Reed Travel Exhibitions’ (RTE) global meetings industry portfolio of events - EIBTM, GIBTM, CIBTM and AIME - is proving that the worldwide economic climate is no barrier to growth, with clients turning to these international shows to maintain competitive edge and drive new business.

Recently announced figures for both GIBTM and AIME, on the back of record EIBTM numbers, show the importance the industry is placing on RTE events and their brand values of best business, best professional education, best networking opportunities and Hosted Buyer Programmes, delivering quality business enquiries and return on investment.

With EIBTM, GIBTM and AIME being officially and independently audited, the portfolio’s flagship event EIBTM has seen total attendance increase by over 31% since 2006, reaching 8,131. Hosted Buyers were up 12% to 3,725, with a 29% increase over 2007 in pre-scheduled appointments, which topped 51,000. Additionally, over 2,600 delegates participated in the education programme - 30% up on 2007.

The event attracted 75 new exhibitors; 54 exhibitors took increased stand space and a total of 138 group co-ordinators attended.

GITBM in Abu Dhabi equally, has seen a substantial growth of 56% since its launch in 2007, attracting a visitor attendance - visitors and Hosted Buyers - of 1,693, up nearly 15% on 2008. A further 158 attended as media or speakers. This made GIBTM 2009 the largest ever gathering of meeting professionals in the Gulf.

AIME 2009, in Australia, also bucked the current climate increasing its total attendance by 10% on the previous year with a total of 3,581. Over a three year period the event has grown by over 35%.

Commenting on the growth of the RTE Meetings and Incentive Events portfolio Paul Kennedy MBE, Group Exhibition Director commented: “These results prove both the resilience of the meetings and incentive industry and the sector’s recognition of all our international events as places to conduct business, meet new buyers, achieve objectives and drive return. The events are a testament to the need and importance of bringing buyers and sellers face to face to do business.”