Nimble shows & media, the German company organising the International Converting Show in Munich has announced plans to extend the ICE brand.
Said director Michael Boyle: "Following research we are about to launch a two day event in the UK Midlands, probably in the autumn of 2006. We are currently putting together a steering committee, but we don't need a long lead time as this is going to be a low cost, probably tabletop style event."
The announcement came at the same time as he revealed that ICE 2005 has grown to almost double the size of the show held two years ago.
"There is a likelihood of potential exhibitors having to go on a waiting list by this June," reported sales manager Franz Hermann. "ICE currently has 180 exhibitors from 16 countries filling two and a half halls (4,500m² space). All three halls are expected to be sold out by June and there is definitely no further hall space available.
"Twenty five per cent of the exhibitors are new companies, 65 per cent are re-bookings and, significantly, 15 per cent are previous clients who have returned to ICE." The latter sector includes AFS, Fife-Tidland and Vetaphone.
Overseas sales manager Maria Wallace, who interviewed 60 converting suppliers to UK customers, reported: "Our goal was firstly to determine the level of interest in a UK converting event and secondly what would make it ideal for exhibitors. Ninety two per cent expressed an interest in participating. They saw it as a two day event to be held in the spring or autumn every two years, but an annual event came a close second." The tabletop exhibition is likely to be accompanied by a conference and possibly an awards dinner.
"We are also looking at the possibility of similar events in Spain, Turkey and Poland," added Michael Boyle. "Like the UK these countries have strong identities. They all have big markets and, apart of Poland, are more isolated geographically."
Organising partner for the UK is Angel Business Communications.
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