International Confex has announced plans for new visitor attractions for the 2005 show.

These developments follow the announcement of the New Products LIVE Showcase, and are focused on enhancing the visitor experience. They include: Advice and Research Centre; CV Clinic; Research Point; Agency Pavilion; NEW! Destinations; Overseas Regional Feature Days; The 2005 Confex Conference; and Association support.

Advice and Research Centre

For 2005 visitors will be able to advance book appointments, via the web, with event specialists in the Advice and Research Centre. The Centre will provide all visitors with free and impartial advice about any aspect of the live events medium, and is manned by a team of independent event experts led by Mike Lyon. Mike is director of Write Style Communications Ltd and has over 10 years experience as conference and events manager for a major UK Clearing Bank.Following its successful launch at the 2004 show, the centre has been developed and expanded to include a drop in CV Clinic, manned by show veterans and event industry specialists ESP Recruitment and JB

Agency Pavilion

Event agencies are being offered the chance to exhibit in a designated area next to the VIP lounge. This will give the agencies a chance to use Confex to meet new and existing customers. The layout will also create a suitable atmosphere for networking and business.

NEW! Destinations

This area is dedicated to those destinations that are new to Confex and also to the MICE market. Offering visitors the latest destinations they can take their events to.

Overseas Regional Feature Days

The Overseas Venues / Destinations & Based on regions around the globe, this focus will give exhibitors throughout the world a chance to influence the atmosphere at International Confex 2005. At time of going to press the Mediterranean region is going to be featured.

The 2005 Confex Conference

The Confex Conference will run alongside the exhibition to provide an educational platform for visitors. Last year’s conference included lively debates on integrating branding into events and working on reduced budgets. The conference will also benefit this year from increased use of breakout space and seminar rooms within the conference centre at Earls Court.

Association Support

A number of associations will not only be present at Confex but using the event as a focus for meetings and networking.

-         The aeo will hold a council meeting followed by a networking reception

-         ICCA will hold a UK and Ireland Chapter Meeting.

-         MPI will hold a crossing borders event.

Jessica Blue says: “We have invested considerably in research - talking to visitors and exhibitors from last year’s Confex via in depth interviews pre show and on-site as well as post show focus groups. The new visitor attractions for 2005 meet all their requirements, which included networking and education, whilst ensuring that we create the right business atmosphere at the show.”

Further details on the Conference programme and the Advice Centre will be available through November. International Confex 2005, Earls Court 1, London 15th to 17th February.