MAY 2012www.exhibitionnews.co.uk 3CONTENTSWhat you can't afford to miss this monthPeople and issues18  IntervIew Mark Shashoua, head of the newly branded i2i Events Group, tells how the group is restructuring for global success25 reSeArCH The first in a new series of research pieces looks at metrics to help exhibition organisers measure visitor interest 34  mAIn feAtureWe profile five pioneers of the live events game who have set out to bring a different brand of business benefits to their customersIndustry watch17  m&ASteve Monnington investigates how to maximise success after the merger or acquisition is done 43  BuSIneSS ClInICAMR on measuring the value of visitor time, sales tips, business wins, and Stoneleigh Park's Ian Pegler shares his best and worst47  InduStry vIewAEO chairman Stephen Brooks reflects on how the industry has changed in the last two decades 48  yOur SAy The battle between large and small suppliers, sustainability awareness and your top tweets53  eXHIBItIOn lIfeAll the latest people moves54  lASt wOrdLatest news and views06  tOp newS StOrIeS15  InternAtIOnAl newSFood show Alimentaria overcomes Spanish general strike, ITE adds to its Ukrainian portfolio, and more20  fOOd fOr tHOuGHtGetting in the right hosted buyers22  SHOw CASeGadget Show Live's event director puts his feet up from his 300-mile charity walk to explain its success22 Pole positionThe home of the British Grand Prix has roared off the starting blocks with its new Silverstone Wing, which is set to move into a higher gear as an events venue Glittering prizeA four-page special of the sparkling moments from our annual awards at Olympia's new West Hall27 ?39

> Attractive and open to the world> 24/7 Customer focused service> Top-class business environment> 27,500 Hotel rooms> Exciting and charming city> 1,250 Restaurants> Rich cultural program> 106 Theatres and museums> Lively night lifeYOU'RE AN ORGANISER. CREATE AN IMPACT WITH YOUR EVENT.PLANNING, MARKETING AND OPERATIONS ARE KEY PRINCIPLES REQUIRED TO REACH YOUR GOALS. HOWEVER, TO ACHIEVE ASSURED SUCCESS YOU NEED TO ADD REAL VALUE. TAKE A STEP FORWARD AND RAISE YOUR EVENT TO THE NEXT LEVEL.AMSTERDAM RAI CONVENTION CENTRE. WE WELCOME YOU TO OUR CITY.SUCCESS FORMULA FOR A GREATER IMPACTADDED VALUE > HOSPITALITYContact us for more information at +31 20 549 12 12, welcome@rai.nl or visit www.rai.nl