Visitors to Event UK were up by seven per cent despite there being fewer staff on exhibition stands, according to the latest figures.

The results, which are still subject to audit, were hailed by Event UK director Duncan Reid as a sign of the show's resilience in "the deepest recession in decades".

He said that total attendance, including exhibitors, stood at 3,688, although the size of the show was down by ten per cent.

Mr Reid added that around 300 companies had exhibition stands at the event, although there were less personnel on the stalls, which he suggested could be a result of a reduced workforce in the industry.

He also insisted that event organisers would not be changing the format of the show in future years.

"We feel we have created a product that can continue to grow in the long term and bring people back in 2010 and beyond as we improve the event in line with Confex Group standards," he said.

Meanwhile, a poll by Conference and Incentive Travel magazine found that almost half of corporate and agency buyers expect business to pick up over the next 12 months.

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