The second edition of the Gulf Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM) taking place from 8-10 April 2008 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company Centre (ADNEC), will see the participation of InterContinental Hotel GROUP (IHG), one of the leading names in hospitality and international carrier Virgin Atlantic.

“GIBTM is a trade show now firmly on the industry calendar and one that IHG views as vital for meeting key players in the regions meetings and incentives market,” said Haitham Mattar, Director of Marketing, IHG Middle East and Africa.

“IHG has the luxury of a diverse mix of hotel brands in its portfolio, all of which offer something different to corporate groups and business travellers looking for high quality amenities and flexibility. Having a platform like GIBTM allows us to communicate the tangible benefits of our brands in a productive environment full of the right people.”

Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the official organization dedicated to the promotion of corporate meetings, incentive events, conventions and exhibitions have increased their presence at this years GIBTM following on from their success at last years inaugural event. This reflects Thailand's growing stature as a destination of choice for international meetings, conventions and exhibitions.

The 2008 event will be larger than the first inaugural show with an increased number of regional and international meetings and incentive suppliers from national tourist organisations, convention bureaus, hotels and hotel groups, destination management companies and specialist service providers having already signed up for GIBTM 2008.

The global line-up of countries now represented includes Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Cyprus, Egypt, Sharjah, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka and major hotel groups, such as Leading Hotels of the World, Rotana Hotels and Resorts, Starwood, Kempinski and Jumeirah, have also confirmed their presence at the event. Etihad Airways, the event’s airline partner, will also have a presence. Confirmed exhibitors in the new Technology & Event Services Village @ GIBTM include: EVENTEX, Shockfish SA, SALCE, GlobalWare - software to manage your event, Celcom and Ungerboeck Systems International.

The Product and Services Gallery, a new initiative for this year, is now up and running on the GIBTM website. It allows all participating exhibitors and stand sharers to showcase their individual meetings products in addition to their general company profile. For visitors, it is a good opportunity to see the large selection of products available at the show enabling them to plan in advance their time at GIBTM.

Graeme Barnett, Event Director said: “We are determined to provide a rich and diverse exhibitor representation for both our Hosted Buyers and visitors, who will be able to plan their attendance at the show thanks to the new product and services gallery which allows them to view in advance the types of products being showcased, and make best use of their time at the show. GIBTM also offers unmatched business opportunities, networking events and a strong professional educational programme.”

The event is well ahead of schedule with key industry players already signed. Major meeting destinations, venues and suppliers from the Gulf, Middle East and across the globe have confirmed their attendance early to secure their preferred location in the halls.