At a time when 96 percent of EIBTM hosted buyers surveyed believe trade events will be as important or more important in the next two years, the industry’s leading international event, EIBTM, has opened its hosted buyer registration for 2009 (www.eibtm.com).
Having attracted 3,725 hosted buyers in 2008 (+12 percent on 2007), who undertook over 50,000 pre-scheduled appointments (+25 percent), the program is set to attract international groups and individuals from Europe, Africa, Asia, US, South America, Middle East, Far East, and Australia.
June Clark, manager for hosted programs said: “Our hosted buyer program reflects the nature of buyers our exhibitors want to do business with. It continues to attract significant, quality numbers exactly because we deliver a flexible buyer-driven appointment system in an environment that delivers return on business.”
Last year alone, 48 percent of hosted buyers expected to place orders of over €250,000 as a result of being at the show and 5 percent of over €500,000.
Already, with six months to go before the event opens in Barcelona, December 1-3, 2009, EIBTM has confirmed international hosted buyer groups including Sun International, South Africa; ADC Group, Italy, Clovis Hotels, Sweden; World Meetings, Germany and Allied Australia, Australia.
Companies that have already confirmed as group coordinators and have committed to bringing an increased number of hosted buyers to EIBTM 2009 include Barcelo Hotels, Corinthia, Catalunya Turismo, and Kempinski.
Benefits for hosted buyers at EIBTM 2009 include targeted association, corporate, and agency educational programs, which last year attracted 2,600 delegates (up 12 percent on the previous year), and increased networking opportunities including a dedicated hosted buyer evening.
Comments from hosted buyers who attended EIBTM 2008 underline the value of the event to their businesses:
“HelmsBriscoe bought over 60 buyers from all over the world to EIBTM 2008. We were all impressed with the caliber and number of exhibitors, as well as the business sessions and panel discussions, which were well planned and relevant. This was a busy show and exceeded our expectations.” – Bob Gilbert, senior vice president, HelmsBriscoe International
“Hundreds of networking chances and dozens of buying opportunities under the same roof!” – Khalil MASRI, HotelRooms, Inc.
“EIBTM far exceeded my expectations. I met a lot of new suppliers, and due to timings, managed to fit even more appointments into my time at the show, which will be a huge benefit to me.” – Steph Chesney-Bryce, International Conference & Incentives consultant Expotel, UK
The strength and quality of the EIBTM hosted buyer program has also led to 16 destinations hosting post-event tours – Leon, Madrid, Valencia, Costa Del Sol, Amsterdam, Costa Daurada, Venice, Huelva, Bilboa, Barcelona Province and Stiges, Cordoba, Seville, Girona-Costa Brava-Pirineus, Palma de Mallorca, London, and Rome.
For further details on the EIBTM hosted buyer program and details of how to qualify, please go to www.eibtm.com.
WHAT TO TAKE AWAY FROM THIS ARTICLE:
- I met a lot of new suppliers, and due to timings, managed to fit even more appointments into my time at the show, which will be a huge benefit to me.
- At a time when 96 percent of EIBTM hosted buyers surveyed believe trade events will be as important or more important in the next two years, the industry's leading international event, EIBTM, has opened its hosted buyer registration for 2009 (www.
- Benefits for hosted buyers at EIBTM 2009 include targeted association, corporate, and agency educational programs, which last year attracted 2,600 delegates (up 12 percent on the previous year), and increased networking opportunities including a dedicated hosted buyer evening.
