Published on : Tuesday, January 7, 2014
GIBTM, the Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition has opened registration for Hosted Buyers. The event takes place annually at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). Those interested in attending, meetings and industry professionals with Hosted Buyer status can apply at www.gibtm.com/hbapply
Hosted Buyers attending will receive a personalised diary of pre-scheduled business appointments selected by them in advance of GIBTM with key regional exhibitors including Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, Egyptian Tourist Authority, Qatar Tourism Authority and Kingdom of Bahrain Tourism Sector, Ministry of Culture who have already confirmed their participation at the show.
Accepted Buyers will also receive direct access to the newly launched GIBTM Knowledge programme and invitations to a range of exclusive networking events, as well as complimentary return flights, transfers and 4/5 accommodation.
Lois Hall, GIBTM Event Manager, Reed Travel Exhibitions commented, “The feedback we have received from last year and 99% satisfaction rate recorded post show has been extremely encouraging and as a result of the growing demand we are witnessing from international buyers who are looking to harness the potential of the rapidly developing meetings industry in the Middle East, we have extended the Hosted Buyer allocation to over 300 buyers this year.
“We are also anticipating that the show will generate around 8,500 pre-scheduled business appointments between Hosted Buyers and the growing number of exhibitors who have already signed up to take part.”
Jacqui Kavanagh, Managing Director, Trinity Conferences, UK who attended GIBTM 2013 as an international Hosted Buyer commented, “This is an important show to attend if you are serious about understanding who the movers and shakers are in this industry. The UAE is a growth market for us because it is deemed safe, has invested in infrastructure, has fantastic hotels and is building up its credentials as a conference destination. Abu Dhabi also has a lot more to offer now and the show has helped me to gain some valuable contacts.”
Grace Dzvairo, Global Account Executive, Conference Direct, Washington DC who also attended in 2013 as an international Hosted Buyer commented, “This show has really changed my perceptions of the UAE and what it has to offer. I am very surprised by what the UAE has to offer; it’s definitely unique and different and I will be considering both Dubai and Abu Dhabi for more clients, depending on their requirements. I would definitely recommend a meeting in Abu Dhabi.”
GIBTM has also recently announced plans to incorporate a number of new regional post event tour options for international Hosted Buyers attending. The show organisers have confirmed that Bahrain, Jordan and Qatar will be participating in the programme, which will host groups of top international meeting and incentive buyers directly after GIBTM 2014. For more information visit www.gibtm.com/hbtours
Event organisers and meetings industry professionals who influence or make budgetary decisions for international business travel, meetings, incentive travel, international conventions, product launches or staff training may be eligible to attend the largest gathering of meeting professionals in the Middle East as a Hosted Buyer and can apply via www.gibtm.com/hbapply
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