ICCA, MPI and SITE to give educational seminars at EIBTM 2003

Leading meetings industry associations, ICCA, MPI and SITE will be organising a series of seminars for visitors to EIBTM 2003, the annual global exhibition for the incentive, business travel and meetings industry, held 20 – 22 May 2003 in Geneva, Switzerland. Running every morning throughout the show between 08.30 and 09.30, the complimentary seminars will cover many of the current issues faced by the meetings and business events industry.

The SITE (Society of Incentive & Travel Executives) seminar on Tuesday 20th May will feature Anne Fedele of E Travel speaking about ‘The Influence  of the Media on the Incentive Travel Industry’. Those attending will leave with a better understanding of the influence of the media on the industry and feel more confident that they can use the media to their advantage. 

Wednesday’s seminar is provided by ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association).

A panel of experienced planners and suppliers, chaired by ICCA's Chief Executive Officer, Martin Sirk, will be tackling the subject of ‘New Priorities  for International Meetings’.

“ICCA is delighted to be hosting this topical session," said Mr Sirk . "The panel of experts will be addressing the very hottest topics of the day, and  will be encouraging interaction with the audience. This is a chance for EIBTM attendees to raise their biggest concerns, to hear how others are coping with the rapidly changing business environment we face in 2003, and to find out how others view the future.”

Peter Haigh, International Sales and Marketing Director, UK Accor Hotels, and President of the European Council for MPI (Meeting Professionals International) will be facilitating the final day's seminar on 'Industry Trends'.  Mr Haig said, “This seminar will provide a great opportunity to share views and ideas about the many and varied aspects of the meetings industry.”

Another key element of EIBTM’s comprehensive education programme is the EIBTM 2003 Association Programme in association with ESAE  (European Society of Association Executives). The programme offers qualified Association Executives complimentary air travel from a European airport, over-night accommodation, full seminar programme and learning experience plus access to an Association Pavilion and a networking  evening.

EIBTM’s Exhibition Director Debbie Jackson said, “EIBTM offers a focal point to the industry so it makes sense to have the world’s leading  associations educating the industry on these key issues. The complimentary seminars are an important part of our commitment to providing an unrivalled education programme to visitors, hosted buyers, exhibitors and association members. The seminars are run on a first come first serve basis so we recommend people arrive promptly.”