The initiative gives start-up businesses, with less than ten staff and less than three years’ experience in the meetings and events industry, a chance to showcase their products and services to buyers in a technology focused environment.
Maarten Vanneste, from Meeting Design Institute comments: “From the start, The Meetings Show has recognised the importance of design and technology in the meetings industry and has been keen on bringing innovative content to the show floor. Meeting Design Institute has partnered with the show on the education programme and initiating The Future of Meetings was a natural extension to our partnership. Those participating in the initiative get the chance to exhibit at a world-class exhibition to boost their profile – an opportunity smaller, start-up companies don’t usually get. And it gives event planners the chance to meet with organisations who are providing the latest technological solutions.”
There is also a competitive element to The Future of Meetings with hosted buyers and visitors able to vote for an overall winner at the end of the show. The 2016 winner was Event Eye whose CEO and Founder, Frederik Hoel commented: “The Meetings Show brings together a global network of meetings professionals and, with the help of Meeting Design Institute, we have been able to speak directly to them, expanding our target markets and working with more international clients.”
Steve Knight, Event Director of The Meetings Show, recognises the importance of giving start-up companies a platform to promote themselves. Commenting on the return of the initiative he said: “Technology is a huge part of the future of our industry. As the leading meetings show in the UK, it is important we recognise this and provide the opportunity for new companies to showcase their products and services. With the support of Meeting Design Institute, we are able to give them an opportunity to connect with their target markets. The Future of Meetings was a real success last year and we are delighted that it will be a part of the show again in 2017.”
Organised by Centaur Live (a division of Centaur Media Plc), The Meetings Show is the premier event for the UK inbound and outbound meetings industry, taking place 13-15 June, 2017 at Olympia, London. Organised by meeting professionals for meeting professionals it is focused around a large exhibition, networking opportunities and professional education.
Applications for hosted buyers are now open. For more information visit www.themeetingsshow.com.
