The organisers of EIBTM claim that EIBTM 2003, Palexpo Geneva, 20-22 May, will offer visitors and exhibitors more than any other industry event. 

Also, despite the difficult economic and political situation, EIBTM organisers have announced that exhibitors have continued to book for EIBTM 2003 since the New Year.  Bookings have come from all over the world and represent all areas of the industry from hotel chains and cruises to conference venues and DMC’s.  In recent weeks both Oman and Qatar have increased the size of their stands.

 

The latest predictions from Reed Travel Exhibitions, organisers of EIBTM, show the expected number of exhibitors to be around 2000 from over 100 countries.  RTE expect around 5000 visitors including 3000 hosted buyers. 

 

EIBTM 2003 Exhibition Director, Debbie Jackson comments: “Our industry is facing an uncertain period which makes EIBTM an even more important event.  It is during times like these that the industry needs to pull together to share experiences and views and EIBTM provides the ideal platform for this.

 

 

 

“We are committed to providing the industry with an event where attendees can meet and secure future business opportunities and also learn and improve the way they do business,” added Debbie Jackson.

 

Debbie Jackson also believes that visitors will appreciate the emphasis EIBTM are putting on technology developments within the industry; “EIBTM 2003 will provide an insight into the ever-changing world of technology,” commented Jackson.

 

As MPI’s Didier Scaillet puts it, “No other exhibition will have the technology programme EIBTM and MPI are offering in 2003, it is unique.”  This is because in addition to EIBTM’s established WordWide Watch technology initiative, EIBTM and MPI have developed the MPI Technology Village @ EIBTM - a unique concept to be unveiled at EIBTM 2003.
A separate dedicated section of the event; the MPI Technology Village @ EIBTM will feature technology companies, addressing different technological aspects within the industry.  In addition technology experts will be available to make neutral presentations on different topics and provide advice to the visitors on technology matters. 

 

 

For several years, EIBTM has had a WorldWide Watch, the first initiative of its kind to support the development of technology for the meetings, business travel and conference industry.  For 2003 WorldWide Watch has secured Corbin Ball as the panel’s new Chairman.

 

 

Corbin Ball, who was named MPI’s 2002 ‘International Supplier of the Year’, will also give a presentation to the Technology Village on the future enhancements technology will bring to the industry.

Related stories on ITN:

(12/02/2003) EIBTM Industry spokesperson Ian Dockrill Points the Way to a Brighter Future

(24/01/2003) EIBTM on Worldwide Watch for InnovativeTechnology

(27/01/2003) EIBTM and MPI Partnership to Deliver Dynamic Technology Village

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