However, speaking on the eve of the show, event director Trevor Crawford's optimism for the event was tempered by the news that the latest Eyjafjallajökull eruption in Iceland, and the resultant ash cloud, could close many UK air- ports. A strike by British Airways staff could cause further chaos.

"With all the problems we've been, and are going, through, eco- nomic and travel, it's amazing that we've hit that level of pre-registra- tions," said Crawford.

As this issue of IpexDaily went to press, London airports and Birmingham International were open, but there were fears that this could change if the cloud contin- ued on its current trajectory.

However, the ash cloud from the latest eruption, which was consid- erably smaller than April's, is expected to have dissipated by Wednesday. Talks were also ongo- ing between BA and union Unite, with a view to averting the strike.

Visitors from 168 countries are set to descend on the NEC over the next eight days, but with some of those potentially impacted by the ash cloud and strike, IIR has set up an emergency travel advisor.

"There's a lot of misinformation out there, so we've dedicated one individual to ensure the Ipex web- site is regularly updated, to field enquiries and offer some practical solutions," said Crawford.

The travel advisor will be availa- ble in the travel centre, which is in the Atrium next to the hall 6 entrance, or on 020 3377 3730.