EUROPE - Reed Travel Exhibitions' (RTE) EIBTM is expecting its biggest hosted buyer programme this year, following the success of last year’s record buyer numbers.
The Barcelona-based meetings tradeshow is expecting to surpass last year’s total of about 65,000 pre-scheduled appointments. More than 300 association meeting planners are expected to attend this year’s EIBTM on 19-21 November, a week earlier than in previous years.
“Although we are looking to host our biggest EIBTM yet, we judge our success more on the quality of the event rather than numbers,” EIBTM event director Graeme Barnett told EW.
“Following post-show research, we decided to create a new look and feel to the event, delivering a new appearance for 2013. All trade expos need to evolve, organisers and exhibitors can’t expect to repeat the same look each year so we’re trying to improve the experience at EIBTM by adapting to our clients’ changing needs.”
Barnett said there will be a new layout and features to the 2013 event. The new layout will also see a further two aisles on the show floor, to increase the flow of visitor traffic to all stands.
“The layout will include two themed piazzas which will provide additional catering and networking facilities. We wanted to offer a better environment for people to meet, network and feel welcome, so they don’t come across exhibitor stands immediately as they walk through the door,” he said.
Barnett said the event has partnered with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) again, to deliver The Forum for Young Professionals. “It is important to recognise young adults in the industry who want to develop their careers, because they will be the face of the industry tomorrow,” he said. “It is also important to promote the business to young adults who aren’t in the industry, to make them aware of the opportunities available to them.”
RTE announced the launch of a sustainable support campaign for exhibitors, with advice to ensure they adopt a sustainable approach to their participation at the show. The organiser also launched an African pavilion, due to an increased demand from international buyers seeking to place outbound MICE business with African suppliers.
The organiser recently confirmed that it has 75 new hosted buyer groups signed up to attend the show.
“We have seen a huge increase in new groups coming on board from Europe, with 53 signed up to date. Our team has also recruited an additional 22 long-haul groups for the show this year,” said RTE hosted buyer manager at EIBTM Joanna Warr.
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