AS EIBTM opens its doors to the international meetings industry, in Barcelona, Spain from December 1 to 3, more than 50,000 business appointments are set to take place. This year EIBTM will play host to more than 3,700 hosted buyers, all recognising the importance the event plays in delivering business and return on investment.
More than 255 international association buyers have been accepted onto the hosted buyer programme, a substantial increase in attendance last year, and all signs are predicting an increase in numbers attending the 30-plus education sessions targeted at corporates, associations, agencies and suppliers.
June Clark, EIBTM’s hosted buyer programme manager, said: “We are absolutely delighted with these pre show figures, proving why EIBTM continues to attract hosted buyers from all over the world who are eager to do business.
“This year we have seen particular interest from Belgium, Hungary, Italy, Poland and Russia as well as long-haul destinations such as Argentina, Brazil, China, India and North America.
“It is clear that, in challenging times for the industry, top international buyers recognise the value and return on investment of attending EIBTM.
Our buyer-driven pre-scheduled appointment system ensures that we bring the right people together in an environment that is conducive to doing business.”
This year’s coordinators include Fore Events (India), Choice Hotels and Travel Experience (Sweden), Kuhlman International (Germany), Wish Eventos (Brazil), Pensosi Mice (Italy), Worldmeetings (Worldwide), Tiara Hotels & Resorts (Portugal) and Jumeirah Hotels (UAE) who will assist in delivering new buyers for the high-quality EIBTM hosted buyer programme. A further 20 existing group coordinators have increased the number of hosted buyers they are bringing to EIBTM.
Additionally, ME Hotel, W Hotel, Barcelo Raval and Diagonal Zero have signed up to become official hotels and will welcome hosted buyers during EIBTM.
New hosted buyer initiatives for 2009 include an additional fourth night in Barcelona being offered on request to all North American buyers, whilst those flying from the north of the UK will be offered one additional night.
EIBTM charter flights from Paris and London will be offering a dedicated check-in area as well as complimentary food and beverage on board.
The popular hosted buyer education programmes will also continue with streams specifically tailored for association, corporate and agency buyers.
EIBTM 2009 is set for another outstanding year, with more than 3,000 exhibitors from 90-plus countries showcasing their venues, products and services. These include 28 new main standholders from leading hotel brands Tiara Hotels and Oberoi Hotels; destinations such as Mozambique, Senegal and Venezuela and cities such as Bonn.