ibtm arabia delivers new format MICE event for the Gulf Region

ibtm arabia delivers new format MICE event for the Gulf Region

International Hosted Buyers from 36 countries representing key and influential planners of MICE business have descended on Abu Dhabi for an exclusive closed door one-to-one meeting format in a revamped ibtm arabia (formerly GIBTM).

Opening at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi today, the event will be the only one in the region to introduce international buyers from Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, South America, Africa and the Middle East, all representing leading corporations, associations, and agencies, to a mix of suppliers from the region and overseas.

With twice as many exhibitors as GIBTM 2014, 24 will be participating for the first time. There will also be 5 new countries represented including Scotland, Ethiopia, Japan, Mexico and Canada.

“ibtm arabia’s successful introduction is an endorsement of the strength of Abu Dhabi’s MICE proposition and proves we have evolved an established industry event to make it more relevant for delegates, buyers and exhibitors,” said Mubarak Al Shamisi, Director of the Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau, a division of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi).

The new exhibition format provides a platform for Abu Dhabi’s MICE sector to introduce new products and services, and present their products to industry experts specialising in a number of diverse fields such as international corporate groups and the expanding local wedding business, and promote packages to the local and GCC markets.

The “new” event brings everyone together for three days during which they will participate in “Discovery Day” where both buyers and suppliers get a taste of Abu Dhabi, and the experiences it offers for the MICE industry, followed by the opportunity to attend the ibtm arabia Knowledge Forum giving inspiration from two thought provoking speakers. Two days of business will follow, where over 3000 appointments will be held between buyers and suppliers with a diary of up to 30 appointments for each of them, plus networking and social events will bring everyone together.

“The significance of ibtm arabia is fundamental to the continuing growth of the MICE sector and has been built on the success of GIBTM. This new format however, creates a community for this industry, and for the first time everyone will work, learn and network together giving endless opportunities to meet, connect and do business as well as make new friends. ibtm arabia offers real exclusivity and with the quality of both buyers and suppliers, matched to have real influence on each other, we believe this new formula can enhance the experience of all our attendees,” said Lois Wilcox, Exhibition Manager ibtm arabia.

Highlights of ibtm arabia include: Discovery Day, Knowledge Forum, Pre-scheduled appointments, 9 networking events.

For further information please visit www.ibtmarabia.com

 

NEW DYNAMIC FORMAT, NAME, DATES AND LOCATION

IBTM ARABIA
NEW DYNAMIC FORMAT, NAME, DATES AND LOCATION

IBTM Arabia (www.ibtmarabia.com) is the new name spearheading a transformation of the former annual GIBTM show. The event will also have a new location – the 5 star, The St Regis Hotel Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi – with new dates, from 10-12th February 2015.

The key features of IBTM Arabia 2015 include a new exclusive, closed door event format based on mutually matched business appointments, providing more touch points for exhibitors and buyers. In addition to an all- inclusive pricing structure, the new event will also accommodate a one-to-one ratio of Hosted Buyers and exhibitors.

“The new concept is a result of the commentary fed back to us from key industry stakeholders including those from the private and public sectors, as well as other professional MICE organisations,” said Lois Wilcox, Exhibition Manager, IBTM Arabia.

“Foremost in this transformation is that IBTM Arabia will be an all-inclusive solution where an innovative meeting pod design customised with the exhibitor’s corporate branding will give privacy to meetings between Hosted Buyers and exhibitors.

“Exhibitors only pay one price and their meeting pod will be ready upon their arrival so that they can go straight into business meetings. Everything is included in the price; no additional stand costs, freight, or build costs,” added Wilcox.

RTE’s research revealed that the market wanted to prioritise the time given to meetings with premium buyers but in the most cost-effective fashion. IBTM Arabia will feature up to 200 exhibitors, who will be able to meet with the same number of prestigious planners representing the regional and global MICE industry – 50% regional and 50% international, from Asia Pacific, Europe, North America and South America.

All exhibitors and Hosted Buyers can select online whom they would like to schedule a meeting with, and a sophisticated software system will match the appointments, based on the preferences of both buyers and exhibitors.

“That results in up to 30 highly relevant appointments for each exhibitor, 6,000 in total across the event,” said Wilcox.

The name change also provides synergy with the other shows within the IBTM Global Events portfolio.

“The unique concept for the Middle East’s leading MICE event is now similar to IBTM America, IBTM India and IBTM Africa, although the latter two are table top events, the content and concept is virtually the same. One of the integral changes is that we have now effectively levelled the playing field. All exhibitors now have an equivalent amount of floor space and their meeting pod is exactly the same price, size and design, with the exception of their respective corporate branding. We will also have networking functions and a Knowledge Forum for all attendees, creating a community, providing as many business opportunities as possible and maximising return on investment,” said Wilcox.

IBTM Arabia is held with the support of Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau – a dedicated entity of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) charged with stimulating the meetings industry in the emirate.

“Given that this transformation has been achieved in association with the industry it serves – both exhibitors and buyers – we believe IBTM Arabia has significant potential for growth and look forward to it helping to stimulate the global, regional and local meetings industry,” said Mubarak Al Shamisi, Director, Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau.

To find out more, please visit www.ibtmarabia.com