North America will be showcasing an increased number of companies when they participate in EIBTM 2008, in Europe this year. With many being represented for the first time and others increasing their stand space, the continent will have a considerable presence.

LA Inc - the Los Angeles Convention and Visitor’s Bureau - will be taking considerable space with various partners representing the city, along with Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association who will be showcasing its diverse range of services and products offered by more than 650 members of its Association.

“The reputation of EIBTM with its fantastic access to some of the finest meeting and travel planners in Europe and the world is a great opportunity to get the word out on our world class destination. We are looking to raise the profile of our hidden gem of a city to the international meetings and travel community. The only show in which to do that is EIBTM”. Says Chad Chappell, Director of National Accounts for Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association.

Texas Tourism will also be new to EIBTM in 2009 and sees the event as a key marketing opportunity.

“For the first time ever, Texas Tourism will be present at EIBTM in Barcelona, and. By attending this important trade show, Texas shows its interest in the booming Meetings Industry. The state offers great meeting and incentive opportunities from world-class cities such as Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio as well as remote western style resorts” said Roberto La Pietra, PR Manager.

Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau (CCTB) returns to EIBTM after six years absence. Says Tim Roby, CCTB President and CEO;

“Due to the strong growth in international arrivals to Chicago and Illinois, the Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau (CCTB) is exhibiting at EIBTM for the first time since 2002. Having a Chicago presence at EIBTM this year is timely, especially since the city is now an official candidate city for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games”.

VISIT FLORIDA has increased its stand size as have NYC & CO.

"The European market has always been important to VISIT FLORIDA's meetings and incentives market, offering such a diverse choice for any group; even more so with the exchange rate being so favourable. As interest in the destination continues to grow, we are delighted to be doubling our stand size at EIBTM as compared to last year". Says Steven Bonda, CMP Sales Manager Meetings & Conventions VISIT FLORIDA.

Other returning exhibitors include Canada, Boston and Arizona and East West USA.

In line with the growth in exhibitors, this year will see an additional rise in Hosted Buyers from the US. DMI Hotels are a new group co-ordinator from the US that have 130 hotels and DMC’s and CVB’s throughout the US, Canada, Carribean and Europe. Existing group co-ordinators Starcite, Concorde Hotels & Resorts and Accor are all bringing new groups from the US this year, while other group co-ordinators from the US include Hesperia, NH Hotels, Euromic, Starwood, Wedgewood, Helmsbriscoe and PCMA.