THE WORLD COMES TOGETHER TO HAVE FUN FUN FUN IN BARCELONA

THE WORLD COMES TOGETHER TO HAVE FUN FUN FUN IN BARCELONA

One of the key highlights of the week in Barcelona at ibtm world (www.ibtmworld.com) is the number of social events that bring a sense of party to the event and connects the international meetings industry community.

It all starts with the Welcome Reception held in partnership with Barcelona Convention Bureau onsite at the venue on the first night of ibtm world.  This year’s theme will be called “Deliciously Barcelona” celebrating the fact that Catalonia has been awarded European Gastronomy Region for 2016, food, music, culture, wine, and the opportunity to party with friends and make new ones.

Exhibitors get to display their culture and brand by creating their own events and parties for Networking Hour on Wednesday 30 November.  This time from 18.00 – 19.00 hrs, the show floor comes alive with music, entertainment, food and drinks from hosted receptions from an array of exhibitors that gives attendees the chance to stayon a while before heading into Barcelona for their own events and a brand new event replacing what has historically been known as club night.  More information about the exhibitor events can be found on the website:
http://www.ibtmworld.com/Programme1/events-features/Networking-events/

This year club night becomes Rendezvous at ibtm world. Holland and the MPI Foundation will turn Opium Mar orange for the night. All proceeds from the event will be invested into the MPI Foundation on scholarships, grants and pan-industry research, all of which will help to secure the future success of the meetings and events industry, so get your ticket now online or at the show from the MPI stand.
http://www.mpiweb.org/foundation/rendezvous-ibtmworld

“In addition to the networking events that we organise, there are hundreds of exhibitors holding receptions, parties and dinners in Barcelona each evening, providing a multitude of opportunities to have fun and network in this great city, it is fantastic to see ibtm world create a vibrant atmosphere in and around Barcelona” commented Graeme Barnett, Senior Exhibition Director ibtm world.

Meetings Design, Strategic Meetings Management

Meetings Design, Strategic Meetings Management and entrepreneurial relationships form the Spanish Education at ibtm world

This year’s Spanish sessions, part of the ibtm world Knowledge Programme, to be delivered at ibtm world (www.ibtmworld.com) is set to educate and inspire local attendees with a series of sessions covering the latest industry hot topics and trends from both a local and international perspective.

Presented in partnership with MPI and their Spanish Chapter, the sessions will include presentations and discussions surrounding three key themes; Business Travel and MICE; Meetings Design through Meetovation; and how planners can help new MICE entrepreneurs

Graeme Barnett – Senior Exhibition Director, ibtm world described “Our partnership with MPI Spain spans many years and they have helped us create sessions that are thought provoking, topical, relevant and are what the Spanish sector wants to learn from.”
Taking part in the ACS Knowledge Village located on the show floor, the themes and topics will include:

Business Travel & MICE: Love and Hate, the path to the SMM
This session will look at the synergies between business travel and the MICE sector, in line with Strategic Meetings Management (SMM). It will focus on three elements: cost reduction, risk management and service quality and how the stakeholders (hotel/venue, TMC, agent planner and corporate planners) understand these potential synergies.

Meetings Design by Meetovation 
Meeting Design is one of the most talked-about concepts in our industry. In 2002 a group of leaders from the Danish MICE industry joined forces to create Meetovation to ensure that the meetings were not boring and that organisers obtain better results and ROI. In this session, three industry leaders will address the characteristics of the concept, how it works and look at the success and results of Meetovation

How planners can help MICE entrepreneurs
This session will look into the relationship between planners and agencies and suppliers in the MICE sector. The discussion will focus on how large planners in our sector, those who define events, with large budgets can help the new andstart up entrepreneurs. How can get entrepreneurs reach the big planners?
The ibtm education programme, available to all attendees, was this year created by the industry for the industry from extensive research producing five specific themes of interest to the international MICE community, full details are available onwww.ibtmworld.com.  To register for attendance at ibtm world go tohttp://www.ibtmworld.com/programme

IBTM CHINA 2016 CREATES TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION ZONE

IBTM CHINA 2016 CREATES TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION ZONE, ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGE FOR START UPS AND TECH DEVELOPERS

Press Release: Wednesday 13th July 2016

Ibtm China 2016 is to offer technology suppliers in Asia and China the opportunity to join an Innovation Zone at this year’s event,  which takes place in Beijing from 7-8 September.  Each tech exhibitor will be given their own dedicated customized private space for exhibitors and buyers to meet and do business,  called a “meeting pod” the space comes with LCD screen and an all inclusive package allows the supplier to simply turn up,  and get started with their appointments.  All they have to do is provide their own branding. It is hassle free and there are no set-up or tear down costs,  one price covers everything.  Also included is access to all ibtm china networking functions,  educations sessions and events.  The ibtm events portfolio creates similar technology opportunities at its events around the world with the largest area at the mothership event, ibtm world. As a catalyst for the sector,  trends,  new innovations,  hands on experiences,  education sessions and live demonstrations allow meetings planners to see for themselves what technology advancements can mean to their business. “We are creating a dedicated area on the show floor,  similar to those offered at our other events in the portfolio.  We have already seen a significant interest in requests from tech start ups and companies who are providing dynamic and innovative solutions to event and meeting planners here in China and the rest of Asia.  For our Hosted Buyers and trade visitors this will be a real opportunity for anyone seeking to source new solutions and access technology which has the potential to enhance their events.”  Said CiCi Chen,  ibtm china event director.  “We are also offering suppliers in the Innovation Zone,  the opportunity to speak about their technology in a dedicated hub area,  giving them another time to also market and promote their services.  This package is designed to give a real boost to companies who want all the benefits of a trade show as well as access to the Hosted Buyer appointment system – 2 days of opportunities,  it could not be easier,” added Chen. Companies providing event services or technology solutions,  interested in the all inclusive meeting pod package and benefiting from access to a regional,  local and international Hosted Buyer community should get more information regarding the ibtm china 2016 Innovation Zone on http://www.cibtm.com

IBTM WORLD TO HOST IAPCO COLLABORATION AWARD 2016

IBTM WORLD TO HOST IAPCO COLLABORATION AWARD 2016

Press Release: 13th June 2016

This year’s IAPCO Collaboration Award will be presented during the ibtm world Meetings Leadership Summit which takes place on the eve of the opening of ibtm world 2016 (www.ibtmworld.com).

Recognising that a successful event is also dependent on the collaboration of a number of partners, this award is open to PCO’s who are IAPCO membershttp://www.iapco.org/awards/collaboration/.

“Creating ibtm world every year is a team effort and involves many partners who we rely on to collaborate with us to produce the best possible event, so we are delighted to be giving over the stage during our annual Meetings Leadership Summit to the presentation of this award by IAPCO. We would encourage the PCO’s that attend ibtm world to also consider their own nominations for this award,” said Graeme Barnett, Senior Exhibition Director, ibtm world.

The ibtm world Meetings Leadership Summit is an exclusive invitation only networking event held every year prior to the first day of the show. Some 200 international industry leaders will enjoy a themed evening which this year will take place at one of Barcelona’s iconic venues.

“The deadline for submissions is 31^st July 2016 which will be followed with a short-list and final judging will take place in October. Some of the industry’s most influential thought leaders will be in attendance, so it is great promotion for the winning company and ibtm world’s Meetings Leadership Summit is a perfect setting for this award,” added Sarah Storie-Pugh of IAPCO.

To find out more about ibtm world visit www.ibtmworld.com

To find out more about the Award visit http://www.iapco.org/awards/collaboration

London sees growth in hotel development, as new properties open across capital for 2016

London sees growth in hotel development, as new properties open across capital for 2016
Increase driven by uplift in budget and five star accommodation

PRESS RELEASE: Wednesday, 18 November 2015

The number of hotel rooms in London is expected to grow by 12 per cent over the next three years according to new data compiled by London & Partners and AM:PM, with the increase being driven by an uplift in budget and five star hotel accommodation across the capital. These new properties and hotel extensions will add 17,769 more rooms across the capital over the same period, up from the current figure of 138,769.

The data released to coincide with IBTM World in Barcelona this week, shows that 43 budget properties are expected to open by the end of 2018, with low-cost accommodation in the city predicted to increase by 29 per cent over the next three years. Over the coming three years, 19 five star properties will also open in the capital, increasing the hotel stock in this category by 22 per cent.

Tracy Halliwell MBE, Director of Business Tourism and Major Events at London & Partners, said: “With the rising number of business and leisure visitors to London and strong occupancy levels across the city, it is great to see that a range of hotel companies are investing in new properties, catering for the demand for both low-cost and high-end hotels. With properties right next to many tourist attractions, these investments will help to attract more visitors to London as well as provide new facilities for both local and international businesses to host meetings and conferences across the city.”

Rising business and leisure visitor numbers for London have been reflected in record occupancy levels across the city’s hotels. London occupancies have averaged 80 per cent or above since 2006, according to PwC and their UK hotels forecast 2016 predicts a decade high of 84 per cent this year, with the Rugby World Cup having provided a further boost. PwC projects a further increase to 85 per cent occupancy for London’s hotels in 2016.

Alan Gordon, Director of AM:PM said: “London has absorbed significant new hotel supply in recent years and continues to attract serious attention from UK and international hotel groups looking to enter or extend their presence. Alongside wider infrastructure and real estate investment in the capital, the footprint of the hotel market in London continues to expand and this has opened up new opportunities in many locations. Aldgate, Shoreditch, Vauxhall and Whitechapel are just a few areas that are witnessing exciting change that includes new hotels, many of which are from brands making their UK debut.”

Between 2010 and 2014 there was a 18.9 per cent increase in room supply in London and the city continues to see increasing hotel openings to cater for this strong demand. New luxury hotels opening their doors in 2016 will include the InterContinental London – The O2, the Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square and The Curtain Hotel and Members Club Shoreditch.

Featuring 453 bedrooms, a dedicated conference centre with 20 multifunctional meeting rooms and a 3,000sqm ballroom, which will hold up to 3,000 delegates the InterContinental London – The O2 is due to officially open its doors in January. The hotel will be on the doorstep of The O2 in east London and will include a spa, an indoor pool, two restaurants, a hotel bar and an 18th-floor Sky Bar, offering panoramic views across the Thames to Canary Wharf and beyond.

Also in east London, the Curtain Hotel and Members Club Shoreditch, which will feature 120 warm and spacious guest rooms including six suites, each with natural light, hardwood floors, steam showers, and bespoke and original artwork from some of London and New York City’s leading contemporary artists. Nobu’s first London hotel will house 143 bedrooms and a statement restaurant: a dramatic five metre high space in the basement. The five storey hotel includes its own garden, while rooms are clustered around a central bathroom screened off by a full-height curved unit.

Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts, an exhibitor on London & Partners stand at IBTM World, will open two London properties in 2016. Park Plaza London Waterloo will have 494 rooms and offer a swimming pool, spa, restaurant and bar. Opening in early 2016, the Park Plaza Park Royal hotel in west London will offer four star accommodation over six storeys, with a bar, restaurant, gym and conference facilities on the ground floor.

“Our development pipeline continues to focus on opening contemporary hotels in vibrant destinations.” comments Greg Hegarty, Regional General Manager UK, PPHE Hotel Group. “As London remains extremely popular with business and leisure guests, we have directed investment in to the capital so that we can continue to offer a greater choice, excellent service and value to our guests in key locations throughout the city. In addition we have just confirmed the signing of a hotel management agreement with Battersea Power Station Development Company to open a new hotel under the art’otel brand; so the new openings come at a very positive time for PPHE Hotel Group and our ongoing development pipeline.”

On the doorstep of the Tower of London will be the new Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square. The existing structure of Ten Trinity Square, a grand Parisian beaux-arts building, is being meticulously restored and upgraded. The hotel will occupy the lower ground to the third floors of the building, with 100 guest rooms and suites, two gourmet restaurants, a grand lobby bar, and a spa and fitness centre.

New budget accommodation for the city will include eight new Travelodge hotels including London Richmond Central and London Finsbury Park. Premier Inn is also expected to open three properties during 2016, including London Sidcup, London Archway and the hub by Premier Inn at London Spitalfields, Brick Lane Hotel.

Visit London & Partners on stand G10 at IBTM World in Barcelona to learn more about new openings in 2016 and hosting an event in London.

www.conventionbureau.london

PACIFIC WORLD CREATES PARTNERSHIP WITH IBTM EVENTS

Press Release: 1 October 2015

PACIFIC WORLD CREATES PARTNERSHIP WITH IBTM EVENTS
Leading Global DMC is Signed Up to Facilitate Operations at ibtm world and ibtm china

Pacific World (www.pacificworld.com), the leading global DMC, has recently confirmed a partnership with ibtm events (www.ibtmevents.com), part of Reed Travel Exhibitions.

Harsha Krishnan, Strategic Development Director, Pacific World comments, “Pacific World and ibtm events have developed a close relationship through the 11 years that we have worked together to deliver ground services for the flagship event in Barcelona; ibtm world. We are delighted to now be able to expand this partnership across the Pacific World global network to cover additional shows beyond ibtm world.”

Sallie Coventry, Portfolio Director, ibtm events portfolio commented, “We have been working with Pacific World for many years and they have proven to be very professional as well as consistent in the great service that they deliver. We are confident that this partnership will contribute towards the seamless delivery of these shows going forward.”

The next ibtm event where Pacific World will be facilitating all onsite logistics is ibtm world (formerly EIBTM), which is set to take place in Barcelona, Fira Gran Via from 17-19 November 2015.

Pacific World will also once again be sponsoring ibtm world’s Meetings Leadership Summit 2015 (MLS), a VIP by invitation only event for the elite of the global events industry. This year the MLS will take place at the remarkable 17th century restoration site El Born on Monday evening, 16th November 2015.

For more information, please visit www.pacificworld.com

THEMES FOR GLOBAL INDUSTRY TRENDS

DR. ROB DAVIDSON REVEALS KEY THEMES FOR GLOBAL INDUSTRY TRENDS WATCH REPORT SET TO BE DELIVERED AT IBTM WORLD 2015
Industry Recovery, Meetings Design and Geographical Performance to feature as key highlights

Dr. Rob Davidson, Managing Director, MICE Knowledge and ibtm world Industry Analyst has revealed some key industry themes ahead of his Trends Watch report session, which will be delivered as part of the ibtm world knowledge programme (www.ibtmworld.com/knowledge).

Findings from the full report, which will be presented twice at this year’s show (Tuesday 17th November, 11:30 – 12:30 and Thursday 19th November, 9:00 – 10:00), suggest continued growth and optimism regarding expansion of the meetings and events industry in the year ahead.

Davidson identifies that key indicators of the meeting industry’s health, including attendance, budgets, exhibitors, and revenues—continue to remain positive, signalling that the growth trend is set to continue.

Commenting on his research, Davidson says, “A number of surveys of meetings industry associations point to ongoing expansion in meetings and events business, with expectations that 2015 will prove to be more prosperous than the previous year.”

Davidson’s report will also discuss the changing design of meetings and meeting venues. Davidson continues, “In 2015, we are seeing radical qualitative changes in the ways in which meetings are designed. And forward-looking venues are adapting their offer to meet the evolving demands of new-generation meeting planners and attendees.”

The impact of the global economy and its uneven recovery across various geographical regions is also set to feature as a key theme in his presentation. Davisdon concludes, “As the global economy continues to change at an uneven rate, depending upon which world region is under consideration, the outlook for the meetings industry also varies along broad geographical zones.

“In the US, where hotel supply is up, with almost 100,000 new rooms added in 2015, demand for meetings continues to grow at up to quadruple the rate of supply. That means that the US is experiencing a suppliers’ market, with pricing power set to remain in the hands of hoteliers until the second half of 2016.”

All ibtm world delegates are invited to attend the 2015 Trends Watch report session. To register as a trade visitor and to find out more about the benefits of attending ibtm world, please visit: www.ibtmworld.com/visit2015

Final Call for Submissions for the ibtm world 2015 Technology and Innovation Watch Award

Final Call for Submissions for the ibtm world 2015 Technology and Innovation Watch Award
Visit www.ibtmworld.com/techwatch to enter

The next winner of the ibtm world Technology and Innovation Watch Award is about to be found. With just two weeks left for submissions – entries close on 4 September – the industry’s annual global award is open to anyone who has an inspiring and innovative product that could contribute to the future of the meetings industry.

A 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 ibtm world. The panel will also vote for one of these top ten to become the Technology and Innovation Watch winner.

Considered by previous winners to be a key platform for launch and awareness of their product, this year’s winner will not only benefit from a global pre- promotional campaign via ibtm world (www.ibtmworld.com), the leading global event for the meetings and events industry, but also a prominent presence in the Innovation Zone, and the opportunity to present their winning product at the show in Barcelona. www.ibtmworld.com/techwatch

Winning the award in 2014, LiveGroup, made the most of the opportunity: “We’re absolutely delighted to have gained such clear recognition for the quality of our work. The award is a ringing endorsement of the extraordinary capabilities of the Live Group’s mobile app, not least the newly launched Locator Function, which we think is set to be a game changer for delegates, clients and venues hosting live events”

Showcasing their products in the Innovation Zone gives companies access to some 15,500 meetings and events industry professionals including exhibitors, Hosted Buyers and visitors. Showslice who took part last year said: “The major change we made was to our income generation and we are now currently growing at a rate of 25% each month. We received a lot of support and insight from various organisations. Being part of the Innovation Zone got us noticed by Shell who gave us £3,000 and the Shell Livewire Sustainability Award in December 2014 considering us to be a smart city solution for events. This has helped us to define our offering further and ensure that we always provide our clients with a professional service that brings the industry together.”

Graeme Barnett, Senior Exhibition Director commented: “Since its creation, the Innovation Zone has always been a great showcase of the creativity, passion and drive needed to create real change within the meetings and events industry. It is also an opportunity to secure real business with Hosted Buyers, trade visitors and even exhibitors, all wanting to see how this part of the industry can improve their own business. Many young companies have had the opportunity to be part of the discussions, to uncover potential and to connect with the innovative and the influential.”

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

ibtm world, in partnership with ACS audiovisual solutions

ibtm world, in partnership with ACS audiovisual solutions, brings 2015 Knowledge Programme to the show floor
New ACS Knowledge Village gives everyone easy access

www.ibtmworld.com/knowledge

For the first time, ibtm world 2015 (formerly EIBTM), in partnership with ACS audiovisual solutions, will deliver all of its education content from a newly designed ‘Knowledge Village’ consisting of four purpose built theatres, which will be located on the show floor.

Erica Keogan, Associations and Education Manager, ibtm events commented: “Education is an important part of ibtm world and each year we devote significant resources to providing our attendees with creative, valuable and unique insights into the latest trends and key issues in the industry and to develop new perspectives on both.”

“The concept of the Knowledge Village is to bring all the content down onto the show floor and make it much more accessible to the visitors, Hosted Buyers and exhibitors. This is an exciting move for ibtm world in the evolution of our Knowledge Programme and we could not have done it without the continued support from our partner ACS audiovisual solutions, who helped us deliver the vision of creating a Knowledge Programme hub on the show floor.”

Jessica Ylstra, Managing Director, ACS audiovisual solutions, commented: “We are proud to intensify our partnership! We have been working together for years with ibtm and are happy with our cooperation. With our new partnership we are able, together with our IT partner Eventresult, to bring our combined solutions to the next level. The wishes of ibtm events inspire us to develop new, interactive and innovative AV and IT facilities. This year, we will build four temporary rooms to accommodate all ibtm lecture sessions and we will integrate a new and refreshing concept. We hope our services will create a buzz and intensify the experience of the ibtm visitors and exhibitors!”

This year, ibtm world is introducing seven new global themes to underpin its 2015 Knowledge Programme, which will be led by an exciting line up of influential industry experts on the many and diverse topics facing the industry now and in the future. For further information about ibtm world 2015 speakers, please go to www.ibtmworld.com/speakers

For further information on the ibtm world Knowledge Programme, please visit www.ibtmworld.com/knowledge or to find out more about speaker opportunities at ibtm world, please go to http://www.ibtmevents.com/callforspeakers

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

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