BARCELONA – ΕΙΒΤΜ - REPORT: Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) has announced a Strategic Partnership Agreement with the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA). The agreement, which commences in January 2012, will see PCMA supporting RTE’s IBTM exhibition portfolio, providing educational content at a series of events in key markets, as well as contributing to RTE’s Global Hosted Buyer Program; For AIBTM (19-21 June) PCMA will support the delivery of 500 qualified senior Hosted Buyers as well as provide education and speakers, plus their signature “Executive Edge” program. For CIBTM in Beijing (12-14 September), PCMA will also contribute to education and support the Certified Meeting Planner accreditation (CMP). EIBTM 2012, taking place in Barcelona, will also see PCMA deliver a CEO level conference program.

“To work closely with PCMA as a unique partner alongside our global portfolio of meeting events on 5 continents is an exceptional opportunity. We know that the IBTM education program is of critical importance to the industry as it contributes to attendees careers, knowledge and learning, at EIBTM this year we have over 100 sessions. With the input of PCMA, considered the leading organization for superior and innovative education, we believe that this influential association and its members will add real tangible benefits to all our stakeholders” says Craig Moyes, Group Exhibition Director for the global meetings portfolio of events Reed Travel Exhibitions.

“The meetings and events world becomes more global each day; our strategic partnership delivers on the growing needs of our members and IBTM’s attendee educational desires,” says Deborah Sexton, PCMA President and CEO. “This partnership is a timely and relevant value-ad for our members as they are exponentially increasing the number of events they hold outside the US. Additionally for the IBTM audience, PCMA will deliver the superior industry education that provides additional ROI with their Hosted Buyer participation.”