Strategic initiatives are proving to have a positive impact on Hosted Buyers and excitement is building as EIBTM, the Global Meetings and Events Exhibitions is set for another year of serious business in The Fira Gran Via, Barcelona (November 29–December 1).

Ronald Kötteritzsch,
 Director of Marketing and Sales, 
Leipziger Messe GmbH commented: “I have been a regular attendee at EIBTM throughout many years, even back in the Geneva years. This show is very important for us, as it has helped to bring Leipzig onto the map and into the minds of international meeting planners. EIBTM is a precious opportunity to meet key decision makers from many important associations. In fact, many of our success stories and many bids we have been able to win, started with a first personal contact at the EIBTM.” 



With over 3,100 exhibitors confirmed to attend EIBTM and take advantage of these additional business opportunities, anticipation levels are high with many returning exhibitors maintaining that EIBTM is the main event in their business calendar.

Meenaz Lilani, Executive Director of Global Sales EMEA for Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, commented: “Since we opened up our diaries, pretty much all of our sharing partners are 60 percent full already with appointments. Last year, we had 730 pre-scheduled appointments, so this year with 25 diaries, this could gives us at least another 70 appointments; we are delighted.

“We are showcasing our new properties that are opening including Fairmont Baku in Azerbaijan, Fairmont Kieve in the Ukraine, and Fairmont Jaipur in India at EIBTM, so additional business opportunities really will help to focus in on these new destinations.”

This year’s EIBTM Association Program, sponsored by Madrid Convention Bureau, Qatar National Convention Centre, Singapore Convention&Exhibition Bureau, and Vienna Convention Bureau, will celebrate its 10th anniversary. The program is focused on issues and objectives highlighted by executives from the industry as key to their learning and development.

EIBTM, a Reed Travel Exhibitions event has witnessed some major shifts within the meetings industry over the last 12 months, as competition for business intensifies. This year’s Hosted Buyer program will see increased presence from fast-emerging markets such as Latin America and Russia, as well as increased interest from more traditional markets such as France, United Kingdom, and Belgium as their respective markets continue to strengthen.

Yaroslav Artemchu, Group Coordinator for Business Forum Ltd. Russia, commented: “The EIBTM is important for Business Forum Ltd. Firstly, our company, amongst many others in Russia, is interested in the development of the meetings industry. EIBTM gives us this great opportunity. Secondly, when we are finding Hosted Buyers for EIBTM, we are expanding the range of possibilities for our company and building many strong partnerships within the meetings and events industry market.”

June Clark, Reed Travel Exhibitions Hosted Buyer Program Manager, EIBTM, commented: “As part of the IBTM portfolio, the EIBTM Hosted Buyer Program has a truly global dimension. Our aim is to successfully identify and recruit buyers from across the globe, that place meetings and events with both high volume and value. These are the buyers our exhibitors want to meet.”

For more information about the EIBTM Hosted Buyer program, please visit www.eibtm.com. Trade Visitor registration for EIBTM 2011 is also open. Pre-registering at www.eibtm.com/register provides the flexibility of diary planning, saves money, offers various travel discounts on accommodation and flights, plus fast-track entry to 3 days of business, education, and networking at the world’s leading industry event.

EIBTM 2011 takes place November 29–December 1, 2011, Barcelona.

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