AMERICAS – MICE event ICOMEX, is the first trade show in Latin America to become part of the IBTM portfolio, Sallie Coventry, Portfolio Director of the IBTM Events Portfolio, has revealed.
The move follows Reed Exhibitions’ recent acquisition of Grupo Fidalex, owner of 15 exhibition brands, one of which is ICOMEX, to form Reed Exhibitions Mexico.
Coventry announced IBTM’s portfolio expansion during the 2014 edition of ICOMEX in Mexico City, running from 5-7 November.
Hosting more than 140 exhibitors, the 2014 show is expecting to attract 9,000 attendees.
The event also includes a a broad education and conference programme.
“In its short history, ICOMEX has become the country’s leading annual MICE gathering for the industry and we are delighted that it is now to become the eighth event in the IBTM portfolio,” said Coventry. “Mexico has a very strong domestic and inter-regional MICE market that has been growing in importance. It is the 11th largest global economy in the region, second behind Brazil and is also the fifth largest emerging market.”
Coventry said through the acquisition of ICOMEX, Reed’s objective is to consolidate the event’s profile and presence within the region, while leveraging the benefits of the IBTM brand profile and reputation.
“This will give the event an international presence in the meetings industry and provide new opportunities to the portfolio’s global database of buyers who are looking to place or do business with the region,” she added.
Philippe Surman, Founder of Grupo Fidalex will become country manager for Reed Mexico.
“We have always been inspired by Reed’s unmatched commitment to providing their customers with the best products and services to meet their needs and grow their business, and the opportunity for ICOMEX to become part of the IBTM portfolio adds a huge amount of strategic value to all our existing customers in the MICE sector and to those who are already part of the global community that IBTM has created,” he said.
Meanwhile, Reed is preparing for the 2014 edition of EIBTM in Barcelona, on 18-20 November.
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