As the industry gears up for RWM’s return to the Birmingham NEC this autumn (14 to 16 September 2010), official statistics published by the Audit Bureau of Circulations reveal that last year’s exhibition (RWM 09) was indeed a record breaker, attracting more visitors than ever before. In its fifth consecutive year of growth, RWM drew 9,781 visitors, representing an eight per cent increase on 2008. Exhibitor numbers were also at an all time high with over 500 stands.

Further analysis of the ABC audit reveals that the show’s international audience has grown by nine per cent and attendance by decision-maker level visitors (Director or equivalent) increased by more than 10 per cent, amounting to more than a third of the overall visitor attendance.

Meanwhile a survey* of RWM 09 visitors  found that four out of 10 actually expected their budgets to increase, even in this tough climate.

"The ABC audit and the feedback from our visitors justify RWM’s reputation as the environmental sector’s premier event and explain why over 70 per cent of stand space for this year’s show has already been booked,” said event director Gerry Sherwood. “RWM plays a central role as a business and ideas exchange for a thriving industry and we are working hard to ensure that RWM 10 continues to deliver a quality event for exhibitors and visitors alike."

RWM 10 takes place from 14 to 16 September 2010 at the Birmingham NEC. Entry remains free of charge. For more information visit www.rwmexhibition.com

Photographs: A comprehensive selection of photographs of RWM 09 is available on request from Iona Communications (see below) or can be downloaded from: http://www.ionaftp.com/emap/RWM09/RWM_09_Show/

*Over 1,200 responses, September 2009

Press contact:
Anna Dunbar or Doug Bentall, Iona Communications Ltd, Tel: 01892 512481 E-mail: anna@ionacommunications.com or doug@ionacommunications.com

About Emap Connect: Emap Connect houses the UK’s biggest exhibitions portfolio plus the world’s most powerful advertising festival, Cannes Lions. Exhibition brands include RWM, Spring Fair, Autumn Fair, Premier Kids, Interbuild and BETT. Emap Connect facilitates face-to-face interaction for business communities, either to buy and sell things, to share knowledge or to scrutinise new business ideas. See www.emap.com