Some of the worlds most influential industry leaders are preparing to converge in less than six weeks time at the highly anticipated 6th edition of GIBTM, the Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition from 26-28 March. Experts will deliver a robust educational programme designed to stimulate interactive, focused delegate discussions and examine the industry’s key trends and topics for global MICE industry professionals. 

Speakers from the world’s leading industry associations such as the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) and Meeting Professionals International (MPI) in addition to an impressive line-up of the industry’s most senior executives and global authorities from the MICE sector, together will lead sessions around best practices, current and future trends, emerging technology, social media and professional development.

A major highlight at this year’s show will once again be the highly acclaimed annual IBTM Middle East Meeting Industry Report, undertaken by Reed Travel Exhibitions and meetme magazine, presented by Sally Greenhill, The Right Solution, and Rob Nicholas, meetme. The report will provide an invaluable insight into the regional and global outlook on today’s meetings and events industry and identify future trends.

For the first time in the history of the show, GIBTM has partnered with the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE), who will launch a series of daily seminars providing discussions focused on the convergence of meetings and travel management. Cutting edge topics include; how to deliver savings in an upbeat Middle Eastern market, optimising travel payment systems in the region, and the Do’s and Don’ts in building and implementing travel policies. GIBTM is also proud to announce yet another “first” for the show, with a groundbreaking development for its educational programme.

GIBTM will deliver the very first Arabic session presented by the respected Ali Al Saloom of Ask Ali.com. ‘We at Reed Travel Exhibitions are honoured to welcome Ask Ali.com to GIBTM as a valued sponsor and partner of the show this year. This is a very exciting addition to the extensive educational programme at GIBTM that will celebrate and embrace local culture.

Delegates can discover how the lucrative business opportunities in the region are linked to business tourism with Arabic traditions and culture. Launching the first ever Arabic Seminar in the region dedicated to the meetings and events industry is groundbreaking news for all involved in this sector,” adds Lois Hall.

Other leading experts to present at the show include Dr. Edith M Szivas, Director of Research and Consultancy at Jumeirah Group, Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, who will explore evolution and growth of sustainable tourism globally and in the Gulf region with a special focus on the meetings industry. Established ‘Presentologist’ at Satellite Visual Communication, John Quinn, will discuss how to create effective and interactive presentations that will stand out. Camil El Khoury, Chief Vision Officer of the ideas group, will present a powerful session on how successful leaders grow at the speed of change and how professionals can turn challenges into growth opportunities.

A panel discussion, hosted by Bicky Carlra, Global President at TraVision and Founder of 7Deals Travel, will highlight how increasing accessibility to information through technology is influencing corporate travel procurement strategies and processes. Lee Mancini, Manager of Dubai-based Sekari, will uncover strategies on how companies of all sizes can take advantage of search engine optimisation to expand their business.

“As the largest gathering of meetings and events industry professionals in the Middle East, we must encourage learning and development not only to enhance participants’ knowledge and development but so that meetings professionals can apply what they learn to grow the industry. Education is one of the show’s core elements that will drive the development of the meetings industry forward,” explains Lois Hall, REED Travel Exhibitions Manager GIBTM.

Held under the patronage of Chairman, HH Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, GIBTM 2012’s distinguished industry partners include Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), ADNEC, Etihad Airways and The Vision Destination Management Company. Meetme, published by NPI, is a global media partner and publisher of the Official Show Daily publication.