March 2008

B&B Network - Report on the B&B Expo Brussels

The B&B Network ® stand was manned by Assumpta O'Shea and Michael Sharpe.
This was our second year at the B&B Expo and the first thing we noticed this year was how much bigger it was - over 200 exhibitors.
Ireland was represented by Tourism Ireland and on the adjacent stand, the B&B Network
The only stand representing the UK was the B&B Network (one up for us).
Most other European countries had representation from individual B&Bs through regional B&B marketing associations and national associations.
Visitors came in their thousands to collect information, brochures and see the colourful stands promoting specific regions or destinations.
For those of you that sent biz cards and brochures - out of the thousands that we took with us only a few were left at the end of the 2 days.
I hope this results in some additional business for the members in the UK & Ireland that sent them to us. (literature that showed now affiliation to the B&B Network were decorated with a little B&B network sticker)
About 1,500 people picked up the brochure promoting the B&B Network - the numerous regional, last minute and special offers websites.
Our Theme - if you want bed and breakfast accommodation - the B&B Network is the place to LOOK and BOOK.
Media: there was much interest in the B&B Network and I'm sure we will benefit from the exposure in the European press. All in all we thought the show was much more sucessful for our members than last year when we were new to this style of show.
Visitors were hungry for information, particularly how they could browse and book on-line.
We would like to attend next year and have a bigger and better stand - perhaps our members would like to come and help out or display their B&B / Hotel on our stand. With low cost flights to Europe and reasonable accommodation costs this is very interesting prospect - let us know what you think
New Members On behalf of existing members, I would like to say a big welcome to the new members from Italy, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands that enroled during the Expo.

B&B Network at the B&B Expo 2008

RECORD NUMBER OF EXHIBITORS AT B&B EXPO 2008 IN BRUSSELS B&B EXPO 2008 will be the biggest international event where bed and breakfast and charming little hotels present their services to the public. For the third edition of this unique fair in March 2008, the number of exhibitors registered is achieving new records. More and more travellers discover the charm and the advantages of bed and breakfasts or small hotels. The quality of staying in a B&B and the personal attention are among the key reasons for many of us that are looking for a real break. More than 200 exhibitors will present their services during the next B&B EXPO in Brussels. This successful event is not only increasing its visitor number, more and more B&B holders consider the fair as an affordable marketing tool and a unique forum to meet colleagues and potential guests. With more and more people starting up B&B's or small hotels, this part of the tourist trade is becoming more professional and organised to respond to the market needs. "At this moment, there are already more exhibitors registered compared to last year and we receive every day more requests to participate" says Jean Pierre Vandevenne, manager of the event. "We have adapted the exhibition hall in order to be able to receive more than 200 exhibitors". B&B EXPO expects to exceed the number of 10,000 visitors to attend the event. Exhibitors for the third edition of B&B EXPO are coming from everywhere. Traditionally, a lot of French stand holders will be present but for next edition, Italian B&B's may outnumber the French delegation. B&B EXPO is however an international event with exhibitors also coming from Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Switzerland, Ireland, Czech Republic, Slavakia, Bulgaria, Morocco and even from long distance destinations such as Brazil, the USA, Costa Rica, Thailand or South Africa. Apart from a number of new destinations that will be attending the event, more and more B&B's and hotels will also present special interest holidays such as ecological holidays, active holidays, B&B's specialised for bikers, luxury stays at castles or affordable holidays in the country. B&B EXPO will take place 15th and 16th March 2008 at Brussels Expo in Brussels. The B&B Network can be found on stand 60