Double industry recognition for Brightonian entrepreneur

Brighton-born businessman Ray Bloom, a director of Brighton and Hove Albion, has received both national and international recognition for his achievements in the global meetings and events industry. 

Ray Bloom, founder and Chairman of Hove-based exhibition organisers, the IMEX Group, was honoured with the Pioneer Award at the Exhibition News Awards in London last week.  

Nicola Macdonald, editor of Exhibition News, explains: “Ray is a true pioneer of the exhibition industry, growing truly global, trailblazing events while still remaining the approachable, personable and passionate face of the brand. We were thrilled to recognise him for his lifelong contribution.” 

Later this week in Munich (Friday March 29) he is also set to be welcomed into the Hall of Fame of one of Germany’s leading publications in the meeting and events industry, ICJ mice magazine. 

This double-award win recognises the IMEX Group’s ongoing success as organiser of the world’s two leading global exhibitions in this sector, one in Frankfurt and one in Las Vegas.  

The IMEX Group was launched in Brighton by Ray in 2000 and has grown rapidly with staff increasing from 15 to 65 contributing over £5 million to the local economy each year. The company now has growth aspirations to expand and is looking to relocate to new premises locally creating up to 25 new jobs. 

Ray Bloom explains: “As a Brightonian, I’m proud of my home city and the Albion and have life-long links here. Giving back to Brighton and creating a local legacy is important to me, that’s why we intend to relocate locally.”  

Picture caption: Ray Bloom, Chairman of the IMEX Group, receives the Exhibition News Pioneer Award 2019 from Julian Agostini, Managing Director of Mash Media, owners of Exhibition News.