Agency correspondent Heather Nichols spoke to agency leaders Rob Morrison, Katherine Duhout and David Preston, and the value international Confex brings to their business and what he most looks forward to at this year’s event. I’ll explore what’s there.
Every year, the heart of the event industry is beaten by international Confex. There, key agents and suppliers come together to share insights, showcase innovation and build relationships that shape the future of events. Now in its 43rd year, the event has become famous for event experts. With seven diverse content theaters, a vast exhibition of over 200 suppliers and an exciting conference program with over 60 industry-leading speakers, Confex will inspire and empower all participants. It offers a rich and dynamic experience designed.
Networking and relationship building
Networking and relationship building is at the heart of what makes international Confex a valuable event for events industry experts. Rob Morrison, director of client engagement at MCM Creative, has joined International Confex on and off throughout his career. This year he will return not only as an attendee, but also as a 30-panel judge under the age of 30. Morrison said: “Events like this are not just about what you see, but also about who you meet. Confex is a great opportunity for the industry to come together. It’s a place where networking, reconnecting, and in-person relationships.”
The event offers a unique space where individuals and organizations can build connections that often lead to long-term partnerships, new business ventures and joint opportunities. For Cat Duhaut, director and co-founder of Beacon House Events, International Confex is more than just an industry event. It is a critical space for forming connections, discovering new opportunities and staying at the forefront of the event sector. She said: The atmosphere is great and you can see what’s going on in the world of events more than we do on a daily basis. This year, we have four directors, one senior event manager and one event manager, with four team members participating. ”
She added that the event is an invaluable opportunity to meet suppliers in person and see what they are introducing in person. Duhaut said: For example, after meeting Eventbrite, I joined an incredible partnership with Eventbrite. Also, as we secured new business through contacts we did at the event, the networking and business development aspects of Confex have always been extremely beneficial to us. ”
Industry evolution and collaboration
The event industry has brought a notable change in recent years from competitive landscapes to collaboration-focused focuses. Despite the focus on inclusivity, the events industry has seen unequal access to opportunities, limited representations of diverse voices, barriers to small or underrepresented business participation. , and still faces challenges.
International Confex fights these inclusiveness challenges by bringing together a diverse range of businesses, from established industry leaders to emerging startups, and the event will bring new partnerships, knowledge sharing and innovations that will shape the future of the industry. We encourage the development of ideas.
Morrison said: “The diversity of the price range of exhibitors allows both key industry players and small and promising businesses to participate. Everyone gets the same level of exposure, which encourages new connections. It’s perfect to do it.”
Looking back at the evolution of the industry, Morrison adds: “It’s great to see brands supporting each other. Since Covid, the industry has shifted from pure competition to a more collaborative approach. Confex plays an important role in this, including suppliers and agents. It creates spaces where stores and businesses can explore new partnerships and ideas.”
David Preston, CEO of Realize, an event service agent and training provider, has been involved in International Confex for as long as I can remember. To realize, Confex is an important opportunity to stay ahead of the industry by scouting new competitors, strengthening relationships with existing suppliers and partners, and building new business connections. They may also be on stage as speakers at events. Looking back on past experiences, Preston said:
Highlights from previous shows:
In a standout moment from last year’s event, Morrison recalls seeing his colleagues win spots at the under-30s, discovering emerging event technology and how Confex continues to grow I will witness. “One of the highlights was finding a company specializing in soundproofing solutions – 45dB, which is part of the Thorns Group. Their showcase has been outstanding and since then they have been offering several solutions. It was incorporated into the project.”
Morrison is excited about Confex’s continued evolution. The investment and innovation behind Confex will always be an event worth attending. ”
Preston says for him, Confex is an important opportunity to stay ahead of the industry by scouting new competitors, strengthening relationships with existing suppliers and partners, and developing new business connections. . I’m looking forward to this year’s event. “Sessions like Engagement are a new currency and I am particularly looking forward to being beyond the headlines.
International Confex will return to Excel London on February 26th and 27th, 2025. Sign up here to join thousands of event experts at the event.
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