Futurist J. Walker Smith Headlines AIBTM 2013 in Chicago

Futurist J. Walker Smith Headlines AIBTM 2013 in Chicago
Substantiates Value of “Face to Face” Meetings in “Kinship Economy”

Keynoting this year’s theme “Defining the Future of Meetings…Together,” J. Walker Smith, principal of The Futures Company, has been chosen to kick off AIBTM’s 2013 exhibition on June 11th. He will present information and insights that demonstrate the continued value of face-to-face relationships in the current “kinship economy”…even in a digital age.

“Face-to-face meetings are the catalyst for business growth and shortened sale cycles – despite what technologists and the digital marketplace would have you believe,” said Michael Lyons, Exhibition Director of AIBTM 2013. “Business is more than ever about building relationships that will never change despite social media, online meetings software and streaming media.”

Carrying the momentum of Smith’s keynote throughout the show, AIBTM 2013 will offer a highly interactive education format to crowdsource attendees’ views on best practices, innovation and new ideas to make business meetings more effective in a challenging global landscape.

“AIBTM is the coming together of the world,” said AIBTM Advisory Board Member Roger Rickard, Partner, Chief Advocate of Revent LLC. “It is the leading showcase for one-on-one, face-to-face appointments between meeting professionals and suppliers that facilitates education and commerce. It is a must-attend event if you have a desire to be educated and to engage in direct commerce.”

AIBTM 2013 will provide many valuable and interactive sessions for attendees, including:

Interactive “fast track” education sessions and speaker showcases in the Lecture Theater on the show floor

Two Market Focus Spotlight events focused on Europe and Asia

The “Innovation Spotlight”, a place where attendees can find out about the latest cutting-edge innovations for the industry

“The Zone”, a place for attendees to network and recharge during the day

Local student “ambassadors” who will serve as guides for attendees

“I have always enjoyed the AIBTM experience and gained invaluable knowledge and new contacts by participating in this show,” said Todd Steinberg, global account director at Sonesta Collection. “Sonesta Hotels will be in attendance this year and we look forward to seeing our existing clients as well as meeting new ones.”

AIBTM 2013 will take place from 11th – 13th June, 2013. To participate as an exhibitor, apply as a Hosted Buyer or register as a Trade Visitor, visit http://www.aibtm.com. Join AIBTM on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube.

AIBTM SIGNS UP NEW EXHIBITORS AND HOTEL PARTNERS FOR LAUNCH IN CHICAGO

AIBTM SIGNS UP NEW EXHIBITORS AND HOTEL PARTNERS FOR LAUNCH IN CHICAGO

Following AIBTM’s announcement that the show will relocate to Chicago in 2013, the Americas Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (www.aibtm.com) has received unprecedented levels of interest, with a significant number of new and returning exhibitors signing up early to secure their place at the show.

New exhibitors to the show this year include: Experience Grand Rapids, Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission, Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Orient-Express, Visit Anchorage, United Airlines, Travizon, Dayton/Montgomery County CVB, Snowmass Tourism, Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau, Bloomington MN CVB and Sonesta Collection.

“AIBTM is an important show for Sonesta Hotels to reach national meeting planners as we continue to expand our presence in the U.S. market,” said Carol Bullock, Vice President of Sales for Sonesta. She continued, “the format of the show aligns with our desire to maximize our visibility and exposure and many planners have shared with us that this is a marketplace where business will get done.”

Michael Lyons, Reed Travel Exhibitions, AIBTM’s recently appointed Exhibition Director commented, “I am delighted to have joined the team at such an exciting time for the show. Chicago is one of the world’s top destinations for meetings, incentives, conventions, and events and we are pleased to be bringing together over 3,500 meetings industry professionals from across the globe for three days of intensive business, world class educational sessions and numerous opportunities for networking”.

AIBTM has also partnered with a number of hotels in the city including Hilton Palmer House, InterContinental Chicago, Renaissance Blackstone, W Chicago – Lakeshore, Hyatt Regency Chicago and Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile. These partnering hotels will provide 4/5 star accommodation for over 1,000 meetings industry professionals who are expected to attend as part of the 2013 Hosted Buyer Program.

AIBTM 2013 will take place at McCormick Place, Chicago from June 11th through June 13th, 2013 and will be hosted by Choose Chicago. Companies interested in exhibiting at AIBTM 2013 should contact Nancy Walker, Sales Director for AIBTM. Please email nwalker@reedexpo.com or call 203 840 5862.