5 Best Christmas Fairs in Europe

Although smaller than many exhibitions and fairs, with Christmas fast approaching, Christmas markets around Europe will be one way in which traders and business people will be looking to attract custom in the coming weeks. Ever since the Middle Ages Christmas markets have existed and these days, across Europe, over 2 million visitors are said to flock to these fairs. Below we take a look at 5 of the best Christmas Fairs in Europe.

Nuremberg
The Christkindlmarkt in Nuremburg is a truly traditional Christmas fair which has a history spanning 400 years and is one of the most visited in Europe’s. There can be up to 200 stalls lining the square of the Old Town and has a proper festive atmosphere with trees covered in lights and decorations. For families visiting the market there is the Kinderweihnacht (children’s market), here there are historic activities to take part in, including steam powered rides and merry-go-rounds.

Cologne
During the Christmas period there are seven markets around the city, with the most popular being the market ‘Am Dom’ set in front of the towering cathedral. Positioned around a vast Christmas tree there are around 160 stalls offering a range of yuletide arts, crafts and decorations. There is also a ‘Home of the Gnomes’ situated in the Old Town, which is entwined in legend, as Cologne is said to be home of the Christmas Elves, due to their outstanding craftwork.

Vienna
The classic Christmas fair of Vienna is situated in front of the magnificent Town Hall. Not only is it one of the most popular in Europe, but also one of the oldest, dating back over 700 years. The surrounding park is a highlight, with decorated trees, themed lights, pony rides and gingerbread men. There are also many more events going on including nativity plays and concerts which all add to the romance of the city during the advent season. This is also combined with the aromas of chestnuts, cotton candy, Christmas punch and a backdrop of artistic fairy tale scenes.

Dresden
Dresden is the oldest Christmas market in Germany, first occurring in 1434. There is an old fashion market with around 250 stalls; however the highlight of the annual fair is the Stollen Festival. This occurs on the second Sunday and incorporates a huge stolen cake taken to the market, sliced and passed out to all the visitors.

Prague
Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square in Prague provide the perfect backdrop to the festivities and this classic Christmas market in Prague. As well as a medieval setting and Germanic-themed festive stalls, traditions are also kept alive with food delicacies such as Christmas cakes and biscuits and traditional soups and stews.

5 Annual Exhibitions in London you must attend

One of the great things about London is its diversity and this spreads to all aspects of life within the city, including the exhibitions which take place here. Around the city there are countless exhibition venues, all of which host a large number of events each year and which cater for all different interests and tastes. Below is a look at 5 of the best exhibitions in London each year.

World Travel Market - This is one of the leading events for the travel industry internationally and has been staged annually in London since 1980. This show regularly attracts in excess of 50,000 visitors both from the trade and general public. This event showcases every aspect of the travel industry, including the latest developments and issues. Vendors from around the world exhibit at this show and for those of you who love to travel, destinations from every corner of the world are represented. More on the World Travel Market.

International Food and Drink Exhibition London - The IFE event is one of the largest gatherings of food and drinks suppliers to occur anywhere in the world each year. Over 1000 exhibitors descend upon the Excel Centre in London to display their products, with the idea of increasing customer awareness and to build their client base. This event is a must for any food and drink lover, with the opportunity to sample everything from cheeses from around the world, and various new wines, through to local delicacies and specialities.

London Art Fair - This celebrated event has been running annually for 23 years and is an event which highlights the best British contemporary art. Over 200 galleries tend to exhibit at this event, with art work from the 20th and 21st century, including a section of artistic photographs. This fair focuses on Modern art and takes place again in January 2012.

British Fitness Expo - This is a relatively new show but is one which has fast gained a good reputation within the fitness industry. Normally taking place each March in London's Excel Exhibition Centre, the event now combines various competitive events with an exhibition area.

London Coin Fair - Coin collecting is one of the most popular hobbies internationally and the London Coin fair is considered by many to be the best coin fair in the UK. This show provides a wonderful opportunity to expand ones collection, to meet with coin experts and to learn about various issues and opportunities for the coin industry. Whilst the show is a great opportunity to purchase coins, there are also a number of exhibitors displaying coins for show purpose only which will appeal to the inquisitive nature of all coin collectors.

Guide to the FOOTBALL EXPO 2011 (International Spotlight)

Football is not only a sport but is also a huge industry these days and one which sees millions of pounds change hands each year. One International event which helps to accommodate this huge business market is ‘Footecon’.

Taking place this year on the 6th and 7th of December 2011 at the Hotel Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Football Expo (Footecon 2011) is now is its 8th year. It is an established event in the sporting and business calendar and offers a number of exciting networking opportunities, as well as opportunities to exchange experiences and updates on current trends in the football market. There are also a number of guest speakers, with one of this year’s key note speakers being Jurgen Klinnsman (the famous German international).

The event is coordinated by well renowned coach Alberto Parreira and convenes every year to welcome leading football managers, governing body officials, media, investors and other football professionals. Former conferences have included sports marketing meetings, the meetings of club physicians and physiotherapists, refereeing forums and tends always to include an impressive selection of presentations. The 2011 Football Expo is scheduled to include discussions and presentations on Sport Psychology in Football, Football as a health promoter and football in relation to community projects.

This is a comibation of events brought together, with an exhibition, conference and forums taking place in the one venue. The exhibition area is a great meeting area and it provides a great venue for enabling representatives from every level of the football market, to showcase products and services. Organisations involved in showcasing their products and services have in the past included stadium management companies, sports medicine developers, marketing groups, various international and regional federations. Expect at this year's event also to see an exhibition by the 2014 World Cup host cites.

This event does have a large emphasis on Brazilian football but it is also very much an International event and if you are connected to the Football industry in any way, this is an event worth attending if you have the opportunity. With the show based in Rio de Janeiro, getting to the city is relatively simply in terms of air routes. The city has connections worldwide into Rio de Janeiro airport including with the main airlines from cities such as London and Dublin.

You might also be interested in learning about:

• The Rio Centro Exhibition Centre in Brazil.
• Buying exhibitions stands for Brazil exhibitions and conferences.
  

Guide to the CLOTHES SHOW LIVE 2011

Held in the NEC in Birmingham each year, the Clothes Show Live is a huge fashion event which attracts a great deal of media attention and is recognised as one of the most significant fashion events in the UK. This is one of the biggest exhibitions still to take place in 2011 and what a show it is.

The Clothes Show Live evolved from the TV show of the same name, which appeared on terrestrial television up until the year 2000 and is now broadcast on satellite TV. The main structure of the television programme was to report on the latest catwalk activity from around the world and advise viewers on how they could achieve the look of the models on display. The Clothes Show Live is very much in keeping with these origins, with large catwalk displays as well as the opportunity for designers to showcase their latest designs to buyers and members of the public, who can freshen up their wardrobe as well as their overall look.

The Clothes Show Live is more than just a display of fashionable clothes, there are many fantastic features which provide the show with a well rounded look and make it appeal to such a broad audience. Some of the most significant features are the Suzuki Catwalk Stage, which sees celebrity presenters and music acts take to the stage to introduce dynamic fashion displays, the opportunity to visit celebrity hairdressers to get that celebrity look, the style studio which will give you a total makeover and a customisation station which will help you to adapt your new purchases to fit you exactly as you wish. There are of course plenty of retail opportunities at the event, with the option to buy various clothing and fashion accessories or to simply enjoy the bars and restaurants scattered around.