Waypoint is jointly owned by Stephen Richards and Philip Soar, who are both well known and respected in the exhibition sector.

Stephen Richards was the originator of The National Incentive Show, launched in 1997 as SPIN (Sales Promotion Incentive North) in Manchester, and has been involved with the Sales Promotion industry since 1992. He was also responsible for the launch of The National Venue Show (now Event UK). Stephen’s exhibition industry experience stretches back to 1986 and encompasses many business sectors.

Stephen Richards was approached by the NEC to fill the Autumn slot that has traditionally hosted a show in the promotions, incentives and motivations sector, although the new event will have a much broader marketing-focused remit.

Co-director Philip Soar is Chairman of the AEO (Association of Exhibition Organisers), non-executive chairman of Closerstill Media and director of French publisher Aurenis. He was also instrumental in the development and eventual sale of Spearhead to Reed Exhibitions in 2005 and Ithaca Media to UBM in 2007.

Speaking of the new exhibition, Stephen Richards said: “We have a dynamic marketing strategy for Incentives & Promotional Marketing – Live! The event will house its own central hub, comprising information point/association area and seminar theatre.

"Our target audience will be the general sales and marketing community (in addition to the specific buyer groups relevant to each industry) and the shows will offer intelligent marketing solutions relevant to all genres of integrated marketing campaigns. We will also be adding extra features and elements to the exhibition as other industry organisations become involved and the show evolves to accommodate their members and appeal to their target audiences.”

Incentives & Promotional Marketing – Live! is endorsed by the British Promotional Marketing Association (bpma). Speaking of the Association’s involvement, Gordon Glenister, director general of the BPMA said: "Incentives & Promotional Marketing – Live! is a brand new show with a strong marketing-led theme and fills a key slot in the pre-Christmas market. The bpma is delighted to endorse and support this show in 2010."

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