Luxperience 2016 rundown
The fifth edition of Luxperience last month was deemed “the most successful yet”, with the luxury travel expo welcoming more than 1,100 visitors through the doors this year. Luxperience founder Helen Logas told travelbulletin that the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. “So many delegates sought me out to tell me this is the best show they have ever been to,” said Logas. “And already initial survey results are showing high satisfaction ratings and high return visits expected for Luxperience 2017; a vast and marked improvement from previous events.” Around 300 exhibitors from around the world displayed this year, amounting to an impressive 19% increase on floor space from the prior corresponding period. The event also saw a whopping 52% surge in new exhibitors, giving over 450 travel buyers from Australia and key global markets the opportunity to build new connections and business partners. In terms of overall buyer registrations this year, the event enjoyed a 20% uptick on the year prior – with 60% of these participants attending Luxperience for the first time. The Mice-focused Events by Luxperience, now in its second year, “is gaining strength and recognition” remarked Logas, with the program recording an overall increase of 20% in business event specialists and corporate buyers. The three-day, jam-packed program saw delegates partake in a series of business seminars, hosted by industry experts Samantha Foster of Healing Hotels of the World; Henry Weinreich Roth, a styling & personal brand consultant, and Annabelle Smith from Social Playground. “The sessions provided fresh and new perspectives on the topics for the delegates,” said Logas. “Everyone was buzzing and feeling totally inspired after the seminars.” A glittering gala dinner was held at the Four Points by Sheraton in Sydney on day two of the event, which saw some of the industry’s very best suit-up and don their finest frocks to celebrate their many achievements. Buyers and Exhibitors were recognised across several categories relating to Luxperience’s themes and values: “inspiring, meaningful, connections”. This year’s buyer winners included Zanadu, China; Down Under Endeavours, USA and Melbourne-based travel agency FBI Travel. In the exhibitor category, Alkina Lodge, Great Ocean Road Australia took home an accolade alongside Aqua Expeditions and India’s Orange County Hotels & Resorts. Tourism New Zealand enjoyed their second consecutive win of the Luxperience Tourism Destination Award, whilst also taking home the Exhibitor Award Best Custom Space above 19m². On the closing day of the experiential expo, it was announced that next year’s theme would be ‘transformational’, which will be reflected in Luxperience’s positioning for 2017: Through A New Lens. When asked what attendees can expect next year, Logas replied: “More exhibitors from amazing destinations, more buyers and more MICE – in essence it’s going to be bigger and better”. Luxperience 2017 will be held next year at Carriageworks from 17-20 September.
Already initial survey results are showing high satisfaction ratings and high return visits expected for 2017’ Luxperience