British Motor Show is the UK’s number 1 Consumer show

Independent figures, published today by the ABC, have confirmed that the Total Attendance for last year's British International Motor Show at ExCeL London was 415,356, comprising 393,889 visitors of which 68% paid and 32% attended the show via complimentary tickets.

Rather than counting the exhibitor personnel on a multiple basis, imie – 2006 show organisers – chose to audit the number of exhibitor personnel at The British International Motor Show on a single visit basis (18,575). Under new ABC regulations introduced in January, either single or multiple counts are allowable provided an accurate auditable count of exhibitor attendance is made as opposed to an estimate on multiple counts which was allowed under previous audit rules. The audit also reveals that The British International Motor Show attracted 2,892 press attendees.

Further research conducted by imie reveals that 23% of the journalists who attended were from overseas. The same research shows that the quality of the audience was also much higher than in previous years with more than half the audience being AB status. The Total Attendance figure for the 2006 show is a 26% increase on the 2004 Motor Show when counted on a like-for-like basis.

imie were pleased to submit their records to the scrutiny of an independent audit. ABC audited data provides the events industry with a trusted and robust currency on which to trade and delivers to the market independent assurance that an event is attracting the size of audience that it claims. Using these figures The British International Motor Show can accurately benchmark its attendance against other events and exhibitions in the UK, particularly important now Britain has reaffirmed its status in the premier league of global auto shows.

‘The Motor show is officially the largest consumer exhibition in the UK by the number of audited visitors and square meterage, and what a great show it was,' commented imie co-managing director Rob Mackenzie. 'As well as a dozen global launches, our audited figures prove we hosted 205 exhibiting companies in 85,195 square metres of indoor and outdoor exhibition space.

'It's very clear that the spotlight was on The British International Motor Show and we’re proud to have submitted our attendance to independent audit. Obviously we're delighted with the results. Most importantly, those that came had a fabulous time! Work is already underway to build on our success and make 2008 an even better show for visitors and exhibitors alike.'

Jan Pitt, Director of Exhibitions at ABC said: ‘We were delighted to have been asked to audit last year’s Motor Show. imie is delivering both comparability and transparency by becoming a member of ABC and committing to having the Motor Show’s figures independently audited. ABC audited event figures continue to provide an important tool to support exhibitors in their decisions as to which shows to attend.’

2008 dates for the Motor Show have been confirmed as 23rd July – 3rd August, with international press day scheduled for 22nd July. Motor Show will remain at the excellent ExCeL London centre in the docklands, which will also host five Olympic events come 2012 and the international media centre.