IMEX14: the Economic Impact of Events

by Pádraic Gilligan, Managing Partner, SoolNua I got the moves like Jagger The dance floor was packed like a mosh pit with more moves going on than a nation of nomads. The band was tight and tidy, dishing out tasty versions of 60s Brit pop with Jaggeresque arrogance. As we punched the air to “Satisfaction”… Read more »

IMEX Frankfurt – what happens before the doors opens

by Pádraic Gilligan, Managing Partner, SoolNua From zero to hero When I departed Salzburg late on Saturday afternoon rain was general all over the city. It was also raining in my heart. I felt gouged by the €4.20 I was charged at the airport there for a crappy cappuccino and devastated that Arsenal was down… Read more »

Site at 40 – Annual Conference, Orlando 2013

by Padraic Gilligan, Vice President, Ovation Global DMC Dreamy blue The sky is a hazy shade of light blue with a vague line of pale orange stretching across its horizon. Still and fresh, the air is pregnant with promise. I’m sitting in a big ass Escalade en route to the airport, watching in wonder as… Read more »

IMEX13 – 5 reasons why IMEX is a great meetings industry exhibition

by Padraic Gilligan, Vice President, Ovation Global DMC and Vice President, Industry Relations, MCI After 4 intense days of full-on immersion in meetings industry matters, IMEX13 has finally drawn to a conclusion. Reporting a 27% increase on IMEX12, the exhibition has certainly come of age taking an undisputed primary position in the global meetings and… Read more »

IMEX America: rumours of the demise of the trade show greatly exaggerated.

by Padraic Gilligan, Vice President, Industry Relations, MCI and Vice President Ovation Global DMC In the euphoric after-glow of IMEX America Lindsay Fultz’s provocative piece on why she doesn’t attend, exhibit or sponsor trade shows and events provides a nice counter-point [access here]. Now Marketing Manager for LoveIt, an LA based technology start up (looks… Read more »

Back in Las Vegas – IMEX12: the prelude

by Padraic Gilligan, Vice President, Industry Relations, MCI and Vice President, Ovation Global DMC I start getting into the mood for Las Vegas when I see archive footage on BBC4 of The Steve Gibbons Band performing their one-hit-wonder “Tulane”. Neither the band nor the title of the song has any connection with Las Vegas so… Read more »