International Confex, the event organisers' show, has reported an audited visitor attendance of 7356 and an increase in the number of corporate and association buyers.

The ABC Audit states that Confex 2005 attracted a five percent increase in corporate visitors, and almost double the number of association visitors  (a 97 percent increase) when compared to the attendance in 2004

The ABC Audit also confirms that they have the purchasing power and authority - 70 percent of visitors either approve or influence budgets whilst 53 percent of visitors organise over 10 events per year.

Ben Greenish, group director, International Confex said: "We conducted exhibitor research to help us establish exactly what our exhibitors required from their attendance at Confex 2005. The results were conclusive - they wanted to see more association and corporate buyers so for 2005 our marketing campaign focused on delivering more of these visitors. I'm pleased to announce that Confex 2005 delivered the buyers our exhibitors wanted to meet."

Post show research has revealed that 87 percent of visitors reported that the show met or exceeded their expectations.

Exhibitors are also reporting that the show was a success. Highlights include:

• The Sheffield Conference Bureau reported to have attained £750,000 from show participation and have confirmed their attendance for the 2006 show.
• New exhibitor Twangling Jack reported winning immediate business to host a conference in Vienna.
• The Mersey Partnership recorded a record attendance at their stand with 370 conference buyers expressing an interest in Liverpool and Merseyside, 21 concrete enquiries and 3 confirmed bookings

Major exhibitors already signed for 2006 include Portuguese Trade & Tourism Office, Jersey Conference Bureau, Turkish Tourist & Information, Visit London, Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions, ICC Birmingham, Cyprus Tourism Organisation, Visit Scotland, Wales Tourist Board, Tourism Ireland, Marketing Birmingham, Newcastle Gateshead Convention Bureau, Blackpool Conference Bureau, Harrogate International Centre, Marriott International, Marston Hotels, Moat House Hotels, Best Western Hotels, Sol Melia Hotels and Accor Hotels.

The total number of visitors to Confex 2005 was 7356, whilst total attendance was 11,319 (7198 registered visitors, 158 non registered visitors and 3963 exhibitor personnel).