International Confex has invested in a series of face to face visitor focus groups to ascertain exactly why visitors attend and what they require from the February show. The resulting qualitative research has now been used to develop new features and visitor benefits to ensure Confex 2005 accurately matches visitor needs.

The results clearly show that 80 percent of visitors attend to find new products and source suppliers - indicating that exhibitions are still considered an essential resource tool despite the increase of information available via the web.

In response to these findings International Confex has launched "New Products LIVE! Showcase" - a unique feature that offers exhibitors a live and interactive platform to highlight their new products and services to visitors.

The results also show that visitors attend exhibitions because they allow face to face communication and networking, and that visitors consider exhibitions with educational conferences to be of real benefit too.

The research was conducted by Crystal Interactive - the world's only supplier of text-based interactivity at conferences and meetings and a Confex 2004 first time exhibitor.

International Confex event director Jessica Blue said "We have heavily invested in qualitative research because we are committed to delivering exactly what our visitors need. Our independent face to face focus groups were conducted both onsite and post show with hand selected visitors who represented our different visitor sectors.

The fact that we chose Crystal Interactive for the research is also testimony to the desire to find new products at Confex - even we use it to source suppliers. Our thanks must go to those who attended the focus groups. The enthusiasm displayed by those wanting to be involved in the research was overwhelming."

Crystal Interactive managing director Ray Elmitt said "The opportunity to work with CMP again was one not to be missed. The 2004 exhibition was a huge success for us so we are impressed that Confex is dedicated to ensuring that the 2005 show delivers everything their visitors -and our customers - require.

We have seen proof that Confex is really investing in the show and the results from the research provide enough information to make real differences for 2005"

International Confex 2005 will run from 15th to 17th February 2005 at Earls Court 1, London, England. www.international-confex.com