EIBTM 2006 predicted a healthy boom in business as the show closed its doors.
Awaiting an independent ABC Audit of visitor and Hosted Buyer numbers to provide the industry with an official set of statistics, the early signs show that every aspect of the event had increased its performance over previous years in Barcelona. At 1pm on the final day, the number of hosted buyers recorded was over 2,750, a 10 per cent increase on 2005. Overall visitor numbers were up seven per cent to over 6,000.
Feedback from the show floor has been hugely positive particularly about the quality of buyers, appointments and business generated. The networking events held alongside the event were well attended, including over 2,000 people enjoying the Welcome Party.
Serbia, a newcomer this year reported that all their expectations were met over the three days and they are planning to maintain the momentum by returning in 2007. CYTS, from China, reports that this year’s event was so successful it is planning an even bigger representation for 2007.
Sibella Arguello, promotion and marketing director for CentroAmerica, was equally confident. “On Tuesday we had to plan for an unscheduled fourth destination presentation as we had over 80 people who wanted to know more about our region. We are very pleased with the quality of Hosted Buyers who attended our PSA’s and we have leads from China, Russia, France, UK and India”.
Commented Alex Hogund of VisitSweden, “This year seems to be busier, and as we set ourselves the aim of generating more leads, it appears we have so far met our goals. We will definitely be back next year.”
Said Sue Bertram, head of association sales for Visit London, “Visit London took a brief on the stand from a North American buyer, emailed it back to our office and as a result, there will be a site inspection next week, and an event for 800 people will be confirmed before Christmas for 2008.”
Paul Kennedy MBE, group exhibition director for Reed Travel Exhibition’s global portfolio of meeting and incentive events, summed it all up: “With over 34,000 appointments pre-scheduled between hosted buyers and exhibitors, we are more than delighted by this year’s event. The atmosphere in the halls over the three days has been one of the busiest I can remember. Our aim was to help the industry generate the best business opportunities and the comments from both exhibitors and visitors are testament to this.”