EIBTM breaks all records

This year’s EIBTM was confirmed by Paul Kennedy, MBE, group exhibition director, Reed Travel Exhibitions Meetings and Incentive Events, as the ‘biggest ever.’

He announced that unaudited figures showed that the event attracted a record number of hosted buyers – 3,711 – up 12 percent from the previous year; 51,000 pre-scheduled meetings were organized over the three-day event – up over 11,000; and total attendance is expected to top the 8,000 mark, up 6 percent from 2007.

Paul Kennedy commented: “The record figures show not only how resilient the meetings market is in challenging times, but the reputation EIBTM has as the place to do business. It certainly seemed that more actual business was being transacted on the show floor than ever before.”

He added, “We welcomed our largest-ever gathering of hosted buyers from as far afield as Australia, China, India, Thailand, and the Americas, and from an exhibitor perspective, we are already receiving requests for space for next year.”

The buzz around the show highlighted the enormous amount of business generated at the event.

Mr. Peter Bull, Saleslink Marketing Portugal said, “We had 290 pre-scheduled appointments in three days. We haven’t stopped. On Wednesday, we had 14 signed specific group enquiries.”

Ms. Tereza Zarogianni, Eventit Greece said, “It’s been fantastic business – no recession here; at least not here at EIBTM.”

Suzan Tosunlar, director of Brand Services, Swisshotel commented, “A very good show; we received lots of good requests; it was far better than expected.”

Hosted buyer Dicky Riel, general manager, A La Carte International said, “This was the most fantastic EIBTM event so far. I am very positive and did all my appointments plus twenty more.”

EIBTM is ABC audited every year to guarantee that the number of visitors promoted is completely accurate and are unique attendees only.

EIBTM 2009 (www.eibtm.com ) will take place again in Barcelona on December 1-3, 2009.