EUROPE - Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) is expecting more than 300 Association meeting planners to attend this year’s European Incentives, Business Travel and Meetings (EIBTM) Association Hosted Buyer Programme in Barcelona.
Registration for the event has opened and will see the launch of EIBTM Association Knowledge, a programme comprising two full days of education targeted towards the needs of the Association community.
Erica Keogan, Associations and Education manager for the Meetings and Events Portfolio at RTE said: “This year’s theme will focus on community building, looking at how associations can create more effective communities both internally and externally through social networks, engagement and marketing strategies.
“The education programme will also include a keynote session ‘The Power of the Association Community’, tailored workshops and The Great Association Debate, which will give the opportunity for buyers to discuss key challenges their Association faces with a panel of experts.”
Martin Sirk, CEO of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), said: “Having a good solid education programme for associations, where they can not only hear some interesting topics, but also can actually spend time networking with one another is very important.”
RTE has confirmed support from leading meetings industry associations including the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), the European Society of Association Executives (ESAE), the Center for Association Leadership (ASAE) and ICCA.
Association Buyers attending EIBTM are promised a personalised diary of appointments and access to a network of 3,100 international exhibitors.
The programme will also provide exclusive Association networking opportunities, including an Association breakfast and lunch and the ICCA Personal Connections networking event. Social and networking events around the show include an EIBTM Welcome Reception, the Networking Hour and EIBTM Club Night.
EIBTM 2013 will take place from 19-21 November, a week earlier than in previous years. The EIBTM Forum will take place the day before the exhibition on 18 November.
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