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The countdown is under way for EIBTM 2007 with just 4 weeks remaining until the world meets in Barcelona on 27th-29th November. With over 3,000 suppliers, an increased floor area, an enhanced educational programme as well as a range of networking opportunities, EIBTM 2007 will once again be the worldwide forum for the industry.
Pre-registration numbers are very encouraging and have increased in comparison to last year with over 4,000 individuals registering for the Hosted Buyer programme and trade visitor pre-registrations 60% up, indicating that this year’s event is set to be one of the busiest ever. Over 80 new Hosted Buyer group co-ordinators will be bringing groups from the key European markets plus long haul destinations including Australia, Brazil, Argentina, China, South Africa, Canada and the US. International corporate companies already in the extensive list of trade visitor registrations include Nike, Barcardi-Martini, Citizen Watches, Honda, Mitsubishi, Novartis, Prada, Sara Lee, Walt Disney, Wrigley, Rolls Royce and Motorola.
EIBTM has also seen a significant rise in first time exhibitors as well as many returning exhibitors increasing their stand space. There are over 60 new main exhibitors including amongst others; Chile Tourism, China National Tourist Office, Prestige Hotels of the World, Vietnam, Vincci Hotels, Regione Campania, Korea, Nepal, Dallas CVB, Zambia, Trinidad and Tobago, Gibraltar and Guadeloupe. The major European cities of Munich, Birmingham and Oxford have also confirmed stand-alone representation for the first time.
The MPI Technology Village and Event Services Village have been sold out for months and with a total of over 40 exhibiting companies, will be the largest collection of specialist suppliers ever seen at EIBTM. As a result, both of these areas will provide a valuable cross section of information and product news from some of the biggest names in the industry.
EIBTM’s educational programme will feature over 20 general seminar sessions plus the Association, Agency and Corporate programmes for Hosted Buyers. The comprehensive free seminar programme is led by some of the most influential industry experts and offers cutting edge professional education opportunities available to all attendees. The 2007 education programme also features an increased series of Spanish seminars specific to the local market, a new daily technology hour and the launch of the new Corporate Social Responsibility Symposium – ‘Going beyond Greenwashing’.
The 13 Post Event Tours have received interest from Hosted Buyers and all of the destinations are now fully booked, including the Portuguese capital of Lisbon that was a late addition to the programme. Buyers from over 25 different countries including China, Vietnam, India, Brazil and Australia will be taking part in the programme following their visit to EIBTM.
The three Hosted Buyer lounges on the show floor, this year sponsored by Porto Convention Bureau, Thailand Convention & Exhibitions Bureau and Fira de Barcelona, will create a networking place for buyers.
The Turespana Events Lounge will host a timetable of events throughout the show including the EIBTM Awards presentation, EIBTM press conferences, cocktail receptions and presentations from a selection of Spanish meetings destinations.
Mandy Torrens, Exhibition Director for EIBTM comments: “We are really looking forward to EIBTM 2007 and the positive build-up to the event is very encouraging. Over the last 12 months the EIBTM team has put all their efforts into ensuring that once in Barcelona, exhibitors, Hosted Buyers and visitors will have access to the very best business, education and networking opportunities. Therefore, we are confident we will deliver a strong show for the industry again this year. ”
EIBTM will take place from 27th-29th November 2007, in Barcelona (venue: Fira Gran Via).
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
