Banking Technology Event (MEFTEC) off to a flying start

With almost half of the available exhibition space snapped up within three weeks of launch, organisers of MEFTEC 2008 have expanded the size of the exhibition by almost 30 per cent, which is on top of the 25 per cent growth recorded in 2007.

The successful launch of MEFTEC 2008 is the latest milestone for the record-setting event that has made rapid strides since its debut in 2004 to become one of the world's leading financial technology events.

'We are delighted by the fantastic response to the 2008 event,' said Paul Stott, Managing Director of Media Generation Exhibitions Ltd, organisers of MEFTEC. 'The rebooking rate is exceptionally high and repeat exhibitors are booking larger stands. In addition, many first-time participants are vying for exhibit and sponsorship opportunities. With still eight months to go before the show opens its doors, MEFTEC is on course to sell out in record time.'

The robust growth of the event comes on the back of the burgeoning demand for financial technology across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region. During 2007-2008, banks & financial institutions in the MEASA region are expected to spend close to US$6 billion on IT, with GCC banks accounting for almost 25% of this expenditure.

To enable market players to connect more effectively, MEFTEC 2008 is introducing a raft of new features, including an expanded, US$500,000 Hosted Delegate Programme®, a meetings facilitation service and extended exhibit hours. An augmented conference programme is also being planned to provide a more intensive coverage of the financial industry, including insurance and capital markets, besides banking.

The Hosted Delegate Programme®, the industry's foremost business club, continues to evolve; in 2008, the programme is expected to draw more than 800 participants, including up to 300 fully hosted delegates from 35 countries.

'Although the numbers are growing by the year, our focus remains on quality rather than quantity. We are committed to delivering the highest quality buyers and, in doing so, retaining our standing as the most exclusive and prestigious event in the financial technology industry.'

MEFTEC 2008 takes place 11-12 February 2008 at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (Hall 1). The event is organised in association with the Bahrain Exhibition & Convention Authority (BECA) and held under the auspices of the Central Bank of Bahrain.

About MEFTEC:

MEFTEC is the world's premier financial technology event, with a specific focus on the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region and increasing participation from other high-growth international markets. Powered by an invitation-only Hosted Delegate Programme®, MEFTEC brings together financial technology leaders for a bespoke learning, networking and business experience that blends an industry-leading conference with a tightly focused exhibition and high-class social functions.

A prestigious and exclusive event, MEFTEC is run like a private club with delegate admission limited to the financial industry's finest IT buyers, and exhibitor attendance to an elite band of leading-edge financial technology vendors.

A central feature of MEFTEC is its highly coveted, invitation-only Hosted Delegate Programme®, as part of which professionals operating in the utmost echelons of IT in the financial industry attend as Hosted Delegates and enjoy complimentary admission to the event. A large number of these executives are fully hosted with their flights, accommodation and transfers organised by MEFTEC. In doing so, MEFTEC not only maximises the executives' time - enabling them to focus on their objectives - but also delivers a guaranteed audience of the highest calibre to the exhibiting vendors. The result: a highly targeted, time-efficient and carefully choreographed event that allows participants to achieve a year's worth of contacts in just two days.

For further information on MEFTEC, please contact:

Saud Ghayas
Media Generation Exhibitions Ltd.
11a Princes Square
Harrogate HG1 1ND, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 7923 257172
Fax: +44 (0) 1423 524 544
mediageneration.co.uk

This release was published on openPR.