With buoyant sales and strong international demand for places on the Hosted Buyer Programme, LACIME 2004 …
With buoyant sales and strong international demand for places on the Hosted Buyer Programme, LACIME 2004 (23 – 25 June 2004, Transamerica Expo Center, Sao Paulo, Brazil) is set to be the `premier` exhibition in the meetings and incentive industry for Latin America and the Caribbean. Proof of the increasing growth and interest of this region in the world meetings market.
LACIME forms part of Reed Exhibitions growing portfolio of Meeting and Incentive events. Together, LACIME, EIBTM and AIME represent the global strength of the industry. EIBTM is the `Exhibition for Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings` held annually in Barcelona, Spain, and AIME is the `AsiaPacific Incentive & Meetings Expo` held in Melbourne, Australia.
With the experience and knowledge of Reed Exhibitions and ABAV (the Brazilian Association of Travel Agencies) behind it, LACIME is set to become `the` event for the Latin America and Caribbean region.
Growing Market
Research carried out by Reed Exhibitions Brazil has shown that Brazilian companies spend US$2 billion on incentive programmes every year, and their annual investment in meetings and events amount to approximately US$6.21 billion. In addition, Sao Paulo moved up 22 positions in the rank order of the world`s meeting destinations in 2002.
Roberto Gueler, President of the Sao Paulo Convention & Visitor Bureau (SPC&VB) is certain the LACIME will benefit the host city greatly Our goal is to be the 20th meeting destination in the world by 2007 he says.
Paulo Santos, Marketing Vice President of AMPRO – the Brazilian Promotional Marketing Association is also a strong supporter of LACIME, We will show the market that there are qualified professionals to plan and operate incentive travel and meetings. LACIME 2004 embodies the vigorous growth of this market.
AMPRO plan to hold the first Brazilian Meeting of Incentive Houses (EBEI) during LACIME 2004. The first EBEI will bring together incentive marketing professionals, suppliers and clients for a series of presentations and debates about the sector.
LACIME is also backed by strong support from the regions leading trade associations, six of whom have reserved stands at LACIME 2004 including ABEOC (Brazilian Association of Event Organisers), ABGEV (Brazilian Association of Corporate Travel Managers), ABIH (Brazilian Hotel Industry Association), ABLA (Brazilian Association of Car Rental Firms), AMPRO (Brazilian Promotional Marketing Association) and Braztoa (Brazilian Association of Travel Operators).
Hosted Buyer Programme
A key benefit for the suppliers and buyers looking to attend LACIME 2004, is the exclusive Hosted Buyer Programme. Industry buyers can apply to be hosted to LACIME receiving complimentary flights and accommodation where applicable. Acceptance onto the Hosted Buyer Programme is subject to each applicant meeting the strict qualifying criteria including purchasing authority in the Americas and Europe and amount of business conducted.
Once qualified, Hosted Buyers will attend pre-scheduled appointments (PSA`s) with exhibitors at LACIME. These appointments are invaluable for buyers and suppliers to network and discuss business face to face.
In addition to those attending from the home market including Argentina, Caribbean, Mexico, Peru, Brazil and Equador, LACIME plans to Host Buyers from Germany, Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, South Africa and United States.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
