EIBTM 2014 show preview with highlights and news

EIBTM is the leading annual international event for the meetings, incentives, conferences, events and business travel industry, taking place in Barcelona, Spain. EIBTM gathers over 15,000 Meetings industry professionals from all over the world to build relations, develop business opportunities and their knowledge.

EIBTM is the flagship event for IBTM events, the world’s leading showcase for the meetings and events industry with a portfolio that includes 7 events (www.ibtmevents.com) owned by Reed Travel Exhibitions, part of the Reed Elsevier Group.

EIBTM opening times

Tuesday 18th November – 10:00am – 6:00pm

Wednesday 19th November – 10:00am – 7:00pm

Thursday 20th November – 10:00am – 5:00pm

EIBTM Knowledge seminars will commence at 9:00am each day.

Exhibitors

EIBTM expects to welcome over 3,000 international exhibitors who will come from over 150 countries representing venues, hotels, destinations, technology and event services providers.

News from exhibitors attending EIBTM 2014:

Pacific World

EIBTM exhibitor Pacific World, the integrated global Destination Management Company, that earlier in the year expanded into Italy, enhanced its sales presence in Germany and communicated the strategic alliance with ACCESS Destination Services, the leading Destination Management Company in North America, will announce further expansions at EIBTM 2014.

Hyatt Hotels & Resorts

EIBTM exhibitor Hyatt Hotels & Resorts are excited for the two stunning opening hotels to join their newly designed corporate stand (L48); Hyatt Playa del Carmen in Mexico, due to open in quarter one of 2015, and Hyatt Regency Istanbul Atakoy, due to open in Autumn this year. Both hotels add great variety to Hyatt’s global portfolio and help meeting planners to choose Hyatt as their preferred partner.

AZIMUT Hotels

EIBTM exhibitor International Hotel Chain AZIMUT Hotels has opened a new business hotel — AZIMUT Hotel Murmansk. Murmansk is the largest city in the world situated in the Arctic Circle, on the Barents Sea. The hotel is located in the very heart of Murmansk and offers 186 SMART-rooms, a conference hall up to 500 persons, bars and restaurants, underground parking and amazing views of the city center from the windows.

EIBTM exhibitor AZIMUT Hotel Saint Petersburg has opened after renovation according to the SMART concept. The hotel is located in the historical center of Saint Petersburg — the Russian city that is known throughout the world as the “Venice of the North”. It offers 1037 rooms with amazing views of the city, 12 conference and banquet halls with the capacity up to 1100 persons, trendy SKY Bar on the top of the hotel, restaurant and other services. The hotel was awarded the title of the “Best congress hotel of Saint Petersburg” in 2013.

Centium Software

EIBTM exhibitor, Centium Software, announces EventsAIR, a cloud-based, cutting-edge solution for event and meeting professionals. EventsAIR provides a robust environment that leverages its cloud architecture for all types of events, conferences, tradeshows and meetings. Intuitive and easy-to-use, EventsAIR provides powerful tools such as mobile apps, real- time run sheets, budget forecasting, reporting, analytics and much more. EventsAIR provides a powerful new App Store, providing specialized portals and services for speaker programs, hotel vendors, onsite check-in and more. EventsAIR is an end-to-end solution developed by and for event professionals.

Poken

EIBTM exhibitor, Poken, an acknowledged leader in the event technology space, announced that it will unveil a new compact and ultra low-power device combining NFC (Near Field Communication) and iBeacon (Bluetooth Low Energy). Poken’s new “Super Touchpoint” will add to the company’s Green Event Platform, allowing event visitors to collect digital media “with a touch” by swiping a passive NFC card or sticker on the touchpoint. The Super Touchpoint is expected to be the smallest, most complete iBeaconwith embedded NFC on the market. Along with Poken’s event tool-chest it will add to Poken’s foray into the event and exhibitions markets, changing the way people distribute and collect information at events.

Guidebook

EIBTM exhibitor, Guidebook, will explain further that mobile applications are revolutionising the way event organisers are engaging with delegates before, during and after an event. By providing users with real-time information, mobile presents a channel for promotion, education and interaction at every stage. Furthermore, intelligence is captured from the moment an individual signs up for an event, and keeps them informed throughout the whole experience. Digital tools are bringing an agility to events that print can simply never provide and helps meet every strategic objective an event planner faces in terms of engagement, flexibility, costs and environmental responsibilities. Fundamentally, they are delivering a ROI for all event stakeholder groups; event organisers, exhibitors/sponsors and attendees.

Condor Travel

EIBTM exhibitor, Condor Travel, a renowned MICE operator in South America founded in 1977, will be presenting new experiences for the MICE market at the show. From Treasure Hunting in the driest deserts of the world, Atacama, Chile, to Luxury Inka Trail trekking or Incan “payment to the Earth” ceremonies to fill the members of the group with positive energy from the Andes Mountains, Condor Travel´s different proposals exceed the expectations of their clients. Their specialized teams in Peru, Chile, Ecuador, Argentina, and Bolivia will give you their advice based on their experience in each destination.

Baltic Blues

EIBTM exhibitor DMC Baltic Blues created interactive in cooperation with app developers a city game for corporate groups. City Game for iPads is a new way to discover the city generating teamwork, emotional ties, using the latest technology and above all, having a lot of fun. This new application, specifically designed for this kind of activity, allows teams and organization to:

– know the position of teams in real time.

– easily exchange of messages

– know the scores at any given moment.

The game was tested during the Intel Business Challenge Conference 8th of September in Vilnius.

Please have a look at video of the game www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ju2cdpLJ3WM&feature=youtu.be

East Marketing Group

EIBTM Exhibitor East Marketing Group opens new destinations for Corporate and MICE Travel specialists. East Marketing Group is a leading partnership between Destination Management Companies of Eastern Europe, CIS and Middle Asia countries. By carefully selecting our travel partners EMG allows you to receive professional high quality international services in every destination you are planning to visit or organize an event.

WORLDIMENSION

EIBTM exhibitor WORLDIMENSION is a full service VIP Receptive Operator and Destination Management Company operating upscale FIT’s and groups (Incentives, Conventions, Congresses, Trade Shows, Official Missions and Events) all over the US. They just recently presented their new website www.worldimension.com

How to be a Hosted Buyer

EIBTM is expecting over 4,000 high-level industry decision makers, planners and buyers from associations, major corporates and MICE agencies, all from various industries and economies ranking in the top 10 of the world’s highest current GDP and also those ranked to be in the top 10 by 2050, including the U.S., Asia, Africa, South America, Brazil, Mexico and India. Personally-invited and qualified Hosted Buyers will make more than 65,000 pre-scheduled appointments during the three days of the show.

EIBTM Hosted Buyers organise, influence or make budgetary decisions for international business travel, meetings, incentive travel, conventions, product launches, staff training or events.

Hosted Buyers who are successful in the application process for EIBTM 2014 will receive:

• A personalised diary of pre-scheduled appointments with exhibitors of their choice

• Professional education programme suited to individuals needs

• Complimentary return flights and/or train from an extensive choice of ports

• Complimentary accommodation in one of Barcelona’s best 4/5* hotels

• Access to a number of networking events

• Complimentary transfers to and from the exhibition, networking and events

• Access to exclusive Hosted Buyer lounges situated on the show floor.

• 3.5 day post event tours to different destinations in Europe

Hosted Buyer applications are reviewed and accepted based on the number and size of meetings, events, incentives and conferences they purchase annually, individual purchasing authority, their annual budget for meetings, events and incentives, the value of their recent business booked and potential for future business in the meetings and business travel industries.

How to be a Trade Visitor

All meetings industry professionals are invited to register as Trade Visitors at www.eibtm.com/visit for EIBTM 2014. Each year, EIBTM welcomes professionals from Business Travel Management Companies, Corporate Organisations, Destination Management Companies, Event Management Companies, Incentive Agencies, Independent Meeting Planners, International Associations & Societies, Live Events & Experiential Agencies, Not For Profit and Government Organisations, Professional Conference Organisers and Venue Finding Agencies.

The benefits of pre-registering as a Trade Visitor include: Free fast-track entry, flexibility to arrange personal schedules, discounted travel and accommodation, opportunity to attend a range of networking events and pre-show information updates that will allow pre-registered attendees to effectively plan their visit.

At EIBTM 2013, 97% of our Trade Visitors agreed that EIBTM was important to their businesses and a true ‘must-attend’ event, the place to grow business, network, develop knowledge and insight as well as re-connect with industry colleagues and friends. “EIBTM is where the most important deals in the MICE industry are signed – the perfect forum to conduct 3 days of successful business among 3,000 top international meeting industry suppliers,” says Graeme Barnett, Senior Exhibition Director EIBTM, Reed Travel Exhibitions.

Discounted Travel and Accommodation

EIBTM offers a range of travel and accommodation discounts for all EIBTM attendees including up to 50% off airfares by Iberia and Lufthansa, and discounts on rail fares by Renefe and ferry fares by Acciona Trasmediterránea, as well as reduced rates on accommodation. There are a number of official and unofficial partner hotels offering rates starting from 99 Euros per person per night.

Award Winning Barcelona

Barcelona is a city fully equipped to host congresses and conventions. ICCA’s 2014 rankings for the most popular destination for international congresses, puts the city in 4th position.

Described as a thoroughly modern metropolis wrapped in a culturally rich history (TimeOut Barcelona), Barcelona has proved itself to be one of Europe’s most attractive and dynamic cities. It is the ideal place to organise any type of event because of its location and climate, (hot summers and cool winters), together with the conscientiousness of its professionals and modern network of facilities make it a unique destination and perfect to host EIBTM.

Reed Travel Exhibitions has a strong relationship with the Barcelona Convention Bureau and other local partners who have been instrumental in the delivery of EIBTM. Partners and supporters include the Fira de Barcelona venue, Ultramar Express Event Management and a hotel network of 40 properties including the brand new Porta Fira Hotel, right next door to the venue.

Reasons to attend!

• EIBTM provides the business and social environment to meet with over 3,000 top international meetings industry suppliers; Hosted Buyers can pre-schedule appointments with exhibitors and trade visitors can choose their own business agenda.

• The Knowledge Programme offers cutting edge, professional learning opportunities across influential, expert led sessions and on subjects that are relevant for the meetings industry now and in the future.

• Exclusive Networking Events open to everyone who attends EIBTM and they include the Welcome Reception, Networking Hour and Club Night

• Look to the future at the Innovation & Technology

• Meet the industry here – EIBTM brings together over 15,000 Meetings Industry professionals.

• Take advantage of the special deals EIBTM has put together for trade visitors.

2. What’s new for 2014?

a. Exhibitors able to request appointments with Hosted Buyers

For the first time, through the new Hosted Buyer platform, exhibitors have been given the option to self-select appointments with Buyers of their choice. Once the Hosted Buyers have made their appointment preferences and the buyer appointments have been matched exhibitors will be able to browse and request appointments with more buyers to fill their diaries. Hosted Buyers have to either accept or decline the appointment. This new feature will allow the opportunity for even more business opportunities. In addition to adding appointments to their diary, exhibitors will also have the opportunity to block appointment slots to facilitate private meetings that have been arranged outside of the EIBTM appointment system.

b. Hosted Buyers can now provide more detail of the business they want to place

In an attempt to get buyers to provide exhibitors with more information in advance of their pre-scheduled appointments, each buyer now has the ability to add details of business they are looking to place in their online zone and provide an email address so thatexhibitors can get in contact pre-show.

c. Spanish Hosted Buyer Program

The Spanish National Hosted Buyer Programme qualification criteria has been amended this year to allow Buyers from Spain to be accepted onto the EIBTM Hosted Buyer programme even if they place only domestic business – previously they had to prove that they had business to place outside of Spain, before they could qualify to join the EIBTM Hosted Buyer Programme. With the renewed growth in the Spanish economy, this new initiative will offer a significant boost to the Spanish Hosted Buyer who is looking to make appointments with regional, or international suppliers or both.

d. My Association | My Club – the new Flexible Itinerary for Association Meeting Planners

2014 sees the launch of a brand new initiative for EIBTM’s Association Meeting Planners. My Association | My Club is designed to facilitate flexibility and individuality giving freedom of choice as the priority for their time at the show.

Benefits include:

• My Time: A flexible schedule with the time and freedom to explore and discover new suppliers and innovations

• My Schedule: Flexible attendance options to suit the schedule

• My Meetings, My Choice: A personalised diary of pre-scheduled appointments with over 3,000 international exhibitors of the Association Hosted Buyers’ choice

• My Networking: Opportunity to connect with contacts and meet other international association peers at exclusive networking events, including networking breakfasts, luncheons, dinner and cocktail parties

• My Knowledge: Own selection of education sessions, to hear from industry visionaries and attend the seminars and workshops that suit Association Hosted Buyers’ needs

• My Hub: Exclusive access to the dedicated business style Club Lounge on the show floor with complimentary refreshments and lunch, Wi-Fi and space to meet with contacts and peers along with daily ‘Huddles’ to share knowledge and expertise

• My Support: A simple registration process with dedicated ‘Hub Helper’ to make Association Hosted Buyers’ participation as simple and effective as possible

• My Travel: Complimentary flights, rail travel and transfers

• My Hotel: 4/5* dedicated association accommodations

e. Meetings Leadership Summit – New Venue and Project Manager

The 2nd EIBTM Meetings Leadership Summit will take place at a new venue: the beautifully restored 19th Century ModernistaHospital de Sant Pau (www.santpau.es) complex on Monday evening, 17th November 2014. We have also engaged the expertise of Debra Nightingale of Black Boot Communications Ltd to organise this year’s event, which promises to be an inspiring and elegant evening for the meetings industry’s elite.

This invitation only event offers a global forum where insights and trends that affect and influence businesses now and in the future can be debated. It is a great opportunity for industry leaders to connect and discuss their common purpose: to make their organisations more competitive, more agile, more profitable, more dynamic and able to respond to constantly changing business dynamics.

Created as part of the natural evolution of the original CEO Summit, The Meetings Leadership Summit will bring together like-minded individuals with one common objective, they are tasked with making their organisations more competitive, more agile, more profitable, more dynamic and better able to respond to constantly changing business dynamics.

The Meetings Industry Leadership Summit will be by invitation only, a closed forum of 150 senior executives from around the world to seek inspiration from an agenda that is led by a dynamic expert speaker (on a topic that will provide valuable and thought-provoking insight) and hosted by BBC Journalist and professional presenter Nadine Dereza.

f. New-look Innovation Zone

The Innovation Zone will be re-designed for 2014 with a new look and feel. New features include Innovation in Action – a digital showcase of leading meetings industry innovations in action as they are applied in real situations and 20, TED Talk style presentations focusing on key innovations.

g. Education Sessions for Exhibitors

This year we will see the addition of Knowledge sessions designed to appeal to exhibitors. Sessions confirmed so far are: Neuromarketing for the Event Industry, where Wenda Kielstra, CEO of Consumatics, shares her experiences and will show how neuromarketing and subconscious behaviour can be applied in the hospitality and events industry in a clear, down-to-earth and fact based session. And It’s Not All About Size: Passion Wins! In partnership with IAPCO this session features speakers from European Cities Marketing (ECM) and IAPCO who will showcase their experience, respectively as a destination representative and a PCO. The informative case studies focus on how smaller destinations could improve their efforts in attracting meeting planners, and how PCOs could influence the decision concerning the destination choice for their clients.

Tuesday 18 November at 14:30: THE CIBTM MICE BUYER BEHAVIOUR REPORT 2014, presented by Rob Davidson, Managing Director of MICE Knowledge in London, who will present the results of surveys conducted in the region of both venues and buyers which demonstrate the factors that are most important to meeting planners when they are deciding where to locate their events. The survey will also reveal how those planners prefer to interact with destination and venue marketing staff who are trying to win their business.

Wednesday 19 November at 9:00: IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT SIZE: PASSION WINS! – IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IAPCO, facilitated by Michel Neijmann, IAPCO President, K2 Conference and Event Management Co. In this session speakers from European Cities Marketing (ECM) and IAPCO showcase their experience, respectively as a destination representative and a PCO. The informative case studies focus on how smaller destinations could improve their efforts in attracting meeting planners, and how PCOs could influence the decision concerning the destination choice for their clients.

Thursday 20 November at 9:00: EIBTM INDUSTRY TRENDS AND MARKET SHARE REPORT 2014 – EXCLUSIVE FOR EXHIBITORS, presented by Rob Davidson who uses the latest international data and reports to give you a comprehensive and in-depth overview of business trends in the industry, Looking at developments in the principal world regions and markets.

3. Show Features

a. Sustainability at EIBTM

The Sustainable Genius Zone -EIBTM strives to educate the industry regarding sustainability and invites all attendees to take advantage of the Sustainable Events Corner at the show where they can learn more about sustainability and how it can be practically implemented into events, venues and the industry supply chain. The Sustainable Events Corner features an open advice clinic and bite-sized interactive presentations delivered by leading industry experts –

ISO20121 – EIBTM has achieved third party certification for the Sustainable Event standard BS8901 (future ISO 20121) and is committed to continually improving and developing processes to ensure that the show becomes as sustainable as possible at the new international 2013 standard.

Exhibitors attending EIBTM 2014 with initiatives in the sphere of sustainability and corporate social responsibility include: Complete Colombia DMC, Lago Maggiore Meeting Industry, BALUARTE. Congress Centre and Auditorium of Navarra, Hotel Papendal, Bella Center Copenhagen, Bohinj Park Eco Hotel, Convention Bureau Della Riviera Di Rimini, Hofburg Vienna Congress & Event Centre, LEIPZIG | Leipzig Tourismus Und Marketing GmbH, Ljubljana Tourism / Convention Bureau, Monaco Convention Bureau, Radisson Blu Astrid Antwerp, Stuttgart Convention Bureau, Stuttgart-Marketing GmbH, Tourism Toronto and Global DMC Pacific World.

b. The Technology & Events Services Zone

EIBTM’s Technology & Events Services Zone, which has once again increased its area space wise, is a specialist exhibiting area of EIBTM where buyers and planners can find the latest and most innovative technology products for their next conference or event. Cutting edge Exhibitors in the Technology & Events Services Zone will also be able to showcase and demo their technology within the Innovation Zone enabling a live and interactive experience with exhibitors demonstrating solutions, applications and technologies on specific meetings and events industry challenges.

Eric François, Chief Operating Officer, TOPI who attended EIBTM last year commented, “This was our first participation at EIBTM and I would recommend it as a “must” for event professionals and technology companies. EIBTM offered the ideal combination of learning and networking and our presence in the Innovation Zone provided a wonderful international exposure with event planners, potential partners and media outlets. As a young U.S. technology company, we would not have achieved this level of visibility and connections without the incredible support of EIBTM’s Innovation Zone. We forged relationships with a diverse group of talented professionals and I know these dialogues will continue for a long time.” http://topi.com/about.html

“The superb support received from EIBTM staff allowed us to show all the potential of MooveTeam and Google Glass in a really straightforward way,” Xavi Guardia, CEO Moove Team, added further. www.mooveteam.com

This year, the EIBTM Innovation Zone will be re-designed with a new look and feel. New features include Innovation in Action – a digital showcase of leading meetings industry innovations in action as they are applied in real situations – and 20 TED Talk style presentations focusing on key innovations.

“Whether one-to-one discussions, informal chat over coffee, product demonstration, educational sessions or EIBTM social events, the Innovation Zone facilitates connections that matter across Technology and Innovation and offers an educational, entertaining and inspirational experience. Exhibitors can show the meetings and events industry what they have to offer, spread the word on their innovative products and services, meet future partners and be seen as a key player by an influential global audience,” says Graeme Barnett, Senior Exhibition Director EIBTM, Reed Travel Exhibitions.

Alongside the live demos will be specific Tech Hours. StefaniaConti-Vecchi, Founder and CEO – EVENTagist, an innovative community of international experts with specific know-how in the Meetings Industry and Business and Leisure Tourism, is an international expert on new technology and innovative solutions for meetings and events. She will lead “The EIBTM Tech Hour – Planet Of The Apps!” and “The Road To ‘App’iness: How To Create Your Perfect Event App (A Co-Creation Workshop)” sessions.

The first one is a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) fast-paced session which will offer an accurate selection of the best productivity apps available on the market and will provide some tricks to better manage many of the steps connected with attendees’ daily job as meeting professionals. The second session will help attendees to create their perfect event app, providing them with an exhaustive list of features they can select from to build the perfect app based on the objectives of their meetings and events.

Testimonials from returning exhibitors:

Centium Software

Paul Martin, Director, EMEA, of Centium Software and returning exhibitor comments: “Centium Software is excited to be part of EIBTM, the ‘must attend’ event for buyers to learn everything they need to know about planning and running an event. The tech focus at EIBTM is transforming the event organiser into a productivity machine, utilising the latest in best practice and cutting edge event management software such as EventsAIR! Event organizers are clamoring for tools that make them more productive, attendees are looking to experienced technology providers to enhance the attendee experience at events and EIBTM is the showcase!”

“EIBTM is the place where event organizers will come to learn, network, enjoy Barcelona and walk away with a plan for event management success as they return to their various workplaces worldwide. Centium Software will be showing EventsAIR and is eager to be part of EIBTM’s successful event where buyers and suppliers come together to further the events industry.” Martin continues.

XING EVENTS

“The EIBTM is a must-attend event for XING EVENTS. As the event industry expert for attendee management and event marketing, the show is a great opportunity for us to meet existing and potential customers and to further increase our market visibility. Once again we are looking forward to meet key personalities of the global MICE industry in Barcelona. Once more we are looking forward to a successful EIBTM”, says Dr. Cai-Nicolas Ziegler, CEO of XING EVENTS, and returning exhibitor. www.xing.com

Poken

Stéphane Doutriaux, Founder of Poken and another returning exhibitor adds: “We’ve found that EIBTM excels in providing innovative ways to facilitate meeting new buyers. By exhibiting alongside other main technology vendors, and being chosen to showcase our Green Event platform in the Innovation Zone, we were able to benefit from a dynamic way to meet visitors that positively affected everyone’s event experience. EIBTM is a must in our event calendar, not only because of the volume of attendees, but also the quality of the business opportunities it generates.”

First time exhibitor testimonial:

Guidebook

Wayne Morris, General Manager, EMEA of Guidebook comments: “Guidebook’s growth in the US suggests it is likely to dominate the event space in Europe within a few years, but this can only be achieved by communicating effectively to Europe’s key decision makers. At EIBTM, we will find all these decision makers under one roof – a unique opportunity to accelerate our exponential growth into Europe.

c. EIBTM Technology Watch

The EIBTM Technology Watch is the most high profile and longest running recognition scheme for technology innovation in the industry. The award looks to recognise companies who demonstrate new and innovative technology solutions that can make a significant difference in the industry.

The Tech Watch Award winner will be announced on 10 October 2014.

d. IBTM Event App

EIBTM will once again provide a fully integrated IBTM multi-event App for the show, which is available now and is supplied by GenieConnect. The IBTM multi event APP is available for iPhone, iPad and Android platform and the APP’s functionality includes:

• The ability to view Hosted Buyer and Exhibitor Appointment Diaries

• A full schedule of education and happenings at the exhibition, with the option to save “Favourites”

• Social media information

• Interactive floor plan with route planning

• General event information

• Keynote speaker bios

• Complete exhibitor list

• Organiser messages

• Barcelona Guide

4. EIBTM Knowledge – the education programme

EIBTM 2014 will provide meeting professionals with a premier three-day Knowledge Programme, which offers cutting edge, professional learning opportunities across influential, expert led sessions. This leading education programme offers an ideal platform for those involved in the meetings industry to enhance their professional knowledge and develop their careers.

“To date, we have confirmed over 30 dynamic and innovative sessions dedicated to three industry buyer categories including, association, corporate and agency meeting planners and we expect to create even more,” said Erica Keogan, Associations and Education Manager, Meetings & Events Portfolio.

EIBTM’s Knowledge Programme is a major focus and is a hub of professional education with seminars, workshops and conference sessions that cover all of the topics that face the meetings industry now and in the future. In addition, EIBTM’s partnership with RecertTrack, the world’s first online portal for certification and re-certification, will provide all delegates with a unique opportunity to track their industry related professional development activities, including the credits they obtain by attending the EIBTM knowledge sessions.

The concept of meetings design is to be one of several key themes running through the international education sessions for this year’s EIBTM Knowledge Programme.

“Whilst the subject of meetings design is current, we are bringing the Fresh Conference to the stage at EIBTM with topics covering participant engagement and interaction, exploring meeting formats, meeting design, technology innovation and best practice. The emphasis will be on giving meeting planners ideas, inspiration and the tools to elevate their meetings and keep up with future trends,” commented Keogan.

Please find below the programme of the Fresh sessions:

Fresh Session 1: Participant Engagement and Interaction on 19 November at 11:00

Fresh Session 2 – Exploring Meeting Formats on 19 November at 13:00

Fresh Session 3: Innovations in Meetings Design on 20 November at11:00

Fresh Session 4: The Art Of Connecting With Your Audience on 20November at 13:30

The EIBTM Knowledge Programme’s second theme involves “getting under the skin of the meetings industry from a research perspective”, focussing on Trends & Research, bringing together essential reports and articles from 2013/2014 that will give themeetings industry an insight into trends and predictions in the meetings and events industry during interactive and educative sessions.

One of the key sessions will be the annual Trend Watch Report by Rob Davidson, the Managing Director of MICE Knowledge, a consultancy that specialises in research, education and training services for the business tourism industry. Rob Davidson will discuss the developments in the principal world regions, markets and the latest international data to give an in-depth overview of business trends in the industry. This session will take place on the first day of the show, on Tuesday 18 November, and will provide insights and knowledge of key global trends that will help the participants shape their business strategies, and will look at the impact of what this year has delivered in terms of trends for the future and specifically 2015.

In the afternoon, Rob Davidson will also present the CIBTM MICE Buyer Behaviour Report 2014, which has been commissioned by CIBTM, the Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition which took place from 17-19 September in Beijing. This report is valuable insight for suppliers who are looking to win business outbound from China as it reveals the buyer behaviour of the Chinese Meeting planner from a venue and planning perspective. In this session, Rob Davidson demonstrate the factors that are most important to meetings planners when they are deciding where to locate their events. The survey also reveals how those planners prefer to interact with destination and venue marketing staff who are trying to win their business.

On the same day, delegates will be able to learn from the India Meetings & Events Industry Survey, which has been commissioned by CAT Publications, publishers of Meetings & Incentive Travel India, sponsored by Reed Travel Exhibitions (IBTM), and launched at IBTM India in the beginning of September. The research is based on independent data gathered from corporate and association event organisers based in India and will reveal quantitative and qualitative data about their buying habits both in India and overseas.

The exclusive EMEA launch of the American Express Meetings & Events Global Forecast 2015 will also be presented at the show, on Wednesday 19 November at 14:00. This session will focus on issues impacting the meetings industry including digital meetings solutions, planning in emerging markets, Group Air travel, tips for successful sourcing as well as exploring the implications and recommended actions for meeting planners to make the most of these trends. Presented by Jose Antonio Ruiz, the Vice President of Europe for American Express Meetings & Events and Saskia Gentil, the Market Director for France for American Express Meetings & Events, the participants will be able to:

• Understand key trends for 2015 and beyond, and what you can do to prepare to make the most of these trends within your meetings program

• Empower digital event solutions prevailing the meetingsindustry

• Discover best in class sourcing tips and habits of successful sourcing professionals

• Gain insights into planning in emerging markets

The Knowledge Programme will also for the first time include education sessions designed to appeal to our exhibitors as well as our Hosted Buyers and Trade Visitors. ‘Neuromarketing for the Event Industry’ presented by Wenda Kielstra, CEO of Consumaticsis one of the sessions, where Wenda will share her experiences and show how neuromarketing and subconscious behaviour can apply in the events and hospitality industry.

Ruud Janssen, international speaker, facilitator and designer of high stakes conferences & events, founder of TNOC | The New Objective Collective and co-founder of Event Model Generation, will lead the corporate session on Event Model Generation, a movement dedicated to creating a common visual language for crafting events worth attending. “We are looking forward to sharing practical case studies of applying the Event Model Canvas to Corporate Hosted Buyers at EIBTM on Wednesday 19 November from 15:00 – 16:30 in a hands-on workshop. It’s very educational to learn and speak with the change makers who are using the Event Model Canvas in their daily practice,” commented Janssen.

Developments in technology will also be highlighted during EIBTM 2014, in the daily Tech Hour presentations, with a focus on the latest trends and technologies of the meetings industry, including sessions such as ‘Planet of the Apps’ which will give a fast paced look into the world of what App tools can help make your life easier, ‘Lights, Camera, Action!’ which will focus on the nuts and bolts of technology needed in the production of meetings and ‘The Wearables Debate!’, a big debate on the future implications of wearables in the events industry.

5. Networking – all the details of what’s happening when and where

Networking Hour – Every year EIBTM provides an extra hour on the show floor for appointment free time for Hosted Buyers, trade visitors and exhibitors to network and enjoy hospitality provided by exhibitors on their stands. This networking hour will take place on the show floor, Wednesday 19th November, from 6-7pm.

EIBTM Welcome Reception – This year’s Welcome Reception will take place on Tuesday 18th November, from 6-8pm.

EIBTM’s Club Night will be taking place once again at Barcelona’s premier nightspot Opium Mar on the evening of Wednesday 19thNovember. Visitors, Buyers and exhibitors are invited to network and enjoy themselves at one of Barcelona’s most glamorous beachside venues.

6. Important information

a. Venue Information

Fira Gran Via, Barcelona

With its two venues, Montjuïc and Gran Via, the Fira de Barcelona boasts the largest trade fair area in Spain (365,000 m² of gross exhibition space) and one of the biggest in Europe.

The address of the venue is:

Fira Gran Via

Avenida. Joan Carles I, 58-64

08901 L’Hospitalet (Barcelona)

Spain

b. EIBTM on Social Media

EIBTM has a strong network of contacts including exhibitors, trade visitors, buyers and industry experts on its social media platforms, which include Linkedin, Twitter and Facebook. All participants of EIBTM can utilise these platforms in the run up to the show to share their latest news with other followers of EIBTM. Exhibitors can use Twitter to tweet @EIBTMevent, share their videos, comments and links via EIBTM on Facebook as well as getting involved with discussions on EIBTM’s LinkedIn page.

c. Future EIBTM show dates

Future dates confirmed for EIBTM include: EIBTM 2015 (17th to 19th November, 2015) and EIBTM 2016 (29th November to 1st December, 2016).