Formerly known as EIBTM, ibtm world is where more than 15,500 meetings, events and incentives industry decision-makers meet for global business adventures in Barcelona, Spain. The event has a strong and successful 27-year history as the leading exhibition for the global meetings, incentives, conferences and events industry, starting out in 1988 in Geneva, Switzerland.
Providing our customers with flexible exhibiting opportunities has always been key for us and the “space-only” option will allow our technology and event services customers to design their stand in line with their branding and show objectives.
We have already seen some interest in this booking option, which comes as no surprise as the enhanced visibility enables companies to be more creative in terms of their marketing approach and how they present themselves on the show floor.
Companies who have already signed up to exhibit in the Technology and Event Services area this year include: Europalco, Centium Software, Cvent, etouches, evenium, Goomeo, PSAV as well as Padcelona, Konduko and Etud IT (NB) who will be showcasing their products and services at ibtm world for the first time.What kind of response have you received from exhibitors so far? Can you tell us about the rebookings and new bookings?
We have seen slightly earlier decision-making, especially from long-standing exhibitors, and new prospects – particularly from Europe. Generally there is a positive feeling about the event, a lot is due to the success of last year’s event but also the desire for suppliers to drive sales forward and for planners to be sourcing for more events.
Many participants thought 2014 was the best edition to date, largely because of the quality of buyers. And generally, even if the global economic slowdown was patchy with some regions suffering more than others, many areas recognise the positive impact of investment in tourism and particularly business tourism and are clearly booming: London and the UK, for example, is seeing record breaking arrivals.
Some of the companies returning include Accor, Corinthia Hotels International, Finland Convention Bureau, Visit Denmark, Iberostar, Kempinski, Monaco, Starwood Hotels, Switzerland Tourism and Visit England. For further information, visit www.ibtmworld.com/directory
This year will also be the year of the largest number of new exhibitors, including exciting brands and destinations. Just some of them include Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Bulgaria; Ministere de l’Economie Direction Generale du Tourisme, Luxemburg; Secretaria Nacional de Turismo de Paraguay; Sri Lanka Convention Bureau; Sandals; Europalco and Dorchester Collection.How much interest have you received from the Middle East region?
We have seen an increasing interest from the Middle East region this year and are expecting to see new exhibitors.
Exhibitors who have already been confirmed to attend this year’s show include: Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, Government of Dubai, Jordan Tourism Board, Egyptian Tourist Authority, Qatar Tourism Authority and Oman Ministry of Tourism.How many new exhibitors will be present at the show this year and how many hosted buyers?
Every year, ibtm world welcomes over 3,000 exhibitors representing more than 150 countries worldwide, including destinations, hotels, attractions and entertainment, venues and technology and event service providers.
We are also expecting some 4,000 Hosted Buyers who will make more than 78,000 pre-scheduled appointments during the three days of the show. Applications by the beginning of August were 88 per cent up on the same time last year and 47 per cent of those qualified so far are new to the show.
Just a few companies attending this year include International Society of Nephrology (ISN), International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific (ADFIAP), Wheeling Around the World (WAW), The Association Specialists and America Urological Association, Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, Microsoft, Britvic Soft Drinks, Peugeot Citroen, GlaxoSmithKline, Fossil, Merck, Lamprell and Unilever.
Meeting planners who would like to apply for their place can do so by visiting www.ibtmworld.com/Hosted.
What are the latest trends you have observed in the meetings and incentives segment and what are your predictions for the coming year?
The way in which younger members of our industry make decisions will be something to watch. Technology will, of course, continue to drive our industry forward with the rapidly changing needs of younger professionals influencing event planners and producers to think more on how best to engage audiences.
Some of this will be reflected at ibtm world, using the new ACS Knowledge Village, as an environment to deliver education content in a flexible way and making it more accessible, closer to the life of the exhibition itself, with four different concepts, themes, technologies and designs.
As well as one large lecture theatre, there will be three individual learning environments, which will engage the senses. In addition, Rob Davidson, managing director, MICE Knowledge, will look at the developments in the industry from a global perspective with his annual ibtm world Trends Watch report.
For details on the Knowledge Programme and new developments in ibtm world, visit ttnworldwide.com