exhibitions: EIBTM reports: EIBTM 2010 revving up
EIBTM 2010 revving up
EIBTM 2010 will open its doors in Barcelona on 30 November and on the back of record 2009 audited figures, the leading international event for the meetings industry has many new exhibitors, rebookings and exhibitors confirming increased space.
“The show has become a ‘must attend’ event for the European MICE buyer,” said Neal Jones, vice president Marriott International, Global Sales, Europe. “As our global hotel expansion continues at an aggressive pace, it is critical we continue to forge strong partnerships with these very important and valuable customers. EIBTM offers a strong platform to achieve this.”
Leading hotel groups that have signed up to EIBTM 2010 include GHM Hotels, AC Hotels SA, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, IHG, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, The Rezidor Hotel Group, NH Hotels, Zacchera Hotels, Preferred Hotel Group, Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Plc.
Following a highly successful EIBTM 2009, a number of exhibitors have increased their stand space including Oman with a 30 percent increase; Uruguay, 25 percent; Visit Scotland, 12.5 percent; Preferred Hotel Group, 38 percent; and Allied Europe, Europes premier destination management company, up 60 percent.
Congresses and convention bureaus are represented by Bonn/Rhein-Sieg/Ahrweiler, Valencia, Taiwan, Iceland, Cuba and Nurnberg. Some first time exhibitors include Lithuanian Exhibition and Convention Centre (LITEXPO), Principal Hayley and Indian tour operator Incent Tours.
Last years post-event research highlighted that 96 percent of exhibitors were satisfied with EIBTM and the same figure satisfied with the quality of appointments.
“With more than 80 percent of space already taken for this year’s show, it is clear that the industry is in an optimistic and upbeat frame of mind as meetings professionals around the world recognise the importance of attending EIBTM to create new business opportunities,” said Graeme Barnett, EIBTM’s new event director. “As the flagship event of Reed Travel Exhibitions portfolio of global meetings events, the EIBTM team is totally committed to delivering a world-class event to meet the needs of the industry it serves.”
Optimism in the industry is additionally reflected by Hosted Buyer Groups.
June Clark, manager, Hosted Buyer Programmes comments: “We are delighted by the response from Hosted Buyers Groups who know the value of attending EIBTM in that it delivers return on investment and return on objectives.”
For more information on EIBTM 2010 log onto www.eibtm.com
