IBTM Africa confirms significant international buyer interest for first event set to take place from 28-30 April 2014.
The rapidly growing demand for meetings industry suppliers within Africa, has been reflected in the unprecedented interest witnessed from International Hosted Buyers applying to attend the first IBTM Africa, set to take place in Cape Town, South Africa.
David Dodgeon, Green Route, who will attend IBTM Africa with a group of qualified international buyers commented, “Trade shows are one of the most effective ways of obtaining and securing new business. We have supported EIBTM, the flagship event of the IBTM Global Events Portfolio since the early days and we are very pleased to be bringing a group of 16 International Buyers to their new show set to launch in Africa.
“Africa provides a perfect meetings industry destination for a number of reasons. The continent offers a huge contrast in terms of culture and history and is well situated in terms of flight routes and global access. The table-top format which IBTM Africa will offer, will allow us to spend quality one-to-one time with potential clients.”
Part of Reed Travel Exhibitions’ Africa Travel Week, IBTM Africa will reflect the core values of the IBTM Global Events Portfolio providing one-to-one business appointments, education and networking over an exclusive tabletop format.
IBTM Africa will match 50 regional exhibitors through a pre-scheduled appointment system with 50 qualified Hosted Buyers from Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, all of whom will have proven purchasing power and guaranteed business to place in Africa.
Shinu Pillai, Project Manager, Reed Travel Exhibitions, IBTM Africa commented, “We are extremely excited about the launch of IBTM Africa within our IBTM Global Events Portfolio. Africa is emerging rapidly as a destination of choice when it comes to hosting meetings and incentives, with many global associations looking to include Africa in their rotation patterns.”
IBTM Africa will provide the opportunity for 50 African and Indian Ocean suppliers including Hotels and Venues, National/ State Tourism Organisations and Convention Bureaux, Travel Management Companies, Destination Management Companies, Event Management Companies, Professional Conference Organisers, Airlines, Technology, Business Travel and MICE related suppliers to showcase their products to an international audience of Hosted Buyers attending.
Pillai concludes, “As the world’s largest organiser for meetings and incentive exhibitions, we are committed to providing all of our attendees with the best level of return on investment for their participation. Each international Hosted Buyer attending will participate in a minimum of 36 pre-scheduled business appointments, which will ensure that every supplier attending will achieve a significant amount of opportunities to showcase their products to an international audience.”
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
