Confex setting the stage again for inspired conversations

In the leadup to International Confex’s return to ExCeL London 1-2 March, the latest issue of CMW gave a preview of the line-up International Confex returns to ExCeL London, 1-2 March, and show director Jack Newey says there has been an influx of people wanting to speak and appear at the show. “It’s great to see that events are well and truly back with a bang,” he says, underlining that this year’s show “aims to reflect this renewed vigour in events – so we’ve packed the agenda full of inspirational speakers discussing some of the top issues of the day at seven key stages”. Those stages are: Association and Corporate Event Theatre; Event Tech Theatre; Let’s Do London Theatre; People and Culture Theatre; Sales and Marketing Excellence Theatre; Sustainability Theatre; and The Power of Events Theatre. “The key driver for the team this year,” says Newey, “is to give back and ensure that delegates are making the most of their time on site, while also having a positive impact. To this end, we’ve partnered with some great businesses to ensure the experience at International Confex is a memorable one.” International Confex is again co-located with The PA Show, Event Production Show and The Publishing Show and visitor badges grant delegates access to all shows, enabling them to benefit from additional content and networking opportunities. International Confex’s line up brings industry thought leaders and speakers who are leading conversations on topics vital to the progression of our industry – from sustainability and the metaverse, to technology and corporate social responsibility. What’s new for 2023? The content programme this year reflects trends in wellbeing, event tech and social responsibility and the show itself has become more sustainable, not only through the use of more eco-conscious materials, but also via partnerships with key sustainability stakeholders. The beam Buddy Scheme For 2023, International Confex has partnered with UK industry association for agencies and venues, beam, to provide a Buddy Scheme for attendees, and specifically help alleviate imposter syndrome among event professionals. The scheme will give attendees the opportunity to opt-in to be paired with an industry colleague, or ‘buddy’, during the event. The idea is that the buddy will provide guidance and support to attendees, helping them to gain confidence and make the most of their experience. The scheme will be available during the registration process and attendees can opt-in to participate. Give a hand at Confex Award winning speaker David Meade will be joining International Confex on the Keynote theatre to deliver a one-off workshop limited to 100 spaces. The 90-minute sessions will walk attendees through the process of building prosthetic hands for children and adults in need, which will be sent out post show. The session is designed to allow delegates the opportunity to use their time on site at International Confex to give something back and create a positive social difference, as well as creating a memorable 90-minutes for those attending the sessions. The session, which is being conducted in partnership with Fast Forward 15, is also a great platform for attendees to connect with one another through a fun, but meaningful, activity. Sustainable goals Visitors may notice reduced amount of carpeting onvsite to just one strip per aisle to prevent more materials from going to landfill than necessary. Signage will come from materials that can be recycled again post-event and will use naturally sourced ink. The show has partnered with event:decision to assess the environmental impact of hosting International Confex and will collaborate post-event to create a sustainability report about the show. There is also a collaboration between International Confex, You.Smart.Thing. and ecolibrium to offset delegate travel through delegate donations to offset carbon emissions.