More exhibitors resulted in RSVP moving to the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre in 2007, producing a mixed reaction from exhibitors, with some believing the intimacy created at the smaller venue used previously was lost this time around.
Buyers on the other hand were highly impressed, believing the new, larger venue did little to damage the success of the event, now in its third year. In fact, many said they preferred the new facility.
There was a total of 249 exhibitors this year with visitors exceeding 5800 which was a significant rise from 2006.
Visitor Anna Tilley of Medtronic Australasia said the venue and RSVP was conveniently located, and there was so much to see and do while Chrissy Ynfante of Vivid Spaces said she was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the event.
“I have to attend a lot of trade shows, and this by far is the best and most useful one,” she said.
“[It was] completely worth my time and effort.”
Telstra’s Michael Cashin agreed, saying RSVP gets better each year while Emma Coles of Stockland said she received plenty of ideas from attending the event and was booking business sourced from the event shortly after its conclusion.
The majority of exhibitors were also happy with the format and the event in 2007. Eventsound’s Keith Clarkson said RSVP was a great medium for the young company to gain exposure within the events industry.
Maui Jim’s Nick Maynard was also complimentary, saying RSVP continues to be the clear leader in shows catering to the business events market.
“This year we secured significant business in just the first few hours. Once again the calibre of visitors was very high,” he said.
Mudgee Regional Events’ Scott Forsyth said the event paid for itself in the first 45 minutes of the show.
But another exhibitor, who did not wish to be named, said the event was a waste of time for him in 2007.
“I talked to a lot of people, had a lot of people on my stand, but I haven’t had any business as a direct result of participating in the event. It is expensive for a small operator like myself, and so I will really have to think about whether I will be participating again next year,” he said.
“I think that some of the atmosphere was lost in moving to a larger venue.”
Single Market Events’ Richard Wright said additional emphasis would be placed on the design of the show in 2008.
After dark
The very exclusive after dark party held at Home Nightclub in Darling Harbour produced a mixed reaction from participants, with many saying the venue was too small for the number of invitees and that getting food and drinks was a struggle.
Seminar program
The seminar program, on the other hand, was given plenty of praise by guests, who found a great range of topics and some exceptional presenters.
esp Sydney
esp Sydney was held at the same time as RSVP, albeit at the other end of the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre. This was Single Market Events’ first foray into an exhibition dedicated to PAs and office professionals.
With a total of 96 exhibitors, visitors totalled 1883 which is probably not a bad start for a first-time event. Obviously there would have been some cross-over between visitors who attended both shows.
esp offered different seminars to RSVP, focusing more on personal and professional development with topics including life coaching, climbing the career ladder, style and fashion advice, going green, work/life balance, networking, conflict management, and corporate hospitality.
Fashion parades and “makeovers” were clearly a hit with the largely female audience.
RSVP 08 and esp will be held at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre on July 2 and 3, 2008. Visit www.rsvpevent.com.au and www.espevent.com.au for regular updates.
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