UBM has announced James Samuel as the new event manager for International Confex.
 
He replaces Alison Willis, who quit the post at UBM in September to become commercial director at Brand Events.
 
Samuel has spent the past 10 years at Reed Exhibitions, where he held a variety of roles covering sales, operations and event management. He most recently worked across the International Luxury Travel Market portfolio and was formerly on Spain-based meetings and events industry trade show EIBTM. Samuel was also involved with the launch of GIBTM in Abu Dhabi and overhauling CIBTM in Beijing.
 
As event manager of Confex, Samuel will be responsible for ensuring the success of the three-day trade show, which will be held at Excel London for the first time from 6 to 8 March 2012.
 
“I’ve always had a huge amount of respect for International Confex and there could not be a more exciting time to be joining,” Samuel said. “We have a great team, a brilliant product and a world-class brand; we also have a collective ambition that can see this show forward into 2012 and beyond.”
 
In an exclusive first interview with Exhibition News, Samuel said his main priority four months out from his first show is to deliver a great exhibition.
 
“This year’s show is looking really strong, not least the hosted buyer and loyalty programmes, the launch of the International Outdoor Expo and now the incorporation of RSVP,” he told EN. “I will be ensuring that these initiatives are effectively executed during the show.
 
“International Confex has remained the undisputed leader for the UK market by listening to its clients and this is an ever changing and evolving process. The biggest opportunity I have is to gather the leading figures in the UK industry and listen to how they see their show moving forward and continuing to deliver a return on investment for our exhibitors, hosted buyers and visitors.”
 
Samuel also pointed out 2012 is a huge year for the UK meetings industry with the hosting of the biggest event on the planet - the Olympics.
 
“Confex will play a huge role in showcasing the best meeting and event planners and suppliers in the industry on both a domestic and International stage,” he continued. “However I believe the Olympic legacy post-games will be an enormous opportunity for the industry - you only have to look at Barcelona as a case study post 1992 Olympics.
 
“In this environment the UK needs a show that both reflects and represents the best of the industry and becomes a force for industry growth during 2012 and beyond.”
 
Confex portfolio director Jonny Sullens highlighted Samuel’s balance of experience and ability to represent both visitors and exhibitors as key attributes.
 
“James has the experience, the foresight, and the energy to take the show forward in line with the Confex vision; he will be a real asset to the team,” Sullens added.
 
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