Record satisfaction levels among exhibitors have led to an increase in early bookings for next year’s Gulf Incentives, Meetings and Business Travel Exhibition (GIBTM), which will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from 25 to 27 March 2013.

A survey of exhibiting partners following this year’s GIBTM showed that 95 per cent believed the event delivered the right audience for their business and as a result they were keen to sign up again and capitalise on the extensive year-round global and regional marketing campaign, valued at over AED12.5 million (US$3.4 million).

Exhibitors that have already signed up for next year’s event include the Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing, Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority, Oman Ministry of Tourism, Hungarian Tourism and the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority.

Gillian Taylor, Business Tourism/MICE Manager, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, said an increase in regional buyers and walk-in visitors helped to give this year’s show a buzz and greater energy. “GIBTM is always successful for us and gives us a great opportunity to showcase Abu Dhabi to the hosted buyers and the global industry through the news stories that emanate from it. It is definitely the region’s ‘must attend’ business events trade show,” she said.
Companies signing up early can benefit from year-round exposure on the website (www.gibtm.com) and dedicated GIBTM social media channels. They will also gain valuable pre-show exposure to buyers who use the online exhibitor directory as a supplier’s guide. All exhibitors participating in GIBTM can also make the most of additional marketing opportunities including press release exposure through their dedicated exhibitor portal.

Craig Tunstall, Project Director for technology provider Eventware, said: “As a first-time exhibitor, GIBTM has been really productive. There has been a lot of interest especially from Saudi Arabia and we saw a number of high-quality people with good questions. There is great potential in the Middle East market and GIBTM is the best forum for our technology. It is a springboard for launching the partnership and a brand we want to align ourselves with.”
As well as being eligible for the early booking rate, organisations that sign up early will benefit by using the event as a year-round marketing tool, according to Lois Hall, GIBTM Event Director for Reed Travel Exhibitions. “Our primary aim is to deliver quantifiable return on investment for everyone attending and we conduct extensive post-show research each year to ensure all of our attendees are completely satisfied with their experience.

“At last year’s GIBTM, Hosted Buyers had an average combined spending power of US$827.5 million and there was a 25 per cent increase in buyers originating from the Middle East. GIBTM 2012 witnessed a 100 per cent increase of senior-level corporate decision markers coming from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, one of the most affluent destinations in the world, with immense spending power,” she said. “These budgets, combined with the opportunities created as a direct result of the pre-scheduled appointment system, allows GIBTM to continue to push both inbound and outbound meetings business in the Gulf.”

Reed Travel Exhibitions is encouraging companies to take advantage of the opportunities available at this three-day business event. Exhibitors who confirm their participation by July 15, 2012, will secure the early booking rate.