The appointments system devised for Asia Luxury Travel Market (ALTM), the first Asia Pacific event aimed exclusively at the luxury end of the travel industry, has gone “live” ahead of the upcoming event at Shanghai Exhibition Centre.

Buyers and exhibitors can now begin pre-arranging meetings through the exclusive network – accessed via the ‘Exhibitor/VIP Buyer Zones” link on the show’s website.

The Pre Scheduled Appointment (PSA) Programme enables attendees to study the profile of companies online and choose who they wish to meet, therefore, facilitating contact between exhibitors and VIP Buyers by matching them based on specific appointment preferences. In all attendees can arrange up to 42 appointments over three days.

During the inaugural expo from June 19-21, delegates will further be equipped with high tech, hand held ‘Spot Me’ devises preloaded with details of buyers and exhibitors, allowing buyers and sellers to message each other to arrange additional appointments.

The device even has a built-in radar function to alert delegates when someone they wish to meet is close by.

“ALTM operates like a dating agency, matching buyers and exhibitors in order to maximise the benefits to both parties,” said Jay Martens, ALTM event director. “We are committed to revolutionising the concept of trade-to-trade exhibitions by providing the means to organise quality meetings and are proud to have empty aisles but stands buzzing with business activities and contracts exchanged,” he added.

To date, over 200 of the world’s leading luxury travel suppliers have confirmed attendance including Amanresorts, Peninsula Hotels, Oberoi, Taj, Jumeirah International, Lufthansa Private Jets, Mandarin Oriental, Golden Prestige, Societe Des Bains De Mer, Dorchester Collection, Bombardier Skyjet, Hyatt, Hunt & Palmer and Ritz Carlton.