almasalla news
With EIBTM 2008 only weeks away, the meetings world is set to descend on Barcelona on December 2-4, for what has become recognized as the international event for the meetings industry; the place to do business, network, and learn about the latest trends and industry developments. With visitor pre-registration numbers up on last year, the event has attracted over 3,000 suppliers representing over 100 countries EIBTM has seen a significant rise in first time exhibitors – 63 – including Baltimore, Chicago, Bulgaria, Valencia Convention Bureau, Sharjah, Oman, Cape Town, Jordan, Qatar Airways, and Beijing. Additionally, countries and destinations that have increased their stand space include Turkey, New Zealand, France, Dubai, Croatia, India, Czech Tourism, Switzerland, Macau, Visit Florida, Argentina, Columbia, Peru, VisitBritain, Malta, and Sweden.
This year’s seminar program, open to all and the biggest and most comprehensive ever, is led by some of the most influential industry experts covering topics as diverse as meetings architecture and the millennial generation.
There is an increased series of Spanish seminars specific to the local market; a daily Technology Hour highlighting the latest technology trends and developments; an expanded EIBTM CSR Symposium organized by The Green Meeting Industry Council, and an the introduction of new keynote sessions. Additionally, EIBTM’s industry analyst Rob Davidson will be presenting the 2008 Industry Trends and Market Share Report. A complete program schedule can be found at www.eibtm.com .
The MPI Technology Village, now in its sixth year, will feature some of the newest, most effective, technology solutions for event and meeting planners while the Event Services Village showcases the best in support services for events, meetings, and incentive travel.
The expanded Post Event program for Hosted Buyers with tours to Costa Daurada, Huelva, Leon, San Sebastian, Florence, Madrid, Valencia, Venice, Amsterdam, Bilbao, Girona, Sitges, London, and Costa del Sol has received tremendous interest with buyers from all over the world participating in the programm From a networking viewpoint,
there will be three Hosted Buyer lounges and social events that include the Welcome Reception and Club Night. Mandy Torrens, EIBTM’s exhibition director commented, “EIBTM is truly representative of what is happening in the meetings industry now.
It provides visitors with an opportunity to consider how their businesses can develop in 2009 and beyond. Whether interested in the ‘hottest’ destinations and venues or the most up to date technological developments, there is truly something of interest for everyone.”
