EIBTM 2003 to be more innovative than ever before

Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) has plans in place to make EIBTM 2003 a successful farewell to Geneva and the most innovative industry event ever. There will be improvements to the Hosted Buyer programme, and an innovative Association Programme.

“EIBTM 2003 from 20-23 May at Palexpo, Geneva, will be the most innovative and effective event the industry has ever seen,” says Debbie Jackson, EIBTM’s event director. “Our goal is to ensure that we provide the best global industry forum. We have undertaken extensive independent research and listened to what exhibitors and visitors have to say. We believe the improvements we have planned for 2003 will be ground-breaking and well received.”

The expansion of proven as well as new technology platforms and the strengthening co-operation with industry associations are part of numerous new initiatives. For example, EIBTM will lead the meetings industry to a greater environmental consciousness and technology understanding. The main stage will become a platform for interesting and wide-ranging discussions, under the chairmanship of renowned industry experts. Amongst these will be members of MPI, ICCA and SITE.

Association Programme and Hosted Buyers

“Executives of Associations have limited time, just like any small business. Providing them with a comprehensive educational programme helps them to clarify their role in this industry,” stressed Terrance Barkan, director of European Association Services (EAS). Together with the European Society of Association Executives (ESAE) he has further developed the seminar programme for Association buyers. “This programme helps participants to get more satisfaction from working in a difficult marketplace”, confirmed Barkan.

Associations will also have at their disposal, a complete networking association pavilion and an association members’ networking evening for exhibitors and buyers in conjunction with ICCA.

Martin Sirk, ICCA’s new CEO, explained: “ICCA’s relationship and co-operation with EIBTM goes back many years, and we are proud to be one of the event’s two officially endorsing associations. Our members are strong  supporters of EIBTM and more of them exhibit at this event than at any other conference industry exhibition world-wide. ICCA’s role is to support our members in getting even more leads and business out of the event and in planning our activities we rely strongly on the excellent working relationship with the EIBTM team.”

Within the Hosted Buyer programme, new incentives for group co-ordinators have meant them doubling their targets of guests in their buyer groups in comparison to previous years. At the same time predicted figures for the event are buoyant - over 100 countries exhibiting in 12,000 sq m of space and 51% of stands already contracted.

Additional new groups are coming from Portugal, Russia, USA, France and Hungary with a new loyalty incentive in place for 2003. To make EIBTM more productive for Hosted Buyers, appointments will now run from 11am - 3pm. And, EIBTM will provide a one-stop shop for all buyers needs, starting with easy and quick on-line registration. 

With the help of a comprehensive marketing strategy, aimed at major players and decision makers in the industry, EIBTM exhibitor bookings for stands are higher than last year. EIBTM 2002 had a total of 3,000 exhibitors, 5,560 visitors, 3,034 Hosted Buyers and 2,128 trade visitors.

“We celebrate our 16th birthday in 2003, of which we are immensely proud. However, we must not stand still or look back. The industry has made EIBTM its central event in the past 16 years, as it is the best platform to meet up and do business,” said Debbie Jackson. 

“We want to reward this loyalty and support, by staging a warm farewell to Geneva at the same time as delivering the most innovative and effective exhibition event of its kind.”

EIBTM 2003 will be held at Palexpo, Geneva 20-22 May.