AIBTM, RecertTrack Partner to Bolster Career Development

AIBTM, RecertTrack Partner to Bolster Career Development
‘Official Education Tracking Service’ Offered in Orlando

The Americas Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (AIBTM) has teamed with RecertTrack to support meeting professionals in continuing their career education and will showcase the first-ever “Official Education Tracking Service” during AIBTM 2014 in June. Through its Association & Meeting Professional Advancement Portal, RecertTrack (www.recerttrack.com/assn-meetings) is the only provider globally to offer centralized tracking, storage and delivery of re-certification documents online.

As a Web-based platform, RecertTrack is able to track, update and hold education information, as well as remind users when recertification is due, effectively providing Certified Meeting Planners (CMPs), Certified Exhibition Managers (CEMs) and Certified Association Sales Executives (CASEs) and the like with a framework for managing their professional development.

“Career advancement for certified professionals in the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) industry is highly dependent on education, and keeping track of continuing education unit (CEU) documentation is vital,” explained Michael Lyons, Exhibition Director for AIBTM. “The industry has been in need of automated re-certification tracking for a long time, and AIBTM is pleased to join with RecertTrack to offer the Association & Meeting Professional Advancement Portal in Orlando.

“AIBTM is the first entity in the meeting industry to partner with RecertTrack and offer online document management and automated recertification tracking solution to meeting professionals,” said Cedric Calhoun, founder and chief executive of RecertTrack. “As a premier MICE organization, AIBTM understands that continuing education and certification is part of a greater need for better structure in career development.”

Calhoun will head the “To Certify or Not to Certify” education session that will focus on the importance of continuing education and the career path structure that is provided by certification programs. It will also highlight recent research studies on the MICE industry and how it impacts the future progression of the individual meeting planner and overall industry. This session will take place June 10 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. as part of the AIBTM professional education program.

To apply for the AIBTM Hosted Buyer program or register to attend AIBTM as a Trade Visitor go to: http://www.aibtm.com/Visiting/. Join AIBTM on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

REGISTRATION FOR AIBTM 2014 HOSTED BUYER PROGRAMME IS OPEN

REGISTRATION FOR AIBTM 2014 HOSTED BUYER PROGRAMME IS OPEN
Meeting Industry Professionals can apply for Hosted Buyer status via http://www.aibtm.com/Hosted-Buyers

Press Release: 20th February 2014 – AIBTM (http://www.aibtm.com), the Americas Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition, have announced that Hosted Buyer applications are now being accepted online for AIBTM 2014 which takes place 10th – 12th June at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. The Hosted Buyer programme provides top-level buyers with the opportunity to meet exhibitors of their choice for focused one-to-one business appointments.

Michael Lyons, AIBTM Exhibition Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions commented “AIBTM brings together the world’s leading meetings industry suppliers and allows them to showcase their products to an audience of senior level buyers. The feedback we have received from our award-winning Hosted Buyer Programme last year has been extremely encouraging, with 97% of Hosted Buyers reporting that they were satisfied with AIBTM 2013, and 92% of Hosted Buyers identifying the appointment system to be very important when deciding to apply for the show.”

Qualified AIBTM Hosted Buyers will have the opportunity to pre-schedule appointments with exhibitors as well as receive complimentary travel and accommodation, coordinated by AIBTM’s dedicated Hosted Buyer team. In addition to this, Hosted Buyers will also be invited to attend exclusive networking events and complimentary CEU-accredited education sessions designed specifically to meet the needs of association, corporate, agency and business travel professionals.

Shari Chesser, Director of Marketing and Commercial Sales Strategy, Aspen Contracting who attended AIBTM 2013 as a Hosted Buyer commented, “I’m always impressed by the number of vendors and the variety. Last year I placed business as a result of my time at AIBTM. I always have an epiphany and last year it was Puerto Rico. This year I know I’ll find it again.”

Hosted Buyer applications are reviewed and accepted based on the number and size of meetings, events, incentives and annual conferences, individual purchasing authority, annual budgets for meetings, events and incentives, amount of business conducted and potential for future business in the meetings and business travel industries.

To apply for the AIBTM Hosted Buyer programme visit: http://www.aibtm.com/Hosted-Buyers

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About AIBTM
The Americas Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (AIBTM) is a leading global exhibition for the U.S. meetings and events industry. AIBTM delivers individually qualified Hosted Buyers and eligible Trade buyers from the U.S. and around the world. Tailored to the U.S. market, AIBTM serves and guarantees the attendance of top-level decision makers. The exhibitions provide time and business efficient matching services for buyers and sellers through unique Hosted Buyer Programs. For more information, please visit http://www.aibtm.com. AIBTM takes place from June 10-12, 2014.

AIBTM and IAEE Renew Strategic Partnership to offer Hosted Buyer Program and Education

AIBTM and IAEE Renew Strategic Partnership to offer Hosted Buyer Program and Education

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events™ (IAEE) and the Americas Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (AIBTM) announced a renewed partnership to offer a Hosted Buyer programme for IAEE members to attend the event as well as an education session in the AIBTM Learning Theatre to be held 10th – 12th of June in Orlando, Florida.

“Our initial success at AIBTM last year was very promising, and we are once again proud to partner with AIBTM on this industry event,” says IAEE President and CEO David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA. “This renewed collaboration confirms IAEE’s strategic initiative to engage organisers and planners who are exploring global opportunities.” DuBois will be a part of an educational panel that will take place during Education Day on 11th of June 2014.

IAEE, which was founded in 1928 to represent the interests of trade show and exhibition managers, represents over 8,500 individuals who conduct and support exhibitions around the world. Over 50% of its members are directly involved in the planning, management and production of exhibitions.

“AIBTM is delighted to renew its partnership with IAEE again this year,” said Michael Lyons, AIBTM Exhibition Director. “We share a common mission and values: to provide stakeholders in our industry with information and resources that will advance the industry’s success through a focus on growth and relationship-building. By establishing successful partnerships like this one, AIBTM is able to achieve its goal of delivering strong ROI to all the industry professionals who attend AIBTM in June in Orlando.”

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Site Extends its Strategic Partnership with The IBTM Global Meetings and Events Portfolio

Site Extends its Strategic Partnership with The IBTM Global Meetings and Events Portfolio and Looks Forward to Continued Collaboration on Education and Global Networking Opportunities

As Site, the global association for the motivational events and incentive travel industry, celebrates its 40th anniversary year in 2013 it is only fitting that it also celebrates one of its longest standing industry partnerships with Reed Travel Exhibitions. Today, operating under the banner of The IBTM Global Meetings and Events Portfolio, this partnership has endured and expanded based on like-minded values and commitments to industry education and global networking.

David Sand, Site President 2013 and CEO of Uwin Iwin Incentives stated, “It is evident through Reed’s generous contributions to Site that they understand the responsible role their organization plays in giving back to the associations and professionals in the industry. Each of the IBTM events offers a unique value proposition for conducting business and Site members strongly participate as either hosted buyers or with investment in tradeshow stands. The IBTM Global Meetings and Events Portfolio has a global footprint just like our membership base and this synergy helps both organisations visions for growth tremendously. We are proud that the Site India Chapter is involved with IBTM in the launch of its new IBTM India event this year.”

Craig Moyes, Portfolio Director for Meetings and Events at Reed Travel exhibitions added, “We have always valued the commitment Site has made to our global portfolio of events through education programs and look forward to continuing to build upon this relationship in the future…”

The six IBTM Global events provide access to 5,000 suppliers from 100 countries and 17,000 meeting planners. More than 100,000 pre-scheduled appointments are generated ensuring that the IBTM events providing a significant return on investment. In the 2013 partnership, Site will once again be supporting the hosted buyer program for AIBTM that is being held in Chicago, Site headquarters hometown.

In addition to being significant supporters of industry education and research initiatives, the IBTM Global Meetings and Events Portfolio continues to invest in specialised communities within SITE. Both AIBTM and EIBTM serve as home to the Site Academy for Young Leaders. In addition, many of the IBTM events provide a platform for Site Chapter Leader meetings and sponsor the annual Chapter Excellence award program.

Meeting industry professionals can apply for Hosted Buyer status via www.aibtm.com/Register-Today

REGISTRATION FOR THE AIBTM 2013 HOSTED BUYER PROGRAMME IS OPEN

Meeting industry professionals can apply for Hosted Buyer status via www.aibtm.com/Register-Today

AIBTM, The Americas Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (www.aibtm.com), have announced that Hosted Buyer applications are now being accepted online. The Hosted Buyer programme is a highlight of AIBTM 2013, which takes place June 11th – 13th June, 2013 at McCormick Place in Chicago, giving top-level buyers the opportunity to meet with exhibitors of their choice for focused one-to-one appointments.

Michael Lyons, AIBTM Exhibition Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions commented: “AIBTM brings together the world’s leading meetings industry suppliers and allows them to showcase their products to an audience of senior level buyers. The pre-scheduled one-to-one buyer driven appointment system allows each of these buyers to select meetings with prospective suppliers, which will in turn ensure that they gain the very most out of their time invested at the show. This is the first year that AIBTM will take place in Chicago and we are looking forward to a successful show.”

Qualified AIBTM Hosted Buyers will have the opportunity to pre-schedule appointments with exhibitors of their choice as well as receive complimentary travel and accommodation. Hosted Buyers will also be invited to attend exclusive Hosted Buyer networking events and dedicated Hosted Buyer CEU-accredited education sessions.

AIBTM Hosted Buyer applications are reviewed and accepted based on the number and size of meetings, events, incentives and annual conferences, individual purchasing authority, annual budgets for meetings, events and incentives, amount of business conducted and potential for future business in the meetings and business travel industries.

To apply for the AIBTM Hosted Buyer programme visit: http://www.aibtm.com/Register-Today

EIBTM LAUNCHES HYBRID EVENT

EIBTM LAUNCHES HYBRID EVENT

Live sessions streamed across the globe
IBTM Knowledge Virtual Centre will provide education on demand following shows

EIBTM (http://www.eibtm.com), the leading global event for the meetings and event industry, is set to launch its first Hybrid Conference at the show this year. The virtual conference will stream five key education sessions on Wednesday the 28th November from 9am (CET) as they happen live at EIBTM, allowing virtual delegates to join over 150 physical attendees for a dedicated interactive experience.

In addition to the live-streamed education sessions, The Hybrid Conference will also feature a virtual exhibition hall, resource centre and networking lounge.
Participants joining the live streamed keynote and interactive panel discussions will be able to ask questions live to the conference hall via a virtual MC, network real time with other participants within the communications centre and earn CEU credits for each seminar they attend.

The virtual event centre will be available to access for 12 months following the show. Participants will be able to view sessions on-demand, network with other participants and gain access to various white papers, which have been produced through research in association with EIBTM. In addition, content from the other IBTM events – AIME, GIBTM, CIBTM, AIBTM and BTM will all be available in the centre after each show.

The Hybrid Event will commence with a session delivered by Doug Keeley, CEO & Chief Storyteller, The Mark of a Leader, (9:00am EST). Keeley will use live storytellers and powerful videos, referring to case studies including Cirque du Soleil, Dabbawala, Zappos and the Shackleton’s Endurance to inspire meetings industry professionals and demonstrate that new strategies and innovative plans are needed, in times of great uncertainty and change.

At 11:00am (EST), Sally Greenhill, Managing Director, The Right Solution and Rob Davidson, Senior Lecturer – Event Management, Greenwich University will combine forces in the The IBTM Research findings: A discussion. This dynamic session will take the existing global research findings one step further by providing a summary and interactive discussion platform of the industry-wide research.

The Hybrid Event will also include a session dedicated to Making Digital Events Happen at 1:45pm (EST). This session will commence with an outline of key building blocks essential for hybrid events, Presented by Paul Cook, Managing Director, Planet Planit. The session will then provide an interactive forum for both the physical and remote participants discussing what creates comfort at a hybrid event.

The last segment of this session will include an ‘on the couch’ question session facilitated by Paul Cook, Ruud Janssen, Founder, The New Objective Collective (TNOC) and Mike Clanton, Head of Global Corporate Event Solutions, My Meeting Professional (MMP) as they share some of their observations and experiences of what happens next with developing digital content, how to make the most of it and where your social media/communications strategy needs to go next.

To view the full programme or register for the EIBTM Hybrid Conference please visit http://engage.vevent.com/rt/re~ibtm or go to the EIBTM website http://www.eibtm.com. Participants can log in to the event from 8:30am (CET) on November 28, 2012.

Rush of Bookings for Chicago 2013

AIBTM 2012 The Americas Meetings Week Closes With a Rush of Bookings for Chicago 2013
Exhibitors from around the world and across the United States reported that business was brisk with Hosted Buyer appointments, group presentations and drop-in traffic at this week’s AIBTM 2012 in Baltimore.

The structure of this year’s AIBTM Americas Meetings Week kicked off with a day of education and more than 2,250 people in attendance, over 50% up on the previous year. The number of exhibiting companies on the show floor also increased, up from 183 to 194 including 55 new to the event this year, and all resulting in a 5% increase in overall growth of the event.

Education was a highlight with a variety of speakers, sessions and keynotes. Supported by all of the major industry associations including PCMA, ICCA, Site, ACTE, MPI. Taking place pre-show enabled both exhibitors and Hosted Buyers to attend sessions that included PCMA Executive Edge, Site Young Leaders Program, MPI’s Practitioner Series and many others. Research also formed part of the continuing program including the delivery of MPI’s updated BVOM and Eric Rozenberg, non-exec Chair of RTE’s global meetings and events portfolio presented the first US regional version of the AIBTM Global Meetings Research findings (www.aibtm.com). New this year was a number of keynote sessions which kicked off each day with innovation, motivation and inspiration as the lead topics. Speakers included Roger Rickard, Partner and Chief Advocate of Revent LLC, Peggy Duncan, Personal Productivity Expert and Alfredo Quinones aka Dr Q among the many.

Commenting on one of the live panel discussions on public policy and the meetings and travel industry, Lindsey Lassiter, Navy League of the United States said “I work for a military meeting association, so most of our events include active-duty personnel. It is helpful to know if we are going in the right direction or need to go in another direction. We work closely with a lot of legislative folks, so it is good to know we are doing the right thing”.

The second CEO Summit welcomed some 30 industry leaders from the US and around the world who had anticipated the stream of knowledge and opportunities the private event would offer. “For me, I look forward to the opportunity to hear trends and projections on the future of the meetings industry and business in general”, said attendee Michael Owen, CEO and managing partner of EventGenuity LLC in Nashville. “But as important as anything else is the peer connection and in my view after attending maybe half a dozen EIBTM CEO Summits this was the best ever. It was provocative and it gave me inspired thought that I can apply directly and immediately to my business”. He added.

The first “Market Focus SPOTLIGHT on Europe” debuted on the final morning with a turnout of approximately 162 Hosted Buyers and some 15 European exhibitors conducting open-market style appointments and mixing with each other to discuss business in Europe. The one hour session had been organised as a direct response to the AIBTM 2011 post-show research, which confirmed that 60% of US Hosted Buyers have a direct interest in placing business internationally.

This year’s Hosted Buyer programme had representatives from 29 countries. “First, I really like AIBTM because I can meet with so many different vendors in one place,” said Samantha Friedman of Resort Meetings Consortium in Chicago. “I also like booking my appointments so I get a mix of what I want. I have been to other Hosted Buyer programmes where there are too many appointments in a day, so you are exhausted at the end. I have seven today and I can spread things out so I can attend some education sessions and look around the exhibits that are interesting”.

Packing in even more appointments into her day was Maggie Johnston, with Assurex Global in Dublin, Ohio who attended AIBTM last year. “When I come to a show like this, I like the Hosted Buyer programme” she said. “I have 15 appointments today, more than scheduled last year, so I can meet with the people I need to talk to. I like getting into a routine and I get a lot of business done as well as connecting names to faces.”

Donna Hunt from HelmsBriscoe summed up her experience simply. “I am very much impressed with the exhibits. I have been to other shows where you walk around and you can’t always get the information you want, so I like this format”.

By the close of play the show floor had already booked over 50 exhibitors for Choose Chicago which will be the next host city for AIBTM from June 11th – 13th 2013. Those already signed include; Las Vegas Meetings by Caesars Entertainment, Event Ready, Greater Raleigh CVB, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, Long Beach CVB, Philadelphia CVB, PSAV Presentation Services, Star Travel DMC, Visit Charlotte, IHG, Hyatt Hotels, Dominican Republic, Canada, Greater Miami, Marriott, Melia Hotels, Moscow Exhibition & Convention Agency, Nassau, Napa Valley, NYC & Company, Philadelphia Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, MGM Resorts, Myrtle Beach, Vienna, Vancouver Hotel Destination Association, The Peabody Orlando, San Francisco Travel Association, Rosen Hotels & Resorts and Hello USA.

“Two years on and it’s great to see that AIBTM has established itself in the US. The quality of education, business concluded and networking achieved gives us a positive close to this event and a great launch pad for our move to Chicago.” said Craig Moyes, Portfolio Director, IBTM Global Events Portfolio, Reed Travel Exhibitions.

Finally, it was announced during the show that AIBTM will rotate starting with 2013 in Choose Chicago at McCormick Place and in 2014 at Orlando Florida and the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC). The dates will be:

Choose Chicago: June 11th – 13th 2013

Orlando, Florida: June 10th – 12th 2014

MARKET FOCUS SPOTLIGHT ON EUROPE AT AIBTM DELIVERS GREAT RESULTS FOR ALL

MARKET FOCUS SPOTLIGHT ON EUROPE AT AIBTM DELIVERS GREAT RESULTS FOR ALL

Following on from AIBTM, feedback has confirmed that the first ‘Market Focus SPOTLIGHT on Europe’ session, which took place during the show delivered on its business objectives for the participants.
The one-hour session was organised as a direct response to the AIBTM 2011 post-show research, which confirmed that 63% of Hosted Buyers have a direct interest in placing business internationally.

Dagmar Kloudova, Association Meetings, Prague Conventon Bureau commented “I really appreciated the opportunity to meet with buyers interested in our market through this relaxed networking event. It was very effective and productive time. Great idea, thank you!”

Hosted Buyer, Carole May, HPN Global comments, “AIBTM 2012 was the right choice for advancing my career this year. Not only did I have the opportunity to meet, face-to-face with many vendors I do business with, I was able to schedule time with hotels, DMC’s and CVB’s who I want to learn more about. The last morning of the show, the European market vendors hosted a networking breakfast. There was a draw for several great prizes and on the last fabulous prize that includes airfare, I heard my name! It was the cherry on top of an exceptional learning and networking experience. Yes, I’ll be back next year”.

Market Focus SPOTLIGHT on Europe exhibitor, Danielle Serronico, Business Development – North America, 
London & Partners commented, “London is currently under countdown to inspire the world once more with the opening of the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games. It was great to see old and meet new customers during AIBTM”.

As a result of the success, AIBTM plans to deliver the next ‘Market Focus SPOTLIGHT’ session at AIBTM 2013, which will be hosted by Choose Chicago at McCormick Place from 11th – 13th June 2013. For more information please visit www.aibtm.com

AIBTM 2012 | Press Release April 18th, 2012

AIBTM 2012 – EXHIBITION PREVIEW
AIBTM is the premier global exhibition for the U.S. incentive, business travel, meetings and events industry. AIBTM brings together the world’s meetings, incentive, business and corporate planners for three days of focused business. This year’s AIBTM America Meetings Week will be taking place from June 19th – June 21st and will deliver a fantastic range of unparalleled learning and thought provoking education, exciting networking opportunities and offer powerful business connections for attendees of the show.

AIBTM 2012, is expecting 20,000 pre-scheduled onsite appointments and there is a confirmed 71% increase in Group Co-ordinators over last year. The success of the inaugural event for exhibitors has led to 85% returning for 2012. Of these, 30% have increased their floor space significantly.

What’s New?
PCMA Strategic Partnership – AIBTM 2012 has signed a major strategic partnership agreement with PCMA (Professional Convention Management Association) and will be the only exhibition organiser recognised at this level by PCMA. As part of this exclusive partnership, PCMA is on track to deliver over 500 Hosted Buyers this year. The partnership with PCMA will also facilitate a ‘State of the Industry Debate’ where the sessions will include keynote speakers to talk about relevant cutting edge topics, as well as an “Executive Edge Programme” which sees PCMA’s partnership with leading business schools to provide industry-relevant MBA educational opportunities.

SITE Partnership – A major new partnership with SITE (Society of Incentive Travel Executives) is on target to deliver 100 incentive buyers. AIBTM will also run SITE’s Young Leaders Programme which is designed to build the next generation of motivational leaders by providing education and networking opportunities that appeal directly to the younger generation.

New to AIBTM – Business and Corporate Travel Sector – AIBTM is dedicated to providing Business travel products, services and solutions to an audience of budget holding executives. The enhanced partnership with ACTE (Association of Corporate Travel Executives) at this year’s show will deliver a dedicated educational track focusing on how industry professionals can make the most of face time while developing technology to best enhance the corporate travel experience.

ACTE Partnership – AIBTM 2012’s Partnership with ACTE will deliver significantly greater exposure to the Corporate & Business Travel Industry. This new collaboration with ACTE will provide an educational track of sessions relevant to face-to-face meetings in the context of business travel. ACTE’s focus will be on how industry professionals can make the most of developing technology to best enhance the corporate travel experience.

ICCA Partnership – This year, ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) will present an educational track at the show for the first time. The ICCA Global Meetings track will feature two 90-minute roundtable sessions as well as a one-hour clinic where ICCA members will be able to provide personalised advice for planners.

MPI Partnership – MPI will deliver a series of education tracks which will cover the final installment of BVOM (Business Value of Meetings) which was launched in 2011 and supported by AIBTM.

CSPI Partnership – Convention Service Professionals (CSPI) and AIBTM will be working together in an enhanced partnership for the 2012 event. CSPI will help promote AIBTM through print pieces, presence on their website and e-newsletters and give recognition as a sponsor at their conference. CSPI (formerly ACME) is dedicated to fostering the spirit of collaborative success between convention centre sales professionals and their convention sales counterparts at regional destination marketing organisations.

Market Focus SPOTLIGHT on Europe – AIBTM 2012 is delivering a special Market Focus on Europe in which European exhibitors can benefit from a new networking opportunity to meet with Hosted Buyers who have a specific interest in hosting meetings and placing business in Europe. European Exhibitors will be able to meet with key U.S buyers during the hour long session. Hosted Buyers who have selected Europe as a preferred destination in their application to register will automatically have this networking hour in their pre-scheduled diary of appointments.

Increase in Hosted Buyer Group Coordinators – This year’s AIBTM has 71% more Group Coordinators signed than AIBTM 2011 and is still in pre-registration phase for the Hosted Buyer Programme.

New Exhibitors – AIBTM is delighted to welcome over 43 new exhibitors to this year’s show.
New Future Events Experience – Following a successful debut at EIBTM, the Future Events Experience run in conjunction with Newtonstrand, Sync Partners and RTE will be introduced at AIBTM 2012. Exhibitors will have the opportunity to showcase their latest technology or services to all attendees in an interactive experience on the show floor. The Future Events Experience allows attendees to play, touch, feel and experience the most cutting edge technology in an environment that demonstrates how technology will influence and play a major role in the future of the meetings and events industry.

Hosted Buyers
The AIBTM Hosted Buyer Programme is a unique component of the show, which provides top-level buyers an opportunity to meet with the exhibitors of their choice for focused one-on-one appointments. The programme hosts International Buyers from across the globe, regional meeting planners from North America and local planners from around the Baltimore and Washington areas.

Qualified buyers can benefit from the buyer-driven appointment system, opportunities to build their network of industry professionals and suppliers, dedicated educational sessions to expand necessary skills and knowledge, complimentary travel/accommodation, admittance to exclusive AIBTM networking functions including an exclusive Hosted Buyer networking evening at Baltimore’s new Four Seasons hotel (situated at the edge of Baltimore’s Harbour East waterfront) and events as well as access to two VIP Hosted Buyer Lounges.

The Hosted Buyer programme and applications are split by three categories, Corporate, Agency and Association. The different categories ensure that buyers are provided with a business and education programme, which is dedicated specifically to their business requirements.

The Hosted Buyers programme is specifically designed to allow flexibility for buyers attending ensuring each buyer has appropriate resources required to attend both the Education and Trade Show days. Buyers also have the option to stay an additional night so that they can take full advantage of the programme.

AIBTM will also reimburse parking costs for those who cannot accept accommodations as well as offer a 10% discount on AMTRAK off the lowest available rail fare to Baltimore, MD between June 16, 2012 and June 27, 2012

A list of AIBTM Hosted Buyers can be found at www.aibtm.com on the home page.

Networking
This year’s Hosted Buyer’s Ice Breaker will take place on Monday 18th June from 5:30PM to 7:30PM at the new Four Seasons, Baltimore and will provide Hosted Buyers at the show with an opportunity to network with others in the programme. The new and luxurious Four Season Baltimore opened up in November 2011 and has an impressive 256 rooms and suites with harbour, marina and city-scape views , 121 foot infinity-edged outdoor pool and 10,200 square foot spa.

The Welcome Reception will take place on Tuesday 19th June at Power Plant Live near the Wharf in the Inner Harbour area. The theme will be a “fun filled street party” in one of Baltimore’s liveliest hot-spots. A variety of restaurants and bars will be open to all AIBTM attendees and exhibitors including: Luckie’s Tavern, Luckie’s Liquors, Leinenkugel’s Beer Garden, Mosaic, Mex Tequila Bar, PBR Baltimore, Angels Rock Bar and Joe Squared. Each bar/restaurant will be offering an AIBTM special signature cocktail. Plus, entertainment will be provided by the exciting Who’s Bad: Michael Jackson Tribute referred to as none other than the ‘ the ultimate MJ tribute band’.

Sustainability
The Baltimore Convention Centre is committed to this initiative through the following operations:

The Baltimore Convention Centre (BCC) recycling programme is single stream. Attendees can put any materials into the one container: paper, plastic, aluminium cans. There are marked cans throughout the building and on the show floor.
The BCC has a cardboard bailer to condense materials to be recycled
Food waste is recycled through the Somat machine.

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AIBTM Hosted Buyer Applications Up 36% from 2011

AIBTM Hosted Buyer Applications Up 36% from 2011
(The Americas Meetings & Events Exhibition) June 19-21st 2012

The Americas Meetings & Events Exhibition (www.aibtm.com) announced today that Hosted Buyer application submissions for the 2012 exhibition are soaring – up 36% from 2011, with 12 weeks of open enrollment still to go. The Hosted Buyer programme is a highlight of AIBTM 2012, which takes place June 19th-21st 2012 at the Baltimore Convention Centre. Bringing together the world’s leading buyers and suppliers in the incentive, business and corporate travel and meetings industry, AIBTM 2012’s three-day business networking event includes one full day of education and two days of exhibition.

“AIBTM offers an unparalleled opportunity for Hosted Buyers and we are thrilled that there has been so much interest in our 2012 event, which will be bigger, better and more engaging than ever,” said Craig Moyes, Portfolio Director, IBTM Global Events Portfolio, Reed Travel Exhibitions. “We’re tracking ahead of schedule on applications for AIBTM 2012. We expect to have 20,000 pre-scheduled, on-site appointments, with a mix of new and returning buyers. In fact, 85% of exhibitors are returning from last year with 39 new exhibitors for 2012 including: Carlson Hotels, LA Inc – The Los Angeles Convention & Visitors Bureau, The CVBs of New York State, Pacific World, Visit Pittsburgh, Meet Washington State, Rosen Hotel Group, Cayman Islands Travel & Tourism, Moroccan National Tourism Office, Long Beach CVB, Palm Springs Desert Resorts CVA, Yosemite Mariposa Tourism Bureau, Salt Lake CVB and more.”

Qualified AIBTM Hosted Buyers will have the opportunity to pre-schedule appointments with exhibitors of their choice, receive complimentary travel and accommodation, attend exclusive Hosted Buyer networking events, participate in pre-show and post-show city tours and enjoy other VIP benefits. AIBTM Hosted Buyer applications are reviewed and accepted based on the number and size of meetings, events, incentives and annual conferences, individual purchasing authority, annual budgets for meetings, amount of business conducted, responsibility for company’s business travel decisions and potential for future business in the meetings and business travel industries.

“Our Hosted Buyers will have the option of participating for either two or three days, depending on their location,” said Hosted Buyer Account Manager, Christine Knox. “We received feedback that our Hosted Buyers would like the opportunity to participate fully in AIBTM Education Day. Therefore, we adjusted our schedule to allow for the most flexibility.”

AIBTM’s close relationships with the industry’s major associations, which have inspired AIBTM Education Day, will also boost Hosted Buyer attendance for AIBTM 2012. This year’s Education Day will kick-off AIBTM 2012 with dynamic conferences, panels, round-table discussions, workshops and education dedicated for Hosted Buyers provided by industry partners like the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), the Society of Incentive Travel Executives (SITE), the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE), Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).

“The Education Day offered by our industry partners is an added-value for our Hosted Buyers and in turn, some of our partners have committed to bringing in their own Hosted Buyer Groups,” said Moyes. “For example, SITE has agreed to bring 100 Hosted Buyers, while PCMA is on target to deliver 500 Hosted Buyers.”

Multiple concurrent educational sessions during AIBTM’s Americas Meetings Week ensures there are relevant tracks for all AIBTM 2012 Hosted Buyers and all attendees from each sector of the industry with the opportunity to earn CEU credits. PCMA will deliver Education Powered by PCMA, Executive Edge and the State of the Industry discussion and six bite-sized learning sessions at PCMA’s booth. ACTE will present an education track on the importance of face-to-face meetings in the context of business travel while utilizing new technology to best enhance the business experience. ICCA will present the ICCA Global Meetings track, consisting of roundtable sessions and clinical topics on how global destinations can penetrate the U.S. market. SITE will deliver stimulating education tailored to the incentive market as well as host the SITE Young Leaders Program, focusing on the next generation of motivational leaders. MPI will deliver a series of education tracks, which will include the final installment of BVOM (Business Value of Meetings) study, which was launched in 2011 and supported by AIBTM.

Hosted Buyers at AIBTM 2012 will also enjoy an exclusive networking reception on Monday, June 18 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. This invitation-only event will be held at the new Four Seasons hotel in Baltimore.

To apply for the AIBTM Hosted Buyer program, visit: http://www.reedexpovip.com/profile/web/index.cfm?PKWebId=0x381a09c.

AIBTM takes place from 19th June – 21st June, 2012.