WITH less than six months to go until the second edition of the Gulf Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM), the event is well ahead of schedule attracting key industry players.
Major meeting destinations, venues and suppliers from the Gulf, Middle East and across the globe have confirmed their attendance early to secure their preferred location in the halls, according to a statement from the show’s organisers.
GIBTM will take place from April 8 to 10, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company Centre (ADNEC),
Asia is newly represented by Anantara Resorts and Spas, who are situated throughout the region. Returning following their success at the inaugural GIBTM will be The Singapore Tourism Board, the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau and Sri Lanka Convention Bureau.
Leading Hotels of the World join Jumeirah, Kempinski Hotels and Starwood Hotels and Resorts, all of whom have already confirmed their participation at GIBTM 2008 with representation from hotels in the region and internationally.
The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority will showcase their latest developments through a number of participating companies and The Abu Dhabi Golf Club will take a stand on its own for the first time.
Returning exhibitors will also include Charles Drewe & Associates from South Africa, ANTA Incentives, Jumeirah and the Egyptian Tourist Authority.
The new Technology & Event Services Village @ GIBTM has already attracted a very positive response from various international exhibitors keen to sell their services to the region. Confirmed exhibitors to date include: EVENTEX, Shockfish SA, Ungerboeck Systems International and Salce. This dedicated area will feature the latest technology products as well as an array of support services and products for the meetings and incentives industry.
Graeme Barnett, event director said: “Last year our inaugural event set the pace for the future of the meetings industry in the Gulf region. There is no doubt that as we head towards our second event, more international and regional companies see the benefit of participating and are looking to Reed Travel Exhibitions to provide the business platform. Over the coming months we will be announcing new initiatives, enhanced educational forums, valuable networking events and a partnership with MPI that links their first educational conference in the region for meeting planners. We are well on target to enhancing our brand values for GIBTM and our business value to the meetings community within the region.”