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 March 25 to 27, 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 Dh12.5 million ($3.4 million).
Exhibitors that have signed up for next year’s event include the tourism authority’s from Dubai, Sharjah, Oman, Hungary and Abu Dhabi.
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.
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.
“At last year’s GIBTM, Hosted Buyers had an average combined spending power of $827.5 million and a 25 per cent increase in buyers from the Middle East. GIBTM 2012 witnessed a 100 per cent increase of senior-level decision markers, with immense spending power, coming from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” 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.”