPI were delighted to be fostering such a valuable pool of young talent in all corners of the world. Additional Forums are already being considered for 2009.

“Many suppliers in the industry now actively seek out these motivated young students and recognise that they needn’t look elsewhere for their new recruits of the future,” he said. He also took the opportunity to announce that IMEX was delighted to become the first ever European organisation to be awarded MPI Global Partner status (one of just three global partnerships so far).

Other developments for 2009 will include a new Innovation Clinic designed to showcase unusual and innovative learning techniques plus live event and incentive ideas on the Professional Development Pavilion.

Finally Bloom confirmed that IMEX would continue to set itself high standards on environmental improvements, as visibly demonstrated this year. He explained that IMEX would offer all its exhibitors the chance to use green energy in 2009.