exhibitions: general exhibition news: CIBTM leads industry week
CIBTM leads industry week
Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) has announced that its upcoming China Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings (CIBTM) exhibition will lead a dedicated China Meetings Week. Backed by the China National Tourism Administration and Beijing Municipal Government, as well as industry associations such as MPI, ICCA and Site, China Meetings Week will run from August 30 to September 3at the China National Convention Center (CNCC) in Beijing.
Last year’s CIBTM proved that exhibitors, hosted buyers and trade visitors were thirsty for knowledge of the sector and international business practices. China Meetings Week aims to deliver on all these.
“CIBTM and China Meetings Week provide a dedicated five-day business platform focused on the rapidly expanding and developing Chinese outbound market. Our renowned, award-winning international hosted buyer programme, extensive education sessions and unrivalled networking opportunities will provide the best showcase of the meetings industry in the region,” said Jeffrey Xu, event director, CIBTM.
China Meetings Week will start with a full-day Site conference on August 30. This will be followed by the CIBTM Professional Education Programme - featuring guest speakers from MPI, ICCA, AIPC, Wild China and MICE China. Day one on Tuesday August 31 will focus on association buyers and general industry trends, including the unique findings of the CIBTM industry research; day two on corporate buyers focusing on return on investment and procurement, and day three on agencies. The comprehensive programme will provide delegates with the latest in industry trends and developments, best practices for planning meetings and a daily technology session.
China Meetings Week will also play host to a CEO lunch bringing together CEOs from governmental organisations and industry associations. This will be the first industry CEO gathering for the meetings industry in China.
In addition, an ICCA Forum for Young Professionals is planned for China Meetings Week – an initiative aiming to bring together 20 young industry professionals from China for debates, discussions, lectures and group challenges.
An impressive list of international exhibitors – both first timers and those taking additional space – have signed up to attend CIBTM. Exhibitors already confirmed include GHM Hotels, Hong Kong Tourism Board, Korea Tourism Organisation, M Events, Macau Government Tourist Office, Marriott International Inc., Meet Taiwan, Philippine Tourism Office, SACEOS, Sicilia Convention Bureau, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau, Toerisme Vlaanderen, Tourism Ireland and the Vienna Convention Bureau.
“CIBTM again provides a terrific opportunity to meet and build relationships with buyers not only from China, but also from overseas. This meetings-focused show is ‘A’ grade quality and always hits the main objectives of the hotels that participate from our group," said John Toomey, regional director, global sales Greater China, Marriott International.
Middle East destinations such as Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and Government of Dubai have also recognised the importance of CIBTM in highlighting one of the fastest developing regions for meetings and incentives.
“Last year, CIBTM welcomed a record attendance of 4,978 which included more than 260 exhibitors from 28 countries, 3,238 trade visitors and 231 hosted buyers from 25 countries. We are confident this year we will see continued growth in the event as the Chinese government, private sector, local and regional authorities and international industry associations recognise the massive opportunities open to China’s expanding meetings sector,” Xu said.
“CIBTM will be the key generator in providing professional education as well as networking events to create a week of activities to enable the meetings industry in China to continue to grow and flourish.”
