IBTM WORLD EXPANDS GLOBAL REACH FOR 2015 SHOW

IBTM WORLD EXPANDS GLOBAL REACH FOR 2015 SHOW
Destinations including Bulgaria, Luxemburg, Paraguay and Sri Lanka confirmed to attend for the first time

ibtm world, formerly EIBTM, the leading global event for the meetings and events industry (www.ibtmworld.com), has confirmed that 2015 will see the largest number of new exhibitors to date.

New destinations and CVB’s include Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Bulgaria; Secretaria Nacional de Turismo de Paraguay; Commune di Napoli; Ministere de l’Economie Direction Generale du Tourisme, Luxemburg; Ibiza Convention Bureau; Prague City Tourism; India Tourism; Basque Country Tourist Board – Basque Tour; Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Bulgaria and Sri Lanka Convention Bureau.

Graeme Barnett, Senior Exhibition Director, ibtm world commented: “It’s great news for the meetings industry with so many new exhibitors joining us this year and others taking their own space for the first time. We are working closely with all exhibitors to help them make the most of their business objectives and that includes our newcomers. This personal attention and our focus to recruit top level buyers with proven budget and international business to place will help them all to make the most of their investment and win and secure future business at the event.”

Rob Davidson, Managing Director, MICE Knowledge and ibtm Industry Analyst comments, “The latest IAPCO (International Association of Professional Congress Organisers) Annual Survey and Review revealed continued growth for IAPCO members and the meetings they organise. Across all types of meetings, increases were seen compared with previous years. For example, the number of association meetings continues to increase and has now reached 3,111 compared with 2,153 meetings in 2010.”

In addition to a number of new destinations, ibtm world has also confirmed that suppliers including Dorchester Collection, Europalco, GOAPP, Sandals and Beaches Resorts, Etud Event Technologies, TapCrowd by etouches and World Hotels will also attend for the first time.

Companies providing products, services or technology solutions, interested in a stand and benefiting from access to a global network of powerful meetings industry buyers should contact ibtmworld.sales@reedexpo.co.uk or for further information about exhibiting options, please visit www.ibtmworld.com/exhibit

To find out more about the benefits of attending ibtm world as a trade visitor and to register, please visit: www.ibtmworld.com/visit2015

For further information about the Hosted Buyer Programme and its VIP benefits, watch the Hosted Buyer Journey video or apply for your place by visiting www.ibtmworld.com/hosted

APPLICATIONS NOW ACCEPTED FOR THE IBTM WORLD TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION WATCH 2015 AWARD

APPLICATIONS NOW ACCEPTED FOR THE IBTM WORLD TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION WATCH 2015 AWARD
www.ibtmworld.com/techwatch

ibtm world (www.ibtmworld.com), previously EIBTM, the leading global event for the meeting and events industry, has announced that applications are now open for the Technology and Innovation Watch 2015 Award (previously known as the Technology Watch award).

Graeme Barnett, Senior Exhibition Director, ibtm world, who announced the opening of the Technology and Innovation Watch 2015 at the Event Tech Lab which took place as part of London Tech Week commented: “This new all-encompassing name for this award illustrates its evolution, recognising the importance of both innovation and technology within the industry.”

The process of allocating the Technology and Innovation Watch Award will also change as the judging panel will shortlist 10 submissions to be recognised as the ‘Top 10 Innovations to drive the industry forward’. These 10 innovations will be offered the opportunity to feature in the dedicated Innovation Zone at the show in Barcelona (17-19 November 2015).

The panel will also vote for one of these top ten to become the Technology and Innovation Watch winner who will benefit from a global promotional campaign (supported by ibtm world), a presence in the Innovation Zone and the opportunity to present their winning solution during the show.

Barnett continues, “The Innovation Zone is a popular feature for our attendees, who we know also have a growing interest in how technology impacts and can enhance their events. It makes perfect sense to therefore provide a dedicated area within ibtm world for our exhibitors to showcase their latest skills and innovations for the benefit of all involved in the meetings and events industry.”

Peter Komornik, CEO of sli.do and one of the top 10 innovations showcased in 2014 commented: “Initiated by the meetings at the show, we’ve cultivated relationships and established a number of new partnerships with people we met in the Innovation Zone. Moreover, direct feedback received in the Innovation Zone was very useful in developing new features for our customers.”

Comprising of industry experts from across the world, and chaired by meetings technology expert Corbin Ball, the ibtm world Technology and Innovation Watch judging panel 2015, will consist of Stefania Conti-Vecchi, Founder and CEO of EVENTagist, Michelle Bruno, Technology Journalist – Bruno Group Signature Events, Christine Fuchs, Founder of The Social Fox, Paul Hussey, Director of The Conference Doctor, Ruud Janssen, Founder of TNOC.org and Co-Founder of EMG and Padraic Gilligan, Managing Partner of SoolNua. In addition, one new industry judge will join the panel this year: James Morgan, Co-founder of Event Tech Lab and a Senior Lecturer in Tourism and Events at the University of Westminster.

Morgan commented, “I’m really looking forward to working with the judges and ibtm world on this long-standing competition that facilitates greater integration of technology into events of all kinds. The speed of technological innovation means that busy events professionals are always playing catch-up. The Innovation Zone provides a great educational platform for event professionals to explore a plethora of technologies that benefit their events and attendees.”

Free to enter, the application process for submissions is now open at http://www.ibtmworld.com/techwatch. Entry for the ibtm world 2015 Technology and Innovation Watch Award will close on Friday 4th September.

For further information about the Innovation Zone, please visit www.ibtmworld.com/innovation

Companies providing event services or technology solutions, interested in a stand and benefiting from access to a global network of powerful meetings industry buyers should contact shane.lewis@reedexpo.co.uk or for further information, please visit www.ibtmworld.com/technology

PACIFIC WORLD HARNESSES PIONEERING EVENT TECHNOLOGY AT EIBTM

PACIFIC WORLD HARNESSES PIONEERING EVENT TECHNOLOGY AT EIBTM

Leading DMC for the Meetings and Event Industry Hosts Key Meetings Industry Figures at Technology Themed Networking Event

Pacific World (www.pacificworld.com), the leading DMC for the Meetings and Events Industry, hosted a technology themed network event at EIBTM, which was attended by over 120 meetings industry professionals from across the globe including key clients, suppliers and publication representatives.

The event, which was hosted on November 19th, at Passatge Utset Nº 14, (an old garage transformed into a meetings venue) was designed to showcase some of the latest innovations in meetings industry technology whilst providing a dynamic platform for networking between meetings industry peers.

Patricia Silvio, Global Marketing Manager, Pacific World commented, “We were delighted by the turn out at our latest event in Barcelona. The old garage was the perfect location for delivering a warehouse themed party where everyone could come together in a relaxed and informal atmosphere and enjoy the power of leading technology first hand.

“During the night, the guests were able to discover and play with the Reactable, an electronic musical instrument with a tabletop multi-touch interface. It’s a really cool tool that until now has only been used for music festivals. Reactable is now jumping into the corporate world due to its potential to reinforce the branding and corporate culture during various events,” Silvio continues.

Attendees were also invited to attend an interactive Goggle Glass demonstration where they were able to try the glasses and discover the different applications. There was also a virtual reality station where guests were able to test the technology. Innovation was present in all areas including catering. During the night, interesting canapés were designed and served specifically to challenge perceptions.

“Some of the dishes which were served throughout the event were prepared in front of the guests using molecular gastronomic techniques,” Silvio concludes.

To see the video of the event, please go to: https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&feature=vm&video_id=Cv1vVMTQ8aA

For photos of the event, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.785720878156890.1073741835.290744704321179&type=3

OMAN CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE SHOWCASES

OMAN CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE SHOWCASES PROWESS TO OVER 15,000 INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS AT EIBTM 2014

Muscat, December 2nd 2014 – In its latest bid to present itself as the upcoming international venue of choice, the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC) demonstrated its capability to host large-scale global events at the European Incentive Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition (EIBTM) held recently in Barcelona, Spain.

Coming hot on the heels of OCEC’s successful European Roadshow in London, Paris, Geneva and Brussels, EIBTM is one of the foremost global business travel industry gatherings, bringing together approximately 15,000 professionals from the convention and exhibition sector.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, the OCEC team highlighted the versatile appeal of Oman and the Centre to representatives from the educational, healthcare, commerce, industry, agriculture and financial sectors. OCEC’s participation at EIBTM aimed to build relationships and grow business opportunities with industry leaders to expand their knowledge base by meeting face-to-face with more than 30 top-level meeting planners and buyers from the across the globe.

“The energy at EIBTM was nothing short of infectious. It was remarkable to see influential decision makers from across the industry share our enthusiasm about this landmark project, as we presented our strong case as to why OCEC is the international venue of choice and what makes Oman so special,” said Gillian Taylor, Director of Business Development at OCEC.

“These are very exciting times for both OCEC and Oman. Our team continues to grow which brings together some of the finest talent from Oman and other parts of the world to embrace our shared vision. We have 22 events already booked for 2016 that are expected to bring more than 200,000 visitors to the Sultanate in our first year alone, which in itself underscores the potential of OCEC as an international exhibition and congress venue and driver of socio-economic benefits for the country. We aim to continually expand our market reach with the support of the Ministry of Tourism and key industry partners, as we advance on our journey to capture the industry on mass and secure business right through to 2024,” said Ms Taylor.

Muscat is only a seven hour flight from 50% of the world’s population, and OCEC promises to become the foundation for Oman’s emergence as a major force in the convention and exhibition marketplace. The Centre will feature an environmentally-friendly, world-class design, characterised by an elaborate lyric-style tiered auditorium seating 3,200, while the exhibition halls will give an innovative, column-free space of 22,000 square metres which can be sub-divided into five separate halls. Thirteen meeting rooms capable of seating between 80–300 delegates, as well as two Ballrooms, a VIP Pavilion, a shopping mall and a range of internationally branded hotels all culminate to demonstrate the vision that is the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre precinct.

EIBTM 2014 ends year on a high

EIBTM 2014 ends year on a high

Business boom returns to the show floor
New show name for 2015 – ibtm world

EIBTM closed last Thursday with over 15,500 (8% increase on 2013) industry professionals onsite for the three days of the show. With over 80% of attendees (excluding exhibitors) coming from Europe, the trend underlines the American Express Meetings & Events 2015 Global Forecast presented to over 200 global industry thought leaders on the eve of the first day of the event. The report indicated that the number of meetings in Europe is predicted to increase.

At the same time, trade visitor numbers are also up by nearly 8%. EIBTM attracted nearly 70% of trade visitors from Spain supporting the country’s positive economic recovery which was highlighted in the same report. Some 78,436 pre-scheduled appointments and, for the first time, self select were made between Hosted Buyers and exhibitors, a 20% increase over last year.

Association planners are also forecasting an increase in their meetings activity, and this year’s show has seen the highest number of independent Association planners attending with 67% of the 271 planners coming from individual associations and societies, overall the event saw an increase of 12% in attendance by Association Hosted Buyers helped by the launch of a more flexible approach to this year’s Buyer programme, with the introduction of My Association | My Club.

Jeton Iseni, European Project Manager, European Huntington’s Disease Network, who participated in the Association programme commented; “I am very pleased with the new flexibility for Association Buyers this year, especially around our appointments diary. The difference is that it has given us a great opportunity and time to meet with others in the industry, share knowledge and network.”

Business optimism across the show floor was also reported by exhibitors, many of whom rated EIBTM as their best trade show of the year.

Jim Hensley, CEO, Global DMC Partners; “EIBTM is the strongest and busiest show in our trade show calendar. We´ve had more appointments each day here than we have had in entire trade shows. The buyers we have seen have been good quality and most importantly ready to do business with proposals in place, rather than general enquiries. We are very optimistic about the future business we will place thanks to EIBTM.”

David Chalmers, Marketing Director Europe for Cvent inc; “We have been oversubscribed on appointments this year making it our best ever EIBTM. All members of our sales team have fed back on the fantastic quality of buyers whom they have met with and a significant amount of business has been made here as a result of that.”

In Rob Davidson’s annual Industry Trends Report, he highlighted the optimism of the mood in the U.S. meetings market as “very positive according to various studies”. Supporting this trend for business, Deanne Boynton Grupp, VP Tourism for Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau commented; “it’s been the best EIBTM for many years in terms of number of appointments, quality and the diverse nationalities of buyers wanting to do business with us.”

This year’s new EIBTM concierge service was also recognised as an important initiative: Isabel Agrelo, Communication Manager, Global Sales Division, Accor; “We have been extremely busy at EIBTM with over 800 appointments across the three days. We have met with some very interesting sales leads and there will be some positive contracts to come. The new concierge service provided by EIBTM this year has been extremely useful to us, helping us find a solution to every problem straight away. We can´t wait to return in 2015.”

Newcomer to EIBTM, The Faroe Islands was looking to find business from the event and Annleyg Lamhauge, Marketing Manager – MICE, Visit Faroe Islands commented: “It has been our first time exhibiting at EIBTM and we have been very popular with a lot of interest in our stand. We are finding there is a demand for smaller meetings groups and this works well with our destination. There is a trend to visit the Nordic countries and the surrounding islands. We have met with a lot of good quality buyers at EIBTM and are looking forward to 2015.”

“You really couldn’t miss the buzz on the show floor this year which I hope was a result of not only economic confidence but also from new initiatives such as the fact that this year exhibitors could top up their diaries with appointments they had requested with buyers – the first time we have trialed this,” commented Graeme Barnett, EIBTM Senior Exhibition Director.

Finally from the close of this year’s show, EIBTM is to be rebranded as ibtm world – where connections mean everything. Ibtm world will join its sister events ibtm arabia, ibtm Africa, ibtm america, ibtm china and ibtm india under the ibtm events umbrella along with AIME in Melbourne and the recently announced ICOMEX in Mexico.

Announcing the new name for EIBTM, Graeme Barnett said; “We’ve emphasised the fact that it’s a global show. Whatever markets our clients are looking to connect with, we’ve got most of the globe covered”. Together the events in the newly branded ibtm portfolio annually provide access to more than 5,000 suppliers from 100 countries, 19,000 event organisers and more than 110,000 pre-scheduled meetings take place.

** All EIBTM attendee numbers will be independently verified and audited post show

ibtm world will take place in Barcelona from 17-19 November 2015.

SOUTH AFRICA BUSINESS EVENTS CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF SUCCESS

SOUTH AFRICA BUSINESS EVENTS CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF SUCCESS
Tenth Anniversary of Meetings Africa marks key industry milestone

South Africa National Convention Bureau (SANCB) is celebrating South Africa’s 20 years of democracy at EIBTM this year, by reflecting on the significant growth of the business events industry on the African continent.

South African Tourism, the official destination marketing organisation of South Africa, is also honouring the tenth anniversary of Meetings Africa (www.meetingsafrica.co.za), an event dedicated to showcasing Africa’s diverse offering of services and products.

The tenth edition of Meetings Africa, hosted by the SANCB (a business unit of South African Tourism) is taking place at the Sandton Convention Centre, in Johannesburg from the 23rd to the 25th of February, 2015. Meetings Africa is the primary and most important platform, facilitating the growth of Africa in the business events market. The show will continue with its theme; Advancing Africa Together and the first day has been reserved for a number of workshops and seminars, dedicated towards driving the industry forward in the region.

This tenth anniversary of the Meetings Africa will not only mark a key industry milestone for South Africa as a meetings industry destination, but it will once again highlight the SANCB’s central and critical role in continental collaboration. Through continued partnerships, Meetings Africa aims to contribute towards the empowerment of the African continent for future economic beneficiation.

“Meetings Africa is where global buyers and exhibitors from all over the African continent meet, organise business events and in doing so help drive Africa’s, knowledge economy forward,” says Mr Thulani Nzima, Chief Executive Officer at South African Tourism.

“Last year South Africa hosted 118 meetings that met the ICCA’s criteria (up from 97 in 2012) marking a significant 18 percent improvement in this regard. The 118 meetings brought over 94 000 association professionals to South Africa and contributed an estimated R1,5 billion to our economy. Our event pipeline going forward continues to look extremely positive. We already have 143 association conferences and events confirmed between now and 2017,” Nzima continues.

Africa continues to grow its list of accolades and achievements, the latest addition to the list being the election of Nina Freysen-Pretorius as President of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) as well Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo (the Chief Conventions Bureau Officer at the SANCB), as the Geographical Representative for Africa to the ICCA Board.

“Having two South Africans on the ICCA Board, one at the helm, is a major boost for South Africa’s reputation as a business events destination. It is proof that we have the skills, insight and leadership capability to grow and develop the business events sector, not only in South Africa but globally. As the first African president of ICCA, Nina’s appointment marks a major milestone on the road to establishing Africa as a business events destination of choice. She has been given the responsibility of leading a highly influential, global body,” adds Nzima.

“It is a huge honour for me to be given this opportunity to help contribute towards a thriving African business events Industry,” says Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo.

“South Africa is an exceptionally capable, infrastructure-rich, experienced, cost- effective, welcoming and globally competitive business events destination. We have successfully hosted some of the world’s biggest sporting events and conferences including the rugby and cricket World Cups, the World Summit on Sustainable Development and the World Conference against Racism,” continues Nzima.

Over the last 20 years, South Africa has seen a huge increase in inbound business. The destination continues to welcome delegates from all over the world, attending meetings, conferences, exhibitions and corporate incentive programmes.

“As a destination, we have built ourselves a track record that we can be proud of and we are confident that the next twenty years will bring even more success for South Africa as a leading meetings industry destination.”

“We are very proud of how far South Africa has come in terms of building its business events reputation and capability. We also acknowledge and recognise the potential for future growth of this sector on the continent,” concludes Nzima.

Meet Mr. Holland @Eibtm Barcelona

MEET MR. HOLLAND @EIBTM BARCELONA – Great Photo Contest to win a trip to Holland

Photo Contest “Meet Mr. Holland”:
Vote here – Link to Photo Contest:
PHOTO CONTEST “LIKE” on Facebook

Mr. Holland Live performance at the eibtm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JW17z0fQvM8

Berlin auf der EIBTM in Barcelona

Berlin auf der EIBTM in Barcelona
Schwerpunkt: 25 Jahre Mauerfall / Erweiterung der Kongresskapazitäten

Berlin, 17. November 2014 – Ein Fall für Berlin: Vom 18. bis 20. November 2014 präsentiert das Berlin Convention Office (BCO) von visitBerlin die deutsche Hauptstadt auf der EIBTM in Barcelona. Auf einer der führenden Fachmessen der Kongress-, Tagungs- und Incentive-Branche können sich Messebesucher und Hosted Buyer am Stand F50/32 über neue Hotels, Locations und Incentives in Berlin informieren. Im Fokus steht die Kongresshauptstadt 25 Jahre nach dem Fall der Berliner Mauer.

„Seit dem Mauerfall hat sich Berlin zu einem einzigartigen Anziehungspunkt für Tagungs- und Kongressveranstalter entwickelt. Auf der EIBTM präsentieren wir die vielfältigen Möglichkeiten, die Berlin und seine Partner heute bieten“, sagt Heike Mahmoud, Director Conventions des visitBerlin Berlin Convention Office.

Neben dem BCO ist Berlin mit 15 Partnern der Stadt am Deutschlandstand F50 vertreten. Dazu gehören Hotels, Locations, Veranstaltungsplaner und Service-Agenturen. Dort können Kunden dem Brandenburger Tor auch einen neuen Anstrich verpassen: An einer digitalen Graffiti Wand, die zusammen mit dem German Convention Bureau angeboten wird, lässt sich Berlins Wahrzeichen nach eigenen Wünschen gestalten.

Weitere Kongress-Kapazitäten für Berlin: Estrel Convention Center
Neben der neuen Multifunktionshalle CityCube Berlin erweitert derzeit das Estrel Berlin, Deutschland größtes Hotel, den bestehenden Convention-Bereich um eine weitere Veranstaltungshalle. Auf rund 10.000 m² bietet die „Convention Hall II“ Platz für Tagungen und Kongresse mit bis zu 5.200 Teilnehmern. Die neue Halle soll im September 2015 eröffnet werden. Zusammen mit dem bestehenden Kongressbereich verfügt das Estrel Berlin dann über 25.000 m² Veranstaltungsfläche.

Erfolgreich planen mit dem neuen Meeting Guide
Das Berlin Convention Office präsentiert auf der EIBTM außerdem die neue Auflage des Meeting Guide. Er stellt Hotels, Venues und Service-Partner der Stadt vor und bietet damit zuverlässig Orientierung für alle Kongress- und Tagungsveranstalter.

Weitere Informationen zur Kongress-Metropole Berlin auf convention.visitBerlin.de

EIBTM IS GETTING READY TO OFFER ATTENDEES A QUALITY KNOWLEDGE PROGRAMME

EIBTM IS GETTING READY TO OFFER ATTENDEES A QUALITY KNOWLEDGE PROGRAMME, BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES AND FLEXIBILITY
With over 78,000 pre-scheduled appointments already confirmed, EIBTM (www.eibtm.com) is set for opening in Barcelona from 18th – 20th November. Whether it is new exhibitors or new themes to the Knowledge programme, new areas of the show floor or networking events, EIBTM continues to innovate and this year the highlights are:

The new flexible options for the Association Planner with the launch of “My Association | My Club”, sponsored by Dubai Tourism, and the creation of an Association hotel at the Rey Juan Carlos for their own networking, as well as their own Association Hub, a dedicated club lounge, on the show floor.

A record number of Hosted Buyer Group Coordinators, the biggest in the history of the show, will bring some of the world’s most senior buyers to this year’s event. New Hosted Buyer groups this year include: Kuoni Russia, GoodCause Travel, Hilton Singapore, Hilton Israel, Hilton Middle East, ICCA, Visit Scotland, Melia Asia, Morgans Hotels Scandinavia, Travel Reps, EVINTRA USA, Meet in Flanders, Liberty India and Mandarin Oriental France.

Outside of the business of meetings, EIBTM’s Knowledge Programme will present 70 sessions of innovative professional education, from seminars to workshops and key notes, in the conference centre and on the show floor, with themes that include research and trends as well as Technology, Meetings Design and engagement, and specific education for the exhibiting community for the first time this year. Two key industry associations are supporting the Spanish language sessions this year – MPI Spain and the ICCA Iberian Chapter.

In addition to the Knowledge Programme, there will be 11 co-located events, conferences and meetings which will take place alongside the show including the JMIC Board Meeting, EFAPCO Board Meeting, AC Forum Board Meeting, ICCA Forum for Young Professionals, AIPC Summit, The Best of Meeting Architecture in a Day, MPI Chapter Leaders Meeting and Spain DMC Awards.

Finally, the EIBTM Event app, sponsored by Monaco Government Tourist and Convention Authority, will provide all attendees with essential information, venue maps and interactive floor plan, a guide to the city of Barcelona and view of all social media channels. It will also allow users to be continually updated before and during the show with a full ‘What’s on’ guide, shuttle bus timetable and exhibitor listings.

To find out more about the benefits of attending EIBTM as a Trade Visitor and to register, please visit: www.eibtm.com/visit

EIBTM EXHIBITORS CAN NOW SELECT THEIR OWN APPOINTMENTS WITH HOSTED BUYERS

EIBTM EXHIBITORS CAN NOW SELECT THEIR OWN APPOINTMENTS WITH HOSTED BUYERS
NEW #BeAwesome #EIBTM14 CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES

From October 22nd, EIBTM opens its online diary between exhibitors and Hosted Buyers. For the first time exhibitors will now be able to request additional appointments with Hosted Buyers following the initial appointment match. Once logged in to their diaries exhibitors can browse Hosted Buyer profiles and select those that they would like to request a meeting with and the time at which they’d like to meet them. Hosted Buyers will have the option to accept or decline these additional appointments.

“For the first time at EIBTM we are able to offer this major business opportunity to exhibitors, EIBTM has been working on the programme over the past year and the self select appointments give our exhibitors a great opportunity to connect with buyers that they want to meet with, and also extra visibility ahead of the show. Research told us that this was one of the key changes they wanted to see at EIBTM and we have delivered it for the first time this year,” said Graeme Barnett, EIBTM Senior Exhibition Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions.

EIBTM is also planning to launch a major social media initiative at the same time to engage with its online community in advance of the show. #BeAwesome #EIBTM14 encourages attendees to share how they are planning to #BeAwesome #EIBTM14 at this year’s event, whether from a business or personal perspective.

“EIBTM is not just about business, we are probably the single biggest industry community event with some 15,000 of us in Barcelona over much of the week, there will be a big buzz on the show floor, lots of fun at the networking events and of course Club Night, we think EIBTM is awesome in many ways, and we want the community to get involved by posting their selfies and comments as well as following ours, it’s a big social media opportunity for everyone attending,” added Barnett.

EIBTM 2014 will take place from 18th – 20th November.

Join EIBTM on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.