International Confex
A whole new world
FRESH OFF A MOVE INTO A NEW VENUE AT EXCEL LONDON, 2020’S INTERNATIONAL CONFEX
WAS A MUST-VISIT FOR EVENT PROFESSIONALS IN THE UK AND BEYOND
nternational Confex ran
from 25-26 February at its
new home of ExCeL
London in the UK,
alongside the co-located Event
Production Show and PA Show.
This year’s Confex featured a
strong lineup of educational sessions,
including Figen Murray and former
UK National Counter-Terrorism
Co-ordinator Nick Aldworth
discussing the importance of venue
security. The pair are advocating for
new security regulations in the UK
with Martyn’s Law, after Murray’s
son Martyn Hett was tragically killed
in the 2017 Manchester Arena
bombings.
Fabien Riggall, founder of
immersive cinema company Secret
Cinema, also delivered a keynote
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CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD
about the power of immersive events,
and how they can be an antidote to
our increasingly digital lives. “The
pre-narrative experience is key in a
digital world, where everybody is
shouting as loud as they possibly can,”
said Riggall. “Every aspect of your
event has to have a character – your
toilets have to be in character.”
When asked whether the principle
of mystery can be applied to all
corners of the events industry, Riggall
said: “There’s no reason why we
couldn’t have a secret conference. It’s
all about personalisation and making
every event into a journey from the
second you buy a ticket.”
Among the other highlights were
the launch of the UK chapter of the
Women in Exhibitions Network, run
by Soraya Gadelrab, Portfolio
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ISSUE 105
Photography by
Jonathan JT Taylor
at Aniseed Photo
Director – Food, Drink & Hospitality
at Montgomery Group. The new
chapter, already operating in key
countries in Europe, promises to
address the balance of women and
men in senior positions across the
industry, as well as offer support and
advice to women wanting to develop
their careers.
Gadelrab commented: “The vision
of the Network is to empower women
in the industry to further their careers
in exhibitions. It will facilitate
networking and raise the profile of
women whilst working with
successful role models to inspire and
nurture the next generation of female
leaders.”
The Association Event Village,
moderated by Association of British
Professional Conference Organisers
(ABPCO) Director Heather Lishman,
welcomed several high-profile
speakers. Senthil Gopinath and James
Rees, CEO and President respectively
of the International Congress and
Convention Association (ICCA), were
among the highlights. A panel of
speakers also discussed the growing
trend of associations organising their
own events independently.