Following the success of its inaugural show in January 2019, MEET South West returns to Bristol on Friday 31 January 2020. Having out-grown its previous venue, the exhibition and conference for event organisers has secured a new home at the Mercure Bristol Grand.
As the only trade show dedicated to the event industry in the South West, MEET South West will again bring together the people who make events happen within the MICE industry (Meetings, Incentives, Conference and Events). Featuring more than 10 hours of tailored content to help event organisers deliver more engaging events, the exhibition will also include 80 of the region’s leading event venues, suppliers and agencies.
“Over half of our 2019 delegates control an annual event budget of more than £250,000. They’re looking for inspiration and practical advice they can implement to make their events even more engaging and increase their return on investment”
says Thomas Heiser, Co-founder of MEET South West.
“With 100% of our 2019 delegates reporting that they would recommend MEET South West to their colleagues we have the makings for another must-attend event for event managers based in the region or those from further afield looking to bring their events to the South West”.
Delegates at the 2019 show ranged from professional corporate event managers, event agencies and marketing organisations through to PAs and EAs organising events as part of their role. 59% of delegates had an annual budget in excess of £250,000; 55% organise more than 12 events a year; 46% organise events for over 100 people.
Networking will again feature prominently at the show, cementing MEET South West as the place to meet new suppliers and consolidate existing relationships. The programme will also build on the expertise demonstrated in 2019 with increased emphasis on case studies and sharing practical insights to apply straight away. Initial speakers are already confirmed with announcements scheduled for the coming weeks.
Michael Oates, General Manager, Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel said:
“We are delighted that the Mercure Bristol Grand will host MEET South West 2020. This is a great opportunity to really excite the industry, network and create a forum for new business”
MEET South West 2020 continues to be supported by Alliance Partners Destination Bristol, Visit Bath and VisitWiltshire and The Great West Way.
“Meet South West is an ambitious event and one which we wholeheartedly support”
says Kathryn Davis, Head of Tourism, Destination Bristol.
“The professionalism of the organising team ensured an extensive programme and a managed exhibitor offer, making it attractive for corporates, agents and associations. We look forward to working with the Meet South West team in 2020”.
MEET South West is produced by a trio of local event professionals: Franco de la Croix-Vaubois, Founder of the Event Organisers Network and Managing Director of Frog Events; Thomas Heiser, Managing Director of Focal Point Event Management; and Paola Davis, Bristol-based Corporate Events Manager.
Delegate registration and exhibition applications are now live at www.MEETSouthWest.co.uk