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INDEX

26 Nov 2009

INDEX 2009 sees a 5% increase in visits per day versus the previous year

The new INDEX team spent the first part of 2009 consulting with key INDEX visitors and exhibitors. As a direct result of this feedback, INDEX was repositioned to focus more on design and innovation and serving the needs of trade buyers.

 

Prior to the show, the INDEX team was careful to note that this new strategy would mean fewer visitors but that they would be relevant trade buyers and have significant budget responsibility. The result was a resounding success: the initial draft of our data shows that 19,617 unique visitors attended INDEX 2009 versus 21,851 in 2008. The 19,617 visitors accounted for 25,456 visits versus 30,348 in 2008.

 

“The numbers speak for themselves. The four day format and the new focus on the trade was a resounding success. Not only did INDEX 2009 attract 5% more visits per day than in 2008, but the quality was significantly better than in 2008. Exhibitors were delighted with the purchasing power of our visitors.” said Lu Buchanan, Event Director

 

The new VIP programme contributed to the quality of the visitors. Over the course of the year, the INDEX team identified the key decision makers working on the GCC’s largest projects and put together a programme of benefits to ensure they attended. This resulted in 448 interior designers working on the Gulf’s biggest projects attending the show.

 

Buchanan continued: “The success of this year’s INDEX confirms Dubai’s role as the region’s premier business hub. With the sixth busiest international airport in the world, a brand new Metro and over 50,000 hotel rooms, Dubai remains the best location in the Gulf for international trade shows.”