Internet 'benefits exhibitions industry'

Friday 14th of March 2008

Suggestions that the internet would cause difficulties for the events management industry have been refuted by the Meetings Industry Association (MIA).

In its spring newsletter the MIA explains that doomsayers had long predicted a faltering exhibitions sector, particularly for the meetings industry.

It suggested that the prevalence and ease of use of the web would give event management companies all the information they needed to choose a venue without the need to attend exhibitions by providers.

However, the MIA states that those looking to organise meetings continue to attend such exhibitions nonetheless, while providers have used the internet to increase awareness of the event and grow attendance numbers.

Value has been added to the exhibition package, by the use of floor plans, online registration, automated appointment making, exciting imagery, special online promotions and other innovative tactics.

The MIA claims to be the leading association for the meetings industry and encourages best practice in its members to meet the needs of service users.