EIBTM 2007 is set to have a record number of European exhibitors at this year’s event showcasing an extensive range of venues, products and services from this popular region of the world. New companies, increased stand space from returning exhibitors and a maintained presence by European destinations will see the most diverse representation for many years.

Eastern and Central Europe will have a significant presence at the event supporting its growing popularity as a meetings and incentives destination. Croatia has increased its stand space by 18%, Hungary is taking 90sqm and Romania has increased by a massive 64%. Poland, Slovenia and Ukraine are returning to exhibit this year whilst Slovakia’s stand will be over a third larger than in previous years. The city of Vilnius, Lithuania will also have its own stand almost 30% bigger than last year.

Vera Szucs-Balas, Manager for the Hungarian Convention Bureau stated: “We think EIBTM is a great opportunity to promote Hungary as a destination for congresses, conferences and other business events. This is the 7th time we are exhibiting at EIBTM, and we are looking very much forward to it. It always has been a huge success for us and we try to attend well prepared in order to provide up to date information to Hosted Buyers and visitors. There are a number of novelties on the Hungarian meetings and incentives market including plenty of new hotels and conference venues as well as several ones still being built. We will launch them at EIBTM along with our new brochure, The Meeting Planners’ Guide to Hungary that will be published in September this year.”

Northern Europe will also have a stronger presence at EIBTM this year with Sweden increasing its stand size by almost 30%, Norway by 8% and Iceland has increased by 66% more space. Denmark, Lapland and Finland will not miss out on the business that EIBTM generates as they are all returning to the show again this year. Other European destinations set to have an even larger presence at EIBTM this year include Britain, Austria, Germany and France. Two major European cities, Munich and Birmingham, have decided to exhibit independently for the first time to focus on their own product offering and brand values which they feel are more than a match for their competitors.

Ian Taylor, Commercial Director at Marketing Birmingham, which operates Birmingham Convention Bureau, said “Research has revealed that the events industry in the West Midlands is worth a staggering