IDMF and Internet World were co-located  at Earls Court 2 this year

The bitter row between organisers of the International Direct Marketing Fair (IDMF) and Internet World has intensified, with the latter (organised by CMP) accusing the former (organised by Reed Exhibitions) of a “futile and desperate” attempt to poach next year's custom by launching the Ecommerce & Digital Marketing Expo.

Internet World organiser CMP is furious that Reed is staging the opposing event on the same dates as Internet World in 2009, especially since both will be held at venues owned by Earls Court & Olympia (EC&O), which is contractually forbidden.

CMP is locked in talks with EC&O “to get the issue resolved”, although has so far refused to comment on whether it is seeking compensation or to attempt to get Reed's new show cancelled. “We are disappointed at (EC&O's) unwillingness to follow well-established, long standing industry protocol,” says Mark Snell, divisional director of CMP. “It would be inappropriate at this stage to comment on hypothetical outcomes but we are involved in a dialogue.”

He continues, “We welcome competition, but it is in nobody's interest, neither customers nor exhibitors, to have two shows fighting head on, on the same dates.” EC&O declined to comment.

The row first became apparent at the co-located exhibitions, held at Earls Court 2 between April 28 and May 1. Whilst the two shows have run side by side at Earl's Court for the past three years the organisers announced that they would part ways, with IDMF staying at Earls Court and Internet World moving to Olympia's Grand Hall.

Reed also announced that it would compete head-to-head with Internet World in 2009 by launching the Ecommerce & Digital Marketing Expo to run alongside the IDMF. The split originated from a row over space; CMP had requested more floor space at Earls Court 2 for Internet World, but Reed refused. Reed has since stated its disappointment over CMP's decision to move Internet World to Olympia.

“We had a co-location agreement which they decided to break, so as far as we're concerned we're now on a level playing field,” says Alastair Gornall, chief executive of Reed Exhibitions.

 

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