Originally scheduled to showcase 200 exhibitors covering 1200 sq mtrs, the show reached its first ‘sold out’ stage in April when a further 400 sq mtrs was added, but this additional space was quickly sold out and a further allocation of 300 sq mtrs was made. This too has now been snapped up giving a total of 300 exhibitors and a floorplan spanning some 1800 sq mtrs.

The show includes Confer, the annual event of the British Association of Conference Destinations, with 60 members offering 2,000 venues nationwide.  

Organisers, Waypoint Exhibitions, attribute the show’s success so far not only to the central location at the NEC, but also to the timing of the event. "The Autumn slot fills a gap in the market at a time when people are planning Autumn and New Year events," says Stephen Richards, MD of Waypoint Exhibitions. "By September, people have also returned from holidays and are getting down to the serious business of planning budgets for the forthcoming year.

" For visitor amusement, the Activity Zone will offer a ‘simulated’ taste of some of the activities visitors could consider as part of their next event, including clay pigeon and pistol shooting, archery and fly casting sponsored by exhibitor ‘A Day In The Country’.

Catalyst Events will demonstrate the essence of musical motivational events whilst Elegant Days will be running mind and puzzle games. On a more serious note, a Career Pavilion, sponsored by ESP, will offer professional CV appraisal, advice on interview technique and one-to-one careers advice. The company will also be unveiling its Events Industry Salary Survey, which is bound to cause a great deal of interest among visitors and exhibitors alike.

Commenting on these additions, Stephen Richards said, "It’s gratifying to have the luxury of being able to add these interesting extras to enhance the visitor experience, which we had not expected to include until we were two or three years down the line." Richards concluded, "After nearly 20 years in the exhibition business this is one of the few events that has the feeling of happening at the right time in the right place for the industry.

The exhibitors’ enthusiasm has been reinforced by visitor pre-registrations, which currently stand at 6,015 (2.8.01), and which we feel confident will translate into a satisfying turnout in terms of quality and quantity.

" An added attraction to the event from a visitor point of view is the fact that two other shows of importance to NVS visitors are taking place alongside the show, namely the established National Incentive Show which features business gifts, incentive vouchers, loyalty schemes, premiums and promotional goods and services, and Total Marketing Solutions, now in its second year and offering a variety of agency services, CRM, database marketing solutions, market research, mailing, fulfilment and print.

One ticket offers free entry to all three shows, which are interconnected for easy visitor flow, and visitors who pre-register (on line at www.nationalvenueshow.co.uk or tel.020 8941 2299 Ext. 230) can pick up their free copy of Johansens "Recommended Hotel Guide to Great Britain & Ireland 2001" (RRP £19.95) at the show.