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(Forimmediaterelease.net) IMEX 2008 closed today against a backdrop of sound business optimism throughout the global meetings industry.
In his closing ceremony speech, IMEX Chairman, Ray Bloom, explained that IMEX 2008 had been marked by a series of record-breaking highs, both on and off the show floor.
“An indication of the robust and healthy nature of the international meetings industry currently is that IMEX welcomed well over 8,500 buyers to Messe Frankfurt, of which more than 3,600 were hosted buyers - a far larger proportion of these being from long-haul markets than ever before. Adding to this positive picture is the fact that these buyers achieved over 40,000 pre-organised appointments over the last three days, of which more than 30,000 were made through the individual online appointment system" he said.
In addition, Bloom explained that working closely with the German Convention Bureau to market even more intensively to German buyers - and to Germany's influential marketing professionals - had clearly paid dividends this year.
“Noticeably more German trade visitors made the trip to Frankfurt. We will continue to maximise our German partnerships and leverage the fact that we are located within the most influential outbound market in Europe to ensure that German buyer participation builds every year," he assured his audience.
www.imex-frankfurt.com/press.php?action=showstory&newsid=151
Norgine Centenary Conference wins 2008 Commitment to the Community 2008 Award
Winner of the prestigious and highly regarded IMEX Commitment to the Community Award 2008 was announced last night as The Norgine Centenary Conference in Sun City, South Africa, organised for Norgine Pharmaceuticals by World Events BV.
Norgine is a global pharmaceutical company based in the UK with offices across Europe, Australia and South Africa. The present CEO is the grandson of the founder and the company has a strong tradition of family values and a desire to make a difference to the lives of its patients, employees and the broader community.
The company's brief to World Events for this landmark conference was that it “should combine business with motivation and teambuilding; be highly memorable with strong cultural appeal and, most importantly, that it should reflect the company's longstanding family values."
www.imex-frankfurt.com/press.php?action=showstory&newsid=156
Cross-cultural session offers “golden tips" for Middle Eastern business success
This year's IMEX cross-cultural seminar invited participants to understand some of the vital factors and skills required for successfully conducting business with Middle Eastern partners.
Speaking from personal experience and also using a proven educational model, Harold Formstone, Sales Director of IMEX cross-cultural partners, Richard Lewis Communications, detailed some of the cultural, linguistic and behavioural differences to look out for between western and Arab cultures.
“The golden rules for success in working with people from Arab countries are many and varied but, once you understand and implement them, you will find that communication flows much more smoothly. If you are western, you must let others talk at length and be prepared to reply freely. You can also afford to be more emotional in your interactions - and more personal - as this is expected in Arab cultures. Interrupt when you like and be prepared to think aloud. All of these traits will be warmly welcomed and understood," explained Formstone.
www.imex-frankfurt.com/press.php

Media Contact during IMEX: Kit Watts, Mob +44 7968 417518 Email: kit@imex-frankfurt.com - Please refer to www.imex-frankfurt.com/pressoffice.html for a downloadable version of this press release. - Printed copies can be obtained from the IMEX Press Centre at Messe Frankfurt until April 24th - High-resolution photographs of IMEX 2008 can also be downloaded from the online press office, both during and after the exhibition.