The aisles buzzed with excitement at Travel Technology Europe last week, as over 3,000 visitors met around 80 exhibitors at Earls Court for an action packed two-day live event.
The largest event of its kind in Europe, Travel Technology Europe, saw exhibiting suppliers of reservation systems, digital marketing and other technology applications meet with new prospects, catch up with existing clients, exchange business cards and seal deals with travel technology buyers.
Among the 80 exhibitors on the Show floor were Amadeus, Cloudworks, Codegen, Comtec, Dolphin Dynamics, Evolvi, Micros Travel, Multicom, Travelnotifier, Web Applications and Ypsilon.
Mike Sherrard, Managing Director of Centaur Travel Group said: “There was definitely a buzz around this year’s show and a lot of good quality conversations going on. Visitor numbers were significantly up compared with the last few years and this was reflected in the attendance levels at both our seminar programmes with all sessions full to bursting.”
The Travolution Theatre hosted by the Show’s official media partner, Travolution, was bursting at the seams with visitors wanting to learn the latest on mobile apps, search marketing, social networking and many more hot topics.
Lee Hayhurst, Head of News at TW Group, which publishes Travolution said: “I’m really delighted with the response we’ve had to our seminar programme. It has been standing room only in almost all the sessions and a great deal of interest in all the topics.
“A big theme for me from this year has been a trend towards personalisation of the web. Where websites serve up information and products tailored to the profile of individual users. It has also been noticeable the number of people using tablet PCs this year. The iPad is definitely the must-have gizmo of the moment. I see a connection between the two and think the tablet PCs will be a driver for increased personalisation on the web.”
Exhibitors and visitors were on a high following the success of the Show.
Exhibitor, Patrick Healy, Vice President of Hypertech Solutions said: “The quality of the people we’ve seen has been very good, we’ve spoken to a lot of decision-makers and people with influence. We’ve generated some good leads from all over the world, from Latvia, Germany Brazil and America.
“TTE offers a chance to talk face-to-face with potential customers about their requirements with a view to going into things deeper after the Show.”
Visitor Peter Burden, Finance Director for Tour Operator Venue Holidays said: “The Show has been ideal for us because we are looking to purchase a new booking system that gives us the ability to make online sales and to develop our web presence.
“Almost all the people we need to speak to are here, so I can get around and see them all in day. I’ve already had some good conversations and coming here has been really useful.”
Visitor Mark Stanghorn, Head of XML Development for hotels4U.com said: “TTE provides an ideal one point of contact for me. It’s a chance to connect with partners and to catch-up with them. Usually they are spread around the country but today they are all in one place.
“It’s also a chance to see what other companies are doing and to find out about any new technology applications on the market”
Chris Lewis, Corporate Sales Manager for Micros-Travel, picked up the TTE Innovation Award for the second year running for their SABSCorporate online travel procurement software. He said: “Because this award is voted for by the industry, it is very flattering to receive it. There was some stiff competition and to win it vindicates all the hard work we have put into our product.
“We’ve had a good quality of visitor this year and will definitely turn around some good business on the back of it.”
Thank you to all visitors, exhibitors, speakers and partners for making Travel Technology Europe a success. The Show will be returning next year to Earls Court on 7 – 8 February 2012.