With a few weeks until the opening of AIBTM, ( 21 – 23 June) the first event of its kind in the US (Baltimore) and part of Americas Meetings Week, both buyers and suppliers have been discussing their agendas,  thoughts and what they are looking forward to.  With over 700 exhibiting companies and a buying community focused on placing US and International events, meetings and incentives, the buzz is all about doing business.

“I am very excited to attend my first AIBTM meeting, and engaging with vendors that I have not worked with in the past. The opportunity to meet with so many exhibitors in one location who offer new and creative solutions to the meetings industry is one of my main reasons for going to Baltimore. I am also looking forward to spending a few days networking with my fellow industry peers.” Nancy DeBrosse Vice President, Association Strategic Account Management, Experient.

With the concept of a Hosted Buyer program and individual diaries of pre-scheduled appointments, being introduced at AIBTM, many buyers and suppliers will be experiencing this new business expo platform for the first time.

“I am most interested in participating in the exhibitor appointments that have been set up for exclusive time to discuss products, services, or venues. This focused one-on-one opportunity should provide me with information that is specific, if not customized, to our meeting needs. I’m looking forward to learning how these appointments will provide me better tools and information for our fundraising meetings than the normal way of attending exhibits.”  Commented Lynn Smith Vice President, Meetings Association of Fundraising Professionals.

“As a first time attendee of AIBTM, I am looking forward to engaging with industry leaders and set the foundation of exploring the potential for new relationships with strategic business partners.” Said Salvatore J. Chiarelli, Director of Meetings and Events Risk and Insurance Management Society, Inc. (RIMS)

Mark Prine, US Motivation, Atlanta commented: “I’m most interested in networking with others in our industry, comparing notes around the rebound we’re seeing in travel, and meeting with exhibitors to learn specifics about their destinations.”

Suppliers heading to Baltimore and doing so on the back of their successful attendance at other events in the global IBTM portfolio of events, are counting the days.

“I am delighted to represent Dublin at this year’s AIBTM.  I have high hopes for AIBTM given Reed’s track record and it’s good to see the inclusion of the online diary which we all value as exhibitors. I’m very confident Dublin Convention Bureau’s attendance at this event will deliver for Dublin. I’m excited to be in Baltimore at the same time as one of Dublin’s best exports – U2. It’s a good time to be Irish in Baltimore!”  says Miriam Kennedy, Business Tourism Manager, Dublin Tourism

“Choice Hotels and its sales force is extremely committed and focused on delivering more business directly to Choice-branded hotels and through our participation as an exhibitor at this year’s AIBTM, we’re able to meet with meeting planners from across the country to help us accomplish this goal.” Commented Michele Tunis, Senior Account Manager.

“AIBTM brings a strong string of DNA from successful shows like EIBTM, CITBM, and AIME, and so I fully expect to meet a great cross-section of new and existing business partners at this show. While it’s the first iteration here in America, I have already assumed this is a ‘must do’ show for HPN Global, and our great associates and we will be there in force.” Added Kip Horton President, International Division Hospitality Performance Network (HPN) Global, Scottsdale.

To apply for a Hosted Buyer place at AIBTM, to pre-register as a trade buyer or for the latest information on the event’s free Education Programme, go to www.aibtm.com