IBTM AMERICA 2016 SET TO PROVIDE VALUABLE BUSINESS CONNECTIONS WITH IMPRESSIVE LINE-UP OF GLOBAL HOSTED BUYERS
81% of Hosted Buyers looking to place business internationally
ibtm america 2016 (www.ibtmamerica.com), taking place from June 15-17 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee, has confirmed an impressive global line-up of Association, Agency and Corporate Hosted Buyers attending from the US, Canada, Latin America, Europe, Russia, the Middle East, Asia and more.
Registered Hosted Buyers have confirmed their product interests among exhibitors, with hotels and conference/meeting venues being the top two picks. Other event products to make the list include special event venues, Destination Management Companies, resorts and spas, and destinations. Among those buyers the two most popular event types were conferences/meetings and incentives, followed by exhibitions, conventions/congresses, staff training/motivation, and business and luxury travel.
Jaime McAuley, Event Director, ibtm america commented, “We have a great line-up of Hosted Buyers this year; not only do we have elite buyers with proven budget and business to place attending from all around the world, but we have a diverse group with a variety of products interests and this will increase the opportunity for our exhibitors to make connections at the event. And with our 100% mutually matched appointment system, we can ensure that all of our Hosted Buyers and exhibitors are only attending relevant, valuable appointments likely to result in business opportunities and ROI.”
Hosted Buyers have also indicated the regions in which they are most interested in placing business, with 98% of buyers looking to place business in the US and 81% interested in placing business internationally. Domestically buyers placed particular emphasis on wanting to meet exhibitors from the Western US (98%) and the Southeast (97%). Internationally buyers were most interested in Canada, Latin America, and Europe.
McAuley commented, “These preferences are really on trend with where the industry is right now. Rob Davidson, Managing Director of MICE Knowledge, predicted in his 2015 Trends Report that 2016 will see an increase across all meeting types in North America, so it’s not surprising that both our regional and international buyers are looking to place business in Canada and the US. Davidson also noted how Latin America’s close business and cultural ties to the US, which make it especially attractive for US-based meeting groups, have played a large role in the Latin American MICE industry’s growth, so we expect this to continue to be a region of interest among our Hosted Buyers.”
Some of the Hosted Buyers attending this year include Philips (Brazil), Rimac Seguros y reaseguros (Peru), Hurricane Action Sports (Canada), Montreal Event Planner (Canada), Lenovo (China), GECK’O Incentives & Events (Germany), Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (India), Fullteam Networks (Mexico), TUSExpo BV (Netherlands), Decast Group (Russian Federation), ABB INDUSTRIES (UAE), Ultima Media (UK), Smartfocus (UK), Freestyle Football Federation (UK), the American Association for Cancer Research (US), AT&T (US), Wells Fargo (US), Corning Inc. (US), The Geological Society of America (US), and Nature’s Way (US).
Veronica Carletto, Project Manager, Fourth Wall Events, who will attend as a Hosted Buyer commented, “My objective is to learn about new hotels and services that I can share with my organisation and offer our clients. I am interested in looking at the 5* luxury brands in Europe and Asia.”
Blair Monica, Marketing Event Project Manager, GM Financial, also a Hosted Buyer for 2016 commented, “We plan events all over the US and Canada. I am interested in looking at different locations that can hold larger groups, what’s new with technology, meeting design, what’s new with exhibit design and displays and how to elevate our meetings and events.”
Fred Williams, Conference Manager, Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication, also a Hosted Buyer for 2016 commented, “Face-to-face meetings are critical to understanding city and hotel updates as well as special offers. Cities, hotels, airlines, audiovisual, and exhibition companies are the types of exhibitors I wish to meet.”
Joost de Meyer, Chairman & CEO, First Incentive Travel, also a Hosted Buyer for 2016, commented, “I am the Chairman & CEO with First Incentive Travel. I lead a team of experienced project managers. We work all over the USA for incentive groups coming to the USA, Mexico and Caribbean from mainly Europe and the rest of the world. I am interested in hotels, DMC’s, CVB’s, cruise lines, etc.”
IBTM AMERICA 2016 SET TO OPEN WITH LINE-UP OF LEADING INDUSTRY SUPPLIERS AND BUYERS FOR 100% MUTUAL MATCH IN NASHVILLE
ibtm america 2016 (www.ibtmamerica.com), taking place from June 15-17 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee, is set to debut it’s 100% mutual match business appointments design among an elite group of exhibitors and Corporate, Agency and Incentive Hosted Buyers.
Jaime McAuley, Event Director, ibtm america commented, “Our Hosted Buyer applications will go live early February, but for the first time this year we allowed Hosted Buyers to pre-register for ibtm america, and so far we’ve received applications from over 400 high-calibre buyers. We’ve also had over 100 exhibitors register for the event, which is not surprising considering that post-show feedback from ibtm america 2015 revealed a 95% satisfaction rate among exhibitors who felt our event platform worked for them.”
Corporate Hosted Buyers that have pre-registered for ibtm america 2016 will attend from companies such as Nature’s Way, Dell Inc., Metlife, Inc., Principal Financial Group, Tetra Tech, Inc. The Wall Street Journal, and Intel Corporation. Pre-registered Incentive/Agency Hosted Buyers will attend from companies such as American Express, Grass Roots, Meetings and Incentives Worldwide, Inc, and Peak Performance Distinctive. Association Hosted Buyers will attend from associations such as the American Association of Retired Persons, American Bar Association, California Alarm Association, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, American Public Human Services Association, Penn State University, and UC Berkeley.
All exhibitors and Hosted Buyers will be able to partake in 100% mutual match business appointments, which allows both parties to select who is relevant to their business needs and set up a diary of up to 30 appointments. ibtm america 2016 is the first event of it’s kind in the US to offer 100% mutual match business appointments.
Jaime McAuley, Event Director, ibtm america continued, “100% mutual match is a real game-changer for our attendees and definitely a draw for our exhibitors. Allowing exhibitors to request appointments with Hosted Buyers really puts them in the driver’s seat and gives them a real return on investment. The 100% mutual match system eliminates non-relevant meetings.”
New exhibitors confirmed to attend ibtm america 2016 include Cedar Rapids Convention and Visitors Bureau, Eau Palm Beach Resort, Fairmont Orchid- Hawaii, Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau, Social Tables, TripBuilder Media, and Visit Wichita. Returning exhibitors include British Virgin Islands Tourism, Conrad London St. James, Jamaica Tourist Board, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Live Nation Special Events, Marriott International Inc, Maui Jim Sunglasses, Station Casinos, and Vail Resorts Meeting & Events.
“In addition to their business appointments, all Hosted Buyers and exhibitors will attend Discovery Day, which will provide the opportunity to experience Nashville, and network with industry peers. We’re working with the Nashville CVC, Visit Music City to put together an exciting programme for Discovery Day, more details will be announced in the coming weeks,” said McAuley.
IBTM ARABIA 2016 SET TO OFFER OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEW BUSINESS CONNECTIONS WITH LINE-UP OF 100% NEW HOSTED BUYERS IN THE 5 STAR LOCATION OF ABU DHABI
ibtm arabia 2016 (www.ibtmarabia.com), the leading event for the Arabian meetings, incentives, conference and events industry, is opening with a line-up of 100% new Hosted Buyers. ibtm arabia 2016 will host a global mix of agency, corporate and association buyers, with this year’s show seeing a 61% increase in the amount of corporate buyers attending.
Shinu Pillai, Exhibition Manager, ibtm arabia, commented, “Once again, we placed emphasis on buyer acquisition; we focused on finding undiscovered buyers who were new to our show and targeted emerging markets where prospective Hosted Buyers were just starting to learn about the fantastic industry they’re part of. We focused on elite, senior level decision makers with purchasing power; 73% of our Hosted Buyers are senior management, Managing Directors, or owners. As a result, we have an impressive, global line-up of brand-new Hosted Buyers set to attend the show this year.”
At the same time, ibtm arabia will once again offer a mutual match system that will allow both buyers and suppliers the opportunity to select who they want to meet with and set up a diary of up to 30 pre-scheduled appointments. Last year the show produced 3,000 appointments between Hosted Buyers and exhibitors.
Shinu Pillai, Exhibition Manager, ibtm arabia, continued, “Our Hosted Buyers organize events such as conferences and meetings, incentive travel, business travel, luxury travel, and are interested in products such as hotels, Destination Management Services, conferences/meeting venues, and attractions and entertainment. With so many MICE industries represented at ibtm arabia 2016, our mutual match system will help eliminate non-relevant meetings while ensuring that both exhibitors and Hosted Buyers have control of their time and investment at the event.”
Hosted Buyers will attend from regions such as Europe, the Middle East, Australia, Asia, South America, and the USA. Just some of the buyers set to attend include Incentive Connect International (Australia), ALATUR JTB (Brazil), AW Europe (Belgium), Egyliere (Egypt), SAP SE (Germany), Provident Global Capital Group (Hong Kong), Korea Railroad Research Institute (Korea), B.V.Coca-Cola (Poland), Peugeot Citroen (Russia), Allama Company (Saudi Arabia), Kuoni MICE & Special Groups (Switzerland), Abbott (UAE), Cognizant (UK) and Meridian Meetings Factory (USA).
Just some of the exhibitors attending ibtm arabia 2016 include Anabas Travel (Japan), L’Amphitrite Palace Morocco (Morocco), Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (Oman), Saint Petersburg Convention Bureau (Russian Federation), Singapore Tourism Board (Singapore), Melia Hotels International (Spain), Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (UAE), Rotana Hotel Management PJSC (UAE), Etihad Airways (UAE), Arsenal Football Club (UK) and Hard Rock International (USA).
This year ibtm arabia will take place at the exclusive 5-star Jumeirah at Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi from 9th – 11th February. ibtm arabia is run with the support of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA), Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau and Etihad Airways.
IBTM ARABIA TO CONNECT ELITE MICE INDUSTRY SUPPLIERS AND BUYERS IN DYNAMIC THREE-DAY EVENT
This year ibtm arabia 2016 will take place from 9th to 11th of February at The Jumeirah at Etihad Towers on the famous promenade of Abu Dhabi with views of the Arabian Gulf and Cityscape.
The Jumeirah is an iconic development showcasing some of the best meetings facilities that Abu Dhabi has to offer. The luxurious 5-star hotel offers prestigious features such as exquisite hotel rooms, fine dining, a health club and Talise Spa and two levels of boutique shopping at the podium. The property will create the perfect setting for bringing together meetings industry professionals from across the globe.
Shinu Pillai, Exhibition Manager, ibtm arabia, comments, “The industry in the Gulf region is growing and certainly Dubai 2020 is having an impact on international buyers looking to place business at ibtm arabia. But the focus of this event is about creating a community, providing a one-to-one ratio of buyer to supplier and to mutually match the appointments, which means both buyers and suppliers can select who they want to meet“.
“ibtm arabia creates a true industry community, where participants stay in the same hotel and attend the same activities, from meetings to lunch, drinks to dinner. This enables genuine ongoing relationships to develop which leads to real business. ibtm events are not about the size of an event, it is about making that event 100% valuable to all attendees.”
ibtm arabia 2016 has seen an increase in the total number of buyers attending, as well as an increase in corporate and regional buyers. This year’s event will feature an impressive line up of new, fully Hosted Buyers, including Egyliere (Egypt), Helen Holidays (Egypt), Pomalo Travel (Jordan), Dakkak Holidays (Jordan), Piece of Cake (Lebanon), Belair Travel & Tourism (Lebanon), Kanoo Travel (Saudi Arabia), Allama Company (Saudi Arabia), Expotrade Global (UAE), Abbott (UAE) and QnA International (UAE).
All Hosted Buyers are handpicked, personally invited and verified against a strict qualification criteria, which requires that they are senior level decision makers with proven budget and business to place internationally. 80% of the Hosted Buyers confirmed to attend ibtm arabia 2016 have a budget over $5 million and organise a variety of events; 90% organise conferences and meetings, 80% incentive travel, 71% business travel, and 59% luxury travel. Confirmed Hosted Buyers this year have also indicated a variety of product interests: 88% indicated an interest in hotels, 80% in Destination Management Services, 66% in conferences/meeting venues, and 63% in attractions and entertainment.
ibtm arabia will also feature a number of new exhibitors, including Fairmont, Raffles & Swissotel Hotels & Resorts, Alpha Destination Management, Attikos Ilios S.A., Europe Hotel LLC, Golden Tours, Hill MICE Saudi Arabia and Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts. All exhibitors at ibtm arabia will have access to the pre-scheduled appointment system, which gives exhibitors access to the world-class corporate, association, agency and incentive buyers at the show.
Exhibitors will be able to pre-schedule appointments with the Hosted Buyers that they identify as relevant to their business interests with a diary of up to thirty appointments. Last year saw over 3,000 appointments between Hosted Buyers and exhibitors at ibtm arabia, which we expect to increase in 2016.
The ibtm arabia 2016 experience will also include a ‘Discovery Day‘, combining a dedicated Knowledge Forum with networking and activities around Abu Dhabi which will invite buyers and exhibitors to discover the region and specifically its leading MICE products and services while enjoying exclusive networking events.
The Knowledge Forum will feature world-class keynote speaker, Carol Talbot, who sets out to empower professionals and help them think differently about their approach to work. Her objective is to support professionals towards creating and delivering a vision for themselves, which will ultimately accelerate them towards succeeding in this industry. Carol will highlight the difference between those who attract success and those that don’t. She will also share some of her top leadership tactics, which will provide attendees with useful tips around how to influence people.
The combination of the pre-scheduled appointments and nine networking opportunities at ibtm arabia 2016 including Discovery Day, a Welcome Reception and Gala Evening ensures valuable touch points for everyone to help make meaningful connections.
Post show research from 2015 confirmed that 95% of both exhibitors and Hosted Buyers were satisfied with the event and the business they did. So, this year ibtm arabia plans to deliver the same experience, which will continue to deliver maximum return on investment for all suppliers and buyers participating.
REED TRAVEL EXHIBITIONS CONFIRMS FORT LAUDERDALE/HOLLYWOOD FLORIDA SET TO BE DESTINATION FOR 2017 IBTM AMERICA EVENT
Reed Travel Exhibitions confirms that the 2017 edition of ibtm america (www.ibtmamerica.com) will take place at the Hilton Diplomat Resort & Spa in Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood Florida.
The Hilton Diplomat Resort & Spa is South Florida’s premier meeting resort with both indoor and outdoor space tucked between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. The property has received top honors from TripAdvisor, AAA and Orbitz and was named a top 100 Meeting Hotel by Cvent.
The decision to rotate the event has been driven by customer feedback confirming that 100% of buyers and suppliers attending the show were in favor of the event rotating year-to-year.
Jaime McAuley, Event Director, ibtm america commented, “We asked our exhibitors and buyers whether they preferred a permanent home, a resort location or an event that moved around to different destinations. 100% answered in preference of different destinations.
“Moving ibtm america to a new location every year offers benefits to our Hosted Buyers and exhibitors. We’re lucky to be able to work with so many great destinations and hosting venues. It also puts major meeting hubs in the splotlight annually and most importantly, it keeps things fresh and interesting.”
The 2016 edition of ibtm america will take place in Nashville, Tennessee (June 15th- 17th) at the Gaylord Opryland and will utilize the ‘mutual match’ system where both exhibitors and buyers will be able to request to meet one another.
Die IMEX ist weiterhin auf Expansionskurs Bill McDermott, CEO von SAP, hält Keynote Rede auf der Eröffnungszeremonie
Frankfurt, Dienstag, den 19. Mai 2015 – Die bislang größte IMEX öffnete heute ihre Tore. 55 neue Messestände aus allen Kontinenten und Sektoren der Veranstaltungsbranche sind unter den 3.500 ausstellenden Unternehmen aus 50 Ländern auf der IMEX in Frankfurt 2015. Zusätzlich haben 20 Prozent der wiederkehrenden Aussteller ihre Messestände vergrößert.
Eine bemerkenswerte Vergrößerung der Standfläche um 16 Prozent kann die Region Asien-Pazifik verzeichnen, was an der massiven Expansion der Aussteller China und Taiwan liegt. Zusätzlich haben die Länder Japan, Indonesien, Macau und Singapur ihre Messestände erweitert und Busan, Südkoreas zweitgrößte Stadt hat erstmals einen eigenen Stand gebucht. Auch einige nordamerikanische Aussteller haben ihre Messepräsenz signifikant vergrößert, darunter „BrandUSA“, „NYC & Company“ und „Texas Tourism“.
Nigeria ist das erste mal als Aussteller auf der IMEX, vertreten durch das „Calabar Convention Centre“, als Teil der wachsenden Ausstellerfläche des Mittleren Ostens und Afrika. Erstmals dabei ist auch Ras Al Khaimah. Die geplante Eröffnung des „ICC Sydney“ und der Ausbau des „Melbourne Convention Centre“ haben für weiteren Zuwachs am australischen Stand gesorgt. Mit deutlich vergrößerten Messeständen präsentieren auch neun europäische Länder, darunter Österreich, Dänemark und die Niederlande ihr Portfolio.
Um 16 Prozent größer ist der Bereich, in dem Technologieanbieter ihre Produkte und Dienstleistungen vorstellen. Auch die Hotellerie legt auf der IMEX deutlich zu: So stellen erstmals sieben neue Hotelgruppen aus und sechs Hotelgruppen präsentieren sich mit vergrößerten Messeständen.
Hosted Buyers
Der steigenden Nachfrage nach dem „Hosted Buyer Programm“ vor allem von internationalen Besuchern trägt die IMEX in diesem Jahr mit 34 neuen Gruppen Rechnung. Viele der neuen „Hosted Buyer“ kommen aus so fernen Regionen wie Asien-Pazifik, Lateinamerika, dem mittleren Osten und Afrika. Diese werden die IMEX in Frankfurt gemeinsam mit den vielen tausend erwarteten Besuchern aus Europa und Deutschland besuchen.
Am Eröffnungstag nahmen auch über 300 internationale Verbändeplaner teil, die am beliebten und bekannten Verbändetag, dem „IMEX Association Day“, am Vortag der IMEX, dabei waren. Auch die 80 Teilnehmer der exklusiven Veranstaltung „Exclusively Corporate@IMEX“ – allesamt Einkäufer bzw. Entscheider aus Unternehmen , die zusammen über ein Budget von über 270 Millionen US-Dollar entscheiden – starteten in eine erfolgreiche IMEX 2015.
Heute besuchen ca. 40 Regierungsvertreter, darunter Minister, Bürgermeister und Tourismusverantwortliche die IMEX, bevor sie sich im Rahmen des 13. „IMEX Politicians Forum“ zum Austausch und Netzwerken mit Verantwortlichen der Veranstaltungsbranche treffen.
Vergrößertes Aus- und Weiterbildungsprogramm
Das Aus- und Weiterbildungsprogramm der IMEX findet ab diesem Jahr am erweiterten und vergrößerten „Inspiration Hub“ direkt auf der Ausstellungsfläche statt. Es warten 170 Einheiten in zehn Themenbereichen auf die Teilnehmer, 30 davon deutschsprachig, die in verschiedenen Formaten mit unterschiedlicher Dauer neuestes Branchenwissen und Experten Know-how vermitteln. Neu im Programm ist der „Creative Thursday“, an dem sich alles um kreatives Meeting- und Eventdesign dreht. Für die Frühaufsteher sind neu die beiden morgendlichen Einheiten zu den Themen „Business Networking“ und „Building Confidence“ im Programm. Zwei neue Themenbereiche wurden speziell für die beiden Zielgruppen „Young Professionals“ mit bis zu drei Jahren Berufserfahrung und „Senior Professionals“ mit mehr als acht Jahren Berufserfahrung entwickelt.
Key Note Redner
Auf der Eröffnungsrede heute früh traten der IMEX Chairman Ray Bloom, der Managing Director des strategischen IMEX Partners GCB German Convention Bureau Matthias Schultze und der Präsident & CEO der Messe Frankfurt Wolfgang Marzin zusammen mit Bill McDermott, CEO von SAP, dem weltweit größten Anbieter von Unternehmenssoftware und einem großen Befürworter der Veranstaltungsbranche, vor die Presse.
In seiner Keynote Rede sagte Bill McDermott: „Warum ich die die Meetingbranche bewundere? Weil sie direkt an vorderster Front im Konflikt mit den Kraken der Bürokratie steht, die meinen, man könne die Welt mit Emails und Power Point Präsentationen bewegen.“
Bill McDermott Hauptredner auf der IMEX Eröffnungsfeier
Ergänzend fügte er hinzu: „Das, was wirklich zählt ist, Menschen zusammen zu bringen und diese zu inspirieren. Warum ich denke, dass dies der entscheidende Unterschied ist? Weil Veranstaltungen perfekt geeignet sind, um Botschaften zu transportieren, Kunden und Mitarbeiter zu motivieren und Geschäfte voran zu treiben. Veranstaltungen kreieren diesen Netzwerkeffekt, der sich eben nicht in bloßen Zahlen messen lasst. Dabei geht es darum, wie viele Menschen berührt, wie viele Ideen ausgetauscht und wie viele Kinder eine Ausbildung bekommen werden. Events können die Welt tatsachlich verändern.“
ibtm world confirms high level of rebooks following 2014 post show business success
Major MICE suppliers including Accor, Corinthia Hotels International, Finland Convention Bureau, Iberostar, Kempinski, Monaco and Visit England set to attend
ibtm world (formerly EIBTM) has confirmed an impressive number of rebooks following the success of the show which took place in Fira Gran Via Barcelona last year. The rebranded event (www.ibtmworld.com) is set to welcome leading meetings industry suppliers including Accor, Corinthia Hotels International, Finland Convention Bureau, Visit Denmark, Iberostar, Kempinski, Monaco, Starwood Hotels, Switzerland Tourism and Visit England to the show again this year.
Isabel Agrelo, Communication Manager, Global Sales Division, Accor comments, “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. We can’t wait to return in 2015.”
Other exhibitors confirmed to attend the 2015 event following their success at EIBTM 2014 include Dolce Hotels Ltd following the launch of their 1,041-room Q Center in St. Charles, Illinois and Iberostar Hotels, who announced that they would be introducing Star Prestige in four of its hotels, providing visitors with privileges including special rooms, late check out and Wi-Fi at EIBTM 2014 (now ibtm world).
Graeme Barnett, Senior Exhibition Director, ibtm world commented, “ibtm world provides the perfect platform for exhibitors to return year-on-year to conduct meaningful business opportunities. Some of the most successful suppliers have been those who use our event as a platform to announce major business developments and news. The fact that these companies return year-on-year is a true testament to the success of our event delivery.
“As the worlds leading event for the meetings, events and incentives industry, we can provide suppliers with access to over 4,000 international Hosted Buyers at the show, as well as a number of added value opportunities including face-to-face meetings, networking events and a comprehensive education programme.”
Companies interested in benefiting from access to a global network of powerful meetings industry buyers as well as a number of additional networking opportunities should contact ibtmworld.sales@reedexpo.co.uk for further information or visit www.ibtmworld.com/exhibit.
HONG KONG – ASIA’S WORLD CITY Meet us at IMEX 2015 in Frankfurt from 19th 21st May 2015
at Hong Kong stand B350
Hong Kong’s strategic location at the heart of the world’s fastest growing economies along with its sophisticated infrastructure, easy accessibility, business-friendly environment, professional expertise and vibrant lifestyle converge to become what is recognized as Asia’s premier destination for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions.
If youre looking to inspire and incentivise people to reach their peak performance, or to reward their efforts and show your appreciation, bring them to Hong Kong a vibrant and business-friendly meeting place that brings the world together. Hong Kong has the experience, efficiency, variety, and dynamism to ensure your meetings and incentive trips revitalise and invigorate individuals and teams alike.
For Conventions, Hong Kong is the ideal home for conventions of the highest global standards, with its a prime location in the heart of Asia, peerless infrastructure, award-winning venues, and world-class professionalism, Asias business capital is ready to help you deliver a successful and seamless convention that will attract international experts and thought-leaders, and leave the world talking.
Hong Kong’s core values:
Superb infrastructure
Business-friendly environment
World-leading venues
Visa free for over 170 nationalities
Over 3,000 scheduled passenger flights every week
from over 180 worldwide destinations
Half the world’s population within 5 hours’ flying time
Please schedule an appointment with us and with our 18 travel industry partners
at the Hong Kong stand B350
Helen Chan
Manager
Meetings & Exhibitions Hong Kong
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7321 5381
Email: helen.chan@hktb.com
Bonnie Chan
Manager
Business Development (Long Haul Markets)
Tel: + 852 2807 6210
Email: bonnie.chan@hktb.com
WIN: A TRIP TO HONG KONG To Enter: After completing a PSA with either MEHK or one of partners below at stand B350 then drop your business card into our prize draw box
You have two chances to win as a draw will be made on both Day 1 and Day 2 of the show at 5pm
The prize includes flights and accommodation
All entrants must have completed a PSA / appointment / group presentation either with MEHK or one of our 18 partners present at the show *Only European hosted Buyers and Trade Visitors are eligible to enter
Winners will be contacted by email.
It will be a night of firsts as Hosted Buyers, Media and Exhibitors get together at the inaugural 2015 Asia Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) Gala Dinner.
Attendees will be treated to an entertaining and fun night out at a distinctly Melbourne, yet-to-be-revealed waterfront events hub, Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) CEO, Karen Bollinger revealed today.
For the first time, the showcase social event will follow AIME on Wednesday, 25th February, rather than precede the show, which is all part of the new AIME experience.
“Those who have attended AIME in the past will notice a few changes this year, and our Gala Dinner is no different,” said Bolinger.
“We’ve shaken things up and refreshed the entire social and networking program, with a view of creating the most valuable experience for our AIME attendees.”
“Holding our major networking function at the end of AIME means buyers and sellers can continue the conversations and relationships developed during the previous two days.”
The new style of event, Bolinger continued, also provides a more intimate and relaxed environment for guests.
“In true Melbourne style, both the venue and the entertainment promise to reflect the city’s reputation as an energetic, vibrant and creative place of hidden gems,” Bolinger said.
“While both the location and the format are, for the time being, a well-kept secret, I can tell you that the 2015 AIME Gala Dinner will be strictly ‘wow’ and a not to be missed show.”
“I’m looking forward to an exciting evening filled with dazzling entertainment and fabulous food, at a unique and surprising venue – all of which is to me, very ‘Melbourne’,” she said.
GOOD NEWS FOR IBTM INDIA Visitors from 43 countries can now get their visa for India online
Both international exhibitors and Hosted Buyers attending ibtm india 2015 will benefit from the recent news that tourists travelling to India from 43 countries including the U.S., Australia, Brazil, Germany and Japan will no longer have to queue at their local consulates to obtain visas. Following the announcement, individuals may now apply online for their tourist visa-on-arrival, entitling them to a 30-day stay in the India.
The new visa-on-arrival rules will benefit 43 countries including Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Cook Islands, Djibouti, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Finland, Germany, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kingdom of Tongo, Laos, Luxembourg, Mauritius, Mexico, Myanmar, New Zealand, Niue, Norway, Oman, Palestine, Papua & New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea (i.e. South Korea), Republic of Marshall Islands, Republic of Nauru, Republic of Palau, Russia, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Thailand, Tuvalu, UAE, Ukraine, USA, Vietnam and Vanuatu.
“This is very good news for our international exhibitors and Hosted Buyers attending ibtm india 2015 which will take place in Jaipur, from 1-3 September. These new visa rules will also help to unleash the huge potential of the country’s growing MICE industry,” said Shinu Pillai, Exhibition Manager ibtm india and ibtm africa, Reed Travel Exhibitions.
Hosted Buyers registration for ibtm india 2015 will go live in May.
For further information on ibtm india 2015, please visit www.ibtmindia.com
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