exhibitions: EIBTM reports: EIBTM comes of age
EIBTM comes of age
21st edition of show sees increase in appointments, registrations and educational programme as industry consolidates relationships and hones skills for the year ahead
The European Incentives, Business Travel and Meeting (EIBTM) exhibition, which took place in Barcelona, Spain, from December 1-3, 2009, saw a record number of pre-registered visitors and pre-scheduled appointments, as the industry continued to show the value in face-to-face meetings.
“EIBTM delivers what it has always done – best business, best education and best networking. It is truly representative of what is happening internationally in the meetings industry on future trends, opportunities and developments,” said exhibition director Mandy Torrens.
“Our role is to act as a business, education and networking catalyst – to provide an environment and forum for the industry to end 2009 optimistically and uplifted; having come away with new and firm business leads, established new relationships and gained valuable insights into how to develop their businesses in the future.”
The 21st edition of the show attracted over 3,300 suppliers, representing 80 countries. First time exhibitors included Tiara Hotels, Oberoi Hotels, Essence of Bali and the Seoul Convention Bureau.
Established EIBTM attendees also increased stand space, with extra presence seen from Jordan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and many more destinations and convention bureaus.
3,800 Hosted Buyers were flown in to Barcelona from 71 countries, in order to attend a record-breaking 54,255 pre-scheduled appointments, an increase of four percent over 2008 figures. Trade visitors also increased, with 6,300 pre-registered for the show.
Central to the success of the event was the EIBTM Education Programme. A total of 43 sessions were delivered as meeting industry professionals place even more onus on developing skills in readiness for future market growth. As in previous years, the programme has received the support of leading industry associations such as ICCA, MPI, SITE, PCMA and ASAE.
EIBTM 2010 will take place from November 30 to December 2 at Fira Gran Via, Barcelona, Spain. For more information, visit www.eibtm.com
