The Gulf Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM) - launched in 2007 in response to the demand by the region to have a dedicated and regular event for the meetings and incentives industry - takes place on April 8 to 10 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
GIBTM is the only event in the Gulf region that is dedicated to the meetings industry and focuses solely on the sector for three days. It is driven by a hosted buyer programme – a trade mark of all the RTE global meeting events portfolio. A key aspect of the hosted buyer programme is that the appointments are buyer driven, an initiative that exhibitors consider of prime importance.
GIBTM will take place in Hall 1 and 2 of ADNEC. The venue is close to the major hotel developments and a short distance from Abu Dhabi Airport.
Expected at the show will be an increased number of regional and international meetings and incentive suppliers from national tourist organisations, destinations including convention bureau, hotels and hotel groups, destination management companies and specialist service providers representing the Gulf region, South and South East Asia, Europe, North Africa and beyond.
GIBTM is offering hosted buyers the opportunity to take part in a pre show Abu Dhabi tour which will take place on Monday April 7, and is organised in partnership with NCC (member of the Net Group), and sponsored by ADTA.
Delegates will be taken to the sights of Abu Dhabi including new developments such as the Saadiyat Island and the TDIC (Tourist Development and Investment Company) exhibition at the Emirates Palace, and given explanations on the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, and the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Later there will be a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Hosted buyers will then have the option to select a programme of tailor made hotel inspections or visit the Khayal al Sahara Desert Camp.
The Gulf Meetings and Events Conference, created and delivered by MPI (Meetings Professionals International) will take place in Dubai at the Intercontinental Dubai Festival City on April 5 to 6 just prior to GIBTM in Abu Dhabi.
Delegates from this conference will be transferred to Abu Dhabi for GIBTM on Monday April 7, in time for hosted buyers to attend the Abu Dhabi day tour and reception event on that day if so desired.