Ocean Media will launch a new venue show to run alongside the Event Production Show in 2012.
 
The UK Venue Show will run in London Olympia’s West Hall from 1 to 2 February 2012. Event director Tanya Cohen said the co-located event will have its own identity but that the two shows will be accessible via the same entrance. It is expected to appeal to new visitors as well as the Event Production Show’s current audience base including event organisers, experiential agencies, associations, corporates and production companies.
 
“With the demise of Event UK and Confex moving to Excel, there is an opportunity and need for something back in the west of London and in the heart of where venues and shows are,” Cohen said.
 
Cohen agreed the UK Venue Show launch could be seen as competitive to Confex but pointed to its specific, core focus on UK venues. One of Ocean’s first confirmed exhibitors is Church House Conference Centre. The Association of Event Venues has also thrown in its support.
 
“Our offering does present a different opportunity [to Confex], but it will be the events sector that will be choosing the show that’s right for them,” Cohen said.
 
Ocean will launch a hosted buyers programme of pre-selected and approved individuals to bring suitable visitors and exhibitors together at both shows, Cohen said. Combined, the organiser expects to attract 250 exhibitors and 5,000 visitors over the two days.
 
Longer term, Cohen saw an opportunity for additional spin-off exhibitions and complementary products to sit alongside its expanding Event Production Show offering.
 
UBM’s Confex will move from Earls Court to Excel this year. The organiser announced plans for the new International Outdoor Event Expo to launch with Confex at its new home in 2011.
 
What do you think of Ocean’s plans? Email us: exhibitionnews@mashmedia.net