EIBTM 2002 CUTS DOWN ADMINISTRATION, PAPERWORK AND TRAVEL WORRIES

First EIBTM Advisory Council Meeting Told of 'One Stop Shop' Strategy Tom Nutley, Managing Director of Reed Travel Exhibitions - responsible for EIBTM, the world's leading industry event in the incentive, business travel and meetings industry - has unveiled a new "fast track" strategy to revolutionise and streamline traditional build-up processes for exhibitors.

Sharing the concept with members of the new EIBTM Advisory Council of senior industry representatives, at their first meeting held recently, Mr. Nutley said: "Time is the most precious commodity that any of our exhibitors and visitors possess.

"We have made a major investment in technological solutions that are fast, effective and hassle-free. It has taken some time and considerable effort to get them right, but the task is almost complete. EIBTM 2002 will introduce everyone to a new style of customer service, which takes away the worry and cut down the paperwork.

"Now exhibitors can register, book their flights and hotels, access and if, necessary even change their travel itinerary as well as make appointments and view their appointments schedule. "People do not have the time to spend on the telephone querying arrangements and making business appointments, filling out endless forms and arranging travel and accommodation bookings for what can sometimes be an entire group.

"EIBTM will pave the way with a 'one-stop shop' concept that is fast, convenient and easy to understand." "Key to the strategy is far reaching and cost effective technological development across the whole company", said Nutley " This underpins Reed Travel Exhibition's major portfolio of 11 worldwide specialist industry events, unrivalled experienced and complete commitment to customer service that is second to none."

This means that exhibitors and visitors can carry out all their requirements for EIBTM 2002 online. This includes:

* Booking exhibitor and non-hosted visitor hotels and flights via the newly launched Reed Travel Services, offering competitive prices, instant response and on-screen itineraries

* Hosted Buyers being able to view their own personal web page for full details of travel arrangements made on their behalf

* Buyers having the ability to change flights and book additional accommodation

* Request appointments

* View pre-scheduled appointments, and

* Trade visitor pre-registration

TENDER DOCUMENT ISSUED

Speaking at the Sheraton Skyline Hotel, Heathrow, London, Mr. Nutley said the tender document requesting presentation bids on a possible new 'home' for EIBTM from 2004 had been issued to 22 cities in Europe.

All presentations have to be with EIBTM by 31 December 2001. A final decision will be made by the summer of 2002.

INDUSTRY COALITION

Although many industry associations are carrying out excellent work to counter and help members with problems following the events on 11 September, the Advisory Council felt that the industry should work together more closely.

Members asked Tom Nutley to act as neutral chairman at an initial meeting of industry leaders to be held at World Travel Market 2001 on Tuesday 13 November at Earls Court, London.

RESEARCH RESULTS

Positive results of exhaustive three-strand exhibitor, Hosted Buyer and trade visitor research carried out during the summer did not mean that EIBTM should in any way be complacent, said Mr. Nutley.

"Our aim is to continually improve our events and there is still much we can do to provide even better customer service."

The results showed that 87% of exhibitors were satisfied with EIBTM, 94% were likely to or have already rebooked for 2002 and that 92% regard it as a 'must attend' event. Key reasons for participating were generating new sales leads, promoting products, and stimulating good customer relationships.

Research with Hosted Buyers revealed that 98% were satisfied they had met their objectives at EIBTM 2001, 84% want to visit again, 91% would recommend the event to colleagues and associates and 96% felt it gave them a competitive advantage.

The Advisory Council was also told that nearly half of Hosted Buyers actually placed business during their visit and that 14% placed more than £75,000 of business.

A total of 91% of trade visitors were satisfied with their visit and 88% placed orders during this year's event.

Requests from participants included more educational seminars, improved stand numbering, better presentations to groups by exhibitors, more communications, an easier and simpler online diary and improved flight processes.

Mr. Nutley said that without exception, all these aspects of EIBTM are now being evaluated and addressed for the next event between 21-13 May, 2002. Among the objectives by Reed Travel Exhibitions for EIBTM next year is an increase in the number of Hosted Buyers attending individual appointments while at the same time maintaining group appointments.