Organiser of the sixth edition of the Venues and Events exhibition, Square Meal, claims visitor numbers increased by seven per cent, year-on-year.

The events trade show, which focuses on London’s personal assistants, corporate meeting planners and event organisers, was held once again at Old Billingsgate, 22-23 September. Pre-ABC audited numbers took the attendance level to 7,223.

“This year’s turn out has provided the events industry with a massive boost and is evidence that the sector is returning to health,” says Square Meal’s Marketing and Events Manager, Rachel Harty. “Last year, a lot of visitors were ‘window shopping’. This year they were shopping.”

New to the 2010 show was an alfresco zone on The Terrace, which its organiser says allowed visitors to enjoy the venue’s riverside location while browsing a selection of exhibitors who focus on outdoor events.

"It was an opportunity to meet new clients as well as putting faces to names with current ones. We ended the exhibition with many great leads, which have already started to convert," says the Director of Hospitality for Ascot, Gary England.

The 2011 edition will be held at Old Billingsgate between 21 and 22 September.