The Americas Meetings & Events Exhibition Announces 33% of Booked Exhibitors Will Be New at AIBTM 2012

- 54 New Exhibitors Will Showcase for 2012 - 

The Americas Meetings & Events Exhibition (www.aibtm.com) has confirmed that there are 54 new exhibitors presenting at AIBTM 2012, Reed Travel Exhibitions’ premier provider for the U.S. meetings and events industry.   The three-day networking event, held from 19^th - 21^st June in Baltimore will feature a full day of world-class education, followed by two days of exhibition trade show.

“As we get closer to AIBTM 2012 in June, we’re absolutely delighted with the demand we have had from both new and returning exhibitors from all over the world,” said Graeme Barnett, Event Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions, AIBTM (Baltimore) and EIBTM (Barcelona).    “Approximately 33% of exhibitors that are currently signed on are new to AIBTM.  We are excited for the new opportunities these exhibitors offer to our 2012 attendees.”

Following AIBTM’s success at the inaugural event in 2011, approximately 67% of exhibitors that are currently signed on are returning from last year.  Of those, 26% have increased their floor space for 2012 including:  Anaheim/Orange County Visit & Convention Bureau, Argentina, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Bureau, Certain Inc., Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau, China National Tourist Office, Choice Hotels, Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau, Destination D.C., Dominican Republic Tourism Board, Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau, Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau, Greater Houston CVB, Guatemala Tourist Commission, Hilton Worldwide, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, IHG-InterContinental Hotels Group, Islands of the Bahamas, Marriott International Inc., Melia Hotels International, Moscow, Panama Tourism Authority, San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau, St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission, Vancouver Hotel Destination Association, Vantage Hospitality Group, Inc., and Visit Florida.

In addition to those returning, 33% of AIBTM 2012’s show floor will include brand new exhibitors.  AIBTM is happy to welcome new organisations such as:  Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association, Aqua Global Events, Associated Luxury Hotels International, Blue Man Group, Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce/CVB, Carey International, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, Cayman Islands Travel & Tourism, Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau, Dolce Hotels & Resorts, Entertainment Cruises, Event Ready, Eventbrite, Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, Gourmet Gift Baskets.com, Hard Rock International, Hello USA!, Hosts Global Alliance, Hungarian Tourism, India Tourism, Infinite Conferencing, Istanbul Visitors and Convention Bureau, Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association, Learning Through Travel, Little Rock CVB, Long Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau, Los Angeles Convention & Visitors Bureau, LVH Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Meet Minneapolis, Meet Washington State, MMSC, Moroccan National Tourist Office, Nest DMC, Omaha Convention & Visitors Bureau, Pacific World, Palm Springs Desert Resorts Convention and Visitors Authority, Positively Cleveland, Prague Convention Bureau, QuickMobile, Reno Tahoe USA, Rosen Hotel & Resorts, Salt Lake CVB, Seneca Niagara Casino Hotel, Showcare Event Solutions, Site Solutions Worldwide, Star Travel Services,  The CVBs of New York State, Travel Portland, Visit Indianapolis, Visit Pittsburgh, Visit Scotland, Vitesse Worldwide, Wyndham Hotel Group and Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau.

For more information about ways to attend AIBTM please visit www.aibtm.com/visiting. You can apply for the Hosted Buyer attendance option by filling out the registration form - Hosted Buyer Registration.    Alternatively you can choose the Flexible Choice Option and attend as a Trade Buyer which will permit you access to all education, business and networking opportunities which will take place over the course of the show - Trade Buyer Registration.

AIBTM takes place from 19^{th -} 21^st  June, 2012.

Roger Rickard to Chair PCMA’s Plenary Session at AIBTM 2012

Key Government and Industry Leaders Discuss the Positive Impact of Meetings at the ‘Meetings Significance Forum’ 

Recent headlines shouted “AIG Effect”, “Don’t go to Las Vegas!” and “Lavish GSA Conference” yet face-to-face meetings have a significant impact on the economy, business, science, technology, diplomacy and all forms of socio-economic relationships at the local, national, or international level.

Now it’s time to face the facts and Roger Rickard, Partner & Chief Advocate, Revent, LLC and Founder of Voices in Advocacy™ is set to moderate the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Meetings Significance Forum at AIBTM, The Americas Meetings & Events Exhibition (www.aibtm.com) this year.

The key questions that will be addressed are:  How can government officials and the meetings industry understand each other without creating knee-jerk reactions? How do we open the window to better communications? What do government policy makers need to understand the meetings industry? What does the meetings industry need to understand about how government policy decisions are created? What are the best options for advocating the positive significance that meetings create both socially and economically?

“This forum will provide a platform for meeting industry leaders and U.S. government officials to engage in dialogue on how we, as an industry, can significantly shape and influence policy decisions that affect the business of meetings,” said Erica Keogan, Global Education Content Manager, IBTM Global Events Portfolio, Reed Travel Exhibitions.

Rickard commented, “We are presenting a voice to the meetings industry and U.S. government officials to share open dialogue on the socio-economic significance of meetings. This is a giant step forward.”

The must attend session will kick off the first official day of the show and will take place in Ballroom A, 9am, Wednesday June 20^th.

Deborah Sexton, President & CEO of PCMA stated, “Roger Rickard provides a unique vision and true leadership in our industry. As the moderator of this forum he’ll ensure the dialogue is substantive and insightful.”

The content for America Meetings Week and AIBTM’s Professional Education Programme for 2012, will be delivered in conjunction with other leading industry associations including SITE, ACTE, ICCA and MPI. For further information and for a full Education Programme outline please visit http://www.aibtm.com/Education-Program/ 

For more information about ways to attend AIBTM please visit www.aibtm.com/visiting. You can apply for the Hosted Buyer attendance option by filling out the registration form - http://www.reedexpovip.com/profile/web/index.cfm?PKWebId=0x381a09c.   Alternatively you can choose the Flexible Choice Option and attend as a Trade Buyer which will permit you access to all education, business and networking opportunities which will take place over the course of the show -https://www.compusystems.com/servlet/ar?evt_uid=745&campaigncode=CampGE 

AIBTM takes place from 19^th June – 21^st June, 2012.

Education steers Americas Meetings Week

Hear from the experts on new tactics for measuring and communicating the value of meetings

Six more strategic and thought provoking education sessions delivered by supporting associations have been announced as part of Americas Meetings Week at AIBTM, the award winning Meetings and Events Exhibition for the US (www.aibtm.com).  Meetings Professionals International (MPI) and the Association for Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) will help redefine how to make meetings and event marketing programmes measurable as well as a more consistent and responsive meeting experience for all.

Erica Keogan, Reed Travel Exhibitions IBTM Portfolio Education Content Manager commented: “Following on from the launch of the first ever international study on the Business Value of Meetings at AIBTM last year, the industry continues to grapple with the greatest challenge of effectively communicating the value of meetings and events.  This year we have secured some top line evidence and speakers to deliver their views and findings”.

MPI will focus on The Practitioner Series: Determine the Business Value of Meetings and Events involving 3 sessions on Tuesday, June 19^th all presented by Bill Voegeli (President Significant Research LLC) and John Nawn (Meetings Support Institute)

·      The Case for Measurement headlines;  “If the industry had been measuring the impact of meetings all along, there never would have been an AIG effect” (Tony Lorenz, founder of bxbonline). This session will present a discussion that will consider ways in which industry leaders can make a business case for measurement and what barriers must be overcome to successfully achieve this. 

·      Measuring What Matters - Most meeting professionals are not aware of the wide variety of financial and non-financial metrics that can be used to determine value. This interactive discussion on determining objectives and the corresponding metrics and measures that can be utilized for a meeting or event, will show how leading companies are using simple processes and tools to determine the value of their meetings and events.

·      Communicating the Value of Your Meeting or Event - One of the greatest challenges in determining the value of meetings and events is properly interpreting the data and effectively communicating results to all stakeholders. This session will support participants in distinguishing value in chosen methods of analysis and outline an effective communication strategy, to support this.

Supporting the same overall theme, ACTE (Association of Corporate Travel Executives) presents 3 education streams that further explore ways of delivering ROI.  “ACTE is thrilled to present these sessions at AIBTM 2012,” said ACTE Executive Director Ron DiLeo.  “We’ve created topics on leveraging emotional engagement to improve the ROI of meetings, cost-saving tips and insider information from frequent business travellers, and an examination of the hotel RFP process, allowing us to maximize understanding across the Business Travel and Incentives, Meetings and Events industries.”

·      Leveraging Emotional Engagement to Improve the ROI of Your Meetings - This workshop will take a fun, interactive game-show approach and examine the role emotions play both in cinema and in our world of meetings and events. The discussions will help attendees identify “positive” emotions generated by an experience and create connections and applications for those emotions to meetings and events.

·      Cost-savings: Tips & Insider Information from Road Warriors - A panel of frequent global travellers will share their best tips and other “insider” information including how to get lounge passes and other travel perks for “free”.

·      Is It Time to Eliminate the Hotel RFP Process? - If you are ready to disrupt the hotel RFP process and consider unconventional, out-of-the-box solutions, this is a workshop you won’t want to miss.

AIBTM’s Education Day (Tuesday June 19^th) has been created to provide learning and content that is relevant for both meeting planners and suppliers, taking place before the trade show opens, it means everyone attending has the option to take part.  The education continues on Wednesday, June 20^th.   Over 30 individual sessions will be facilitated over the course of AIBTM.

For more information about ways to attend AIBTM and make the most of all of the education opportunities available as part of AIBTM’s Americas Meetings Week, please visitwww.aibtm.com/visiting.

To apply for the Hosted Buyer attendance option by filling out the registration form - http://www.reedexpovip.com/profile/web/index.cfm?PKWebId=0x381a09c.

Alternatively chose the Flexible Choice Option and attend as a Trade Buyer which will permit you access to all education, business and networking opportunities which will take place over the course of the show - https://www.compusystems.com/servlet/ar?evt_uid=745&campaigncode=CampGE

By registering for AIBTM, you are automatically registered for AIBTM education day. Sessions are on a first-come, first serve basis and you must have your show badge in order to get in.

AIBTM takes place from 19^th June – 21^st June, 2012.

Join AIBTM on Linked in, Facebook, Twitter and Youtube.

AIBTM To Take Place On The Heels of The Star-Spangled Sailabration Event in Baltimore

AIBTM Follows Dozens of International Ships Anchoring Where “The Star-Spangled Banner” Was Penned, Launching the National Bicentennial of The War Of 1812 

The Americas Meetings & Events Exhibition (www.aibtm.com), Reed Travel Exhibitions’ premier provider for the U.S. meetings, incentive, business travel and events industry, will begin at the conclusion of the Star-Spangled Sailabration in Baltimore.  The three-day networking event, held June 19^th – 21^st at the Baltimore Convention Centre will feature a full day of education, followed by two days of exhibitions.

Baltimore will welcome an international parade of tall ships and Navy warships that will anchor, launching the national Bicentennial of the War of 1812 on June 13^th.  The Star-Spangled Sailabration features seven days of free entertainment, lasting until the start of AIBTM, including ship tours, a Blue Angels air show, patriotic fireworks, memorial ceremonies and much more.  With more than three dozen ships hailing from around the world, vessels will offer free, daily tours from June 14^th-18^th.

AIBTM 2012, will feature AIBTM Education Day, comprised of a series of conferences, forums and workshops in conjunction with AIBTM’s Association partners, including the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE), the Society of Incentive Travel Executives (SITE), International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and Meeting Professionals International (MPI).

The Hosted Buyer programme is a highlight of the show, where qualified AIBTM Hosted Buyers will have the opportunity to pre-schedule appointments with exhibitors of their choice, receive complimentary travel and accommodation, attend exclusive Hosted Buyer networking events, participate in pre-show and post-show city tours and enjoy other VIP benefits.   There is expected to be 20,000 pre-scheduled, on-site appointments, with a mix of new and returning buyers.

“We are so excited to be coming to Baltimore as these amazing festivities and cultural celebration have been affecting the area,” said Jaime Rosov, Marketing Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions.  “It is an amazing opportunity to visit Baltimore for the Star-Spangled Sailabration and stay for AIBTM.  Not only will individuals be able to get a true taste of the city but they will experience all that AIBTM has to offer.”

“As the city of Baltimore, we are thrilled to be hosting these two large scale events,” said Sara Warfield, Director of Public Relations, Visit Baltimore.  “From our Inner Harbour, offering breath-taking views of the city, dining, cultural experiences and exciting nightlife, to our historical neighborhoods, AIBTM is a great time to explore the city.”

Additional features of AIBTM include a street themed Visit Baltimore Welcome Party at the Power Plant Live near the famed inner harbour for all visitors and exhibitors, networking events, Future Events Experience Area, a “Show Your Badge” Programme resulting in discounts at local restaurants, and so much more.

For more information about ways to attend AIBTM please visit www.aibtm.com/visiting. You can apply for the Hosted Buyer attendance option by filling out the registration form - Hosted Buyer Registration.    Alternatively you can choose the Flexible Choice Option and attend as a Trade Buyer which will permit you access to all education, business and networking opportunities which will take place over the course of the show - Trade Buyer Registration.

AIBTM takes place from 19^th June – 21^st June, 2012.

Join AIBTM on Linked in, Facebook, Twitter and Youtube.

Virtual Edge Institute (VEI) to Offer Educational Track at America’s Meetings and Events Exhibition (AIBTM)

AIBTM Presents VEI Educational Sessions to Provide Digital Event Strategies 

The Americas Meetings & Events Exhibition (www.aibtm.com) announced today that the Virtual Edge Institute (VEI) will present educational sessions at AIBTM 2012, Reed Travel Exhibitions’ premier provider for the U.S. meetings and events industry.   The three-day networking event, held June 19 – 21 in Baltimore will feature a full day of world-class education, followed by two days of exhibition trade show.

Led by digital event specialist Michael Doyle, Executive Director of the Virtual Edge Institute, the VEI’s track will feature two sessions on June 19 during AIBTM’s Education Day.

This year’s VEI sessions topics are:

·      The Digital Event Landscape:  from Hybrid Extensions to Perpetual Environments (Wednesday, June 20 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET)

This is an introductory, interactive session to help event and meeting producers from corporations and associations get up to speed with the latest technology solutions that are available for extending the life and value of physical events. Specific examples will be used as case studies, outlining the business rational as well as tactics and outcomes.

·      Digital Engagement for Onsite and Remote Audiences (Thursday, June 21 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET)

If you’ve made the decision to add a digital extension to your programmes, now learn how to make them effective! Engaging an online audience can be challenging but it is also critical for getting the most value out of the meetings experience. Driving engagement and connecting between the online and onsite audience takes the challenge to the next level. This session will examine the strategies for engagement with thoughts from some of the industry’s top engagement strategists.

“We are pleased to announce our partnership with VEI for the educational sessions they will be providing at AIBTM 2012,” said Graeme Barnett, Event Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions, AIBTM (Baltimore) and EIBTM (Barcelona).  “Attendees will leave with a strong understanding of how new technologies are being implemented within the industry in order to extend event programmes and digitally engage different audiences.  These sessions, complimented by AIBTM’s Future Events Experience Area, will help further show the valuable need for the advancement of technology in the meetings industry.”

“We are thrilled to offer an educational track at AIBTM 2012,” added Executive Director of the Virtual Edge Institute, Michael Doyle.  “We look forward to providing corporate, association and government planners with practical methodologies for planning and executing new technologies and strategies.  ”

VEI joins other AIBTM Association partners for AIBTM Education Day, which is comprised of a series of conferences, forums and workshops.  Other partners include the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), the Society of Incentive Travel Executives (SITE), the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE), the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the Meeting Professionals International (MPI).

Multiple concurrent events ensure there are tracks for all types and levels of planners, as well as buyers and industry leaders participating in CEO panels and keynote speaker sessions.  PCMA will deliver Education Powered by PCMA, Executive Edge and a State of the Industry Panel.  ACTE will present an education track dedicated to corporate travel professionals on how to make the most of face time and developing technology to best enhance the corporate travel experience.  ICCA will provide two roundtable sessions focused on how global destinations can penetrate the U.S. market and practical advice for North American planners for global meetings.  Additionally, SITE will deliver invigorating education tailored to the incentive market and host the SITE Young Leaders program focusing on the next generation of motivational leaders. MPI will provide three sessions which will all focus on determining the business value of meetings and events.   AIBTM is also pleased to offer the CEO Summit during the conference.

For more information about ways to attend AIBTM please visit www.aibtm.com/visiting. You can apply for the Hosted Buyer attendance option by filling out the registration form - Hosted Buyer Registration.   Alternatively you can choose the Flexible Choice Option and attend as a Trade Buyer which will permit you access to all education, business and networking opportunities which will take place over the course of the show -Trade Buyer Registration.

AIBTM takes place from 19^th June – 21^st June, 2012.

Join AIBTM on Linked in, Facebook, Twitter and Youtube.

From migrant worker to eminent brain surgeon

Keynote speaker Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa at AIBTM 2012.

The life of Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa, a former illegal immigrant who jumped the border fence from Mexico into the US 20 years ago, may sound like a movie script but it’s not fiction.

Known today as Dr Q, his remarkable journey from that border to Director of the Brain Tumour Surgery Program at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Centre, is the subject of what it takes to beat the odds in his motivational closing speech at The Americas Meetings and Event’s Exhibitions, AIBTM 2012 (www.aibtm.com).

Graeme Barnett, Reed Travel Exhibitions, AIBTM Event Director commented, “We are delighted that Dr. Alfred Quinones-Hinojosa has accepted our invitation, he has a truly amazing story to share and one that I am sure will motivate and inspire everyone.

“Delivering inspirational and thought provoking content is once again, part of this year’s education program and the rest of the sessions will have equally dynamic speakers”.

Alfred Quinones-Hinojosa’s story begins in a tiny farming community, 60 miles south of the U.S. border. Quinones-Hinojosa was born there, and by age 5, he was working at his father’s gas station. His grandmother was a village healer and a midwife.

In the mid-1970s, Mexico’s economy collapsed, and his father could no longer keep food on the table for the family.  Quinones-Hinojosa continued his schooling and became a teacher by the time he was 18, but he, too, was unable to provide for his family. So he made the decision, like so many relatives before him, to head north.

Quinones-Hinojosa picked cotton, tomatoes and cantaloupes, and lived in the fields in a broken-down camper he bought for $300. When his cousin told him he would be a farmworker for the rest of his life, he realised it was time to move on.

He signed up for English classes at a community college, where a teacher encouraged him to attend the University of California, Berkeley. At Berkeley on a scholarship, Quinones-Hinojosa developed a passion for the scientific method. He went on to Harvard Medical School, where he eventually delivered the commencement speech. It is also during this time that he received his U.S. citizenship.

Quinones-Hinojosa says he owes so much of his success to the many people who have extended a hand to him throughout his life. Packed with adventure and adversity, his story sets a motivational benchmark for the industry.

For more information about ways to attend AIBTM and make the most of all of the education opportunities available as part of AIBTM’s Americas Meetings Week, please visit www.aibtm.com/visiting.

Americas’ Leading Industry Speakers to Appear at AIBTM

Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), has outlined the content for its education programme at this year’s AIBTM, the Americas Meetings and Events Exhibitions (www.aibtm.com) – a compelling line up of speakers will deliver education “Powered by PCMA” sessions.

Deborah Sexton, President & CEO of PCMA stated: “By partnering with PCMA, AIBTM ensures attendees will get the best of both worlds – innovative education and creative global solutions to enhance their organisation’s face-to-face connections, as well as a show floor featuring over 1,000 global and domestic companies.”

Leading speakers for Tuesday’s Education Programme include Carolyn Pund, CMP, CMM, Senior Global Strategic Meetings Manager, Cisco Systems, Inc. who will share her insight and knowledge when it comes to developing Strategic Meetings Management Programs (SMMP) in the session “SMMP Beyond Theory: Foundational Elements of Partnerships and Policy”. This hour-long session will demonstrate the value of policy and partnerships and describe the roles of internal and external partnerships and their fundamental importance to the overall success of a Corporate SMM program.

Brendan McLoughlin, Chief Marketing Officer, Learner’s Digest International will deliver a structured seminar “Medical Societies: Enduring Content Expands Reach and Generates Non-Dues Revenue” which will explore a strategic planning approach to identify opportunities for generating additional value from your meetings and a roadmap on how to implement them. Medical meeting case studies and group exercises will make the session creatively stimulating and immediately actionable.

“Delivering Meetings that Meet Your Organization’s Strategic Plan” will be a panel debate moderated by Gregg H. Talley, FASAE, CAE, President & CEO, Talley Management Group. In this session association CEOs will partner with their meeting professionals for a vibrant discussion of successes and challenges, and the meeting planner’s advancement to strategic thinker and the impact on moving up the organisational ladder.

The PCMA Chesapeake Chapter will present “Creating a New Trade Show Floor Experience” with Melinda Kendall, Vice President, Freeman. This interactive session will explore new approaches to developing unique selling propositions for interactive, theme-based show floors and launching bold new expo plans – connecting exhibitors and attendees while generating new exhibitor and sponsorship revenue.

Additionally, PCMA has partnered with Wharton School of Business, one of the world’s leading business schools, to deliver a full day, invitation-only PCMA Executive Edge. Jim Austin, a former senior executive at Baxter Healthcare with expertise in business strategy and organisational change, will provide meeting professionals the strategic perspective and personal confidence in their decision-making to maximize their capability of handling scenario planning, with deliberate contribution, impact and influence.

Erica Keogan, Global Education Content Manager, IBTM Global Events Portfolio, Reed Travel Exhibitions commented: “These sessions will be driven by some of America’s most thought provoking speakers; designed by PCMA, around key topics and trends that are priorities for the industry now and in the future.”

The content for AIBTM’s America Meetings Week and AIBTM’s Professional Education Programme for 2012, will be delivered in conjunction with other leading industry associations including SITE, ACTE, ICCA and MPI. For further information and for a full Education Programme outline please visit http://www.aibtm.com/Education-Program/ 

For more information about ways to attend AIBTM please visit www.aibtm.com/visiting. You can apply for the Hosted Buyer attendance option by filling out the registration form -http://www.reedexpovip.com/profile/web/index.cfm?PKWebId=0x381a09c.    Alternatively you can chose the Flexible Choice Option and attend as a Trade Buyer which will permit you access to all education, business and networking opportunities which will take place over the course of the show - https://www.compusystems.com/servlet/ar?evt_uid=745&campaigncode=CampGE

AIBTM takes place from 19^th June – 21^st June, 2012.

AIBTM Hosted Buyer Applications Up 36% from 2011 (The Americas Meetings & Events Exhibition) June 19-21st

The Americas Meetings & Events Exhibition (www.aibtm.com) announced today that Hosted Buyer application submissions for the 2012 exhibition are soaring – up 36% from 2011, with 12 weeks of open enrollment still to go. The Hosted Buyer programme is a highlight of AIBTM 2012, which takes place June 19^th-21^st 2012 at the Baltimore Convention Centre. Bringing together the world’s leading buyers and suppliers in the incentive, business and corporate travel and meetings industry, AIBTM 2012’s three-day business networking event includes one full day of education and two days of exhibition.

“AIBTM offers an unparalleled opportunity for Hosted Buyers and we are thrilled that there has been so much interest in our 2012 event, which will be bigger, better and more engaging than ever,” said Craig Moyes, Portfolio Director, IBTM Global Events Portfolio, Reed Travel Exhibitions. “We’re tracking ahead of schedule on applications for AIBTM 2012. We expect to have 20,000 pre-scheduled, on-site appointments, with a mix of new and returning buyers. In fact, 85% of exhibitors are returning from last year with 39 new exhibitors for 2012 including: Carlson Hotels, LA Inc –The Los Angeles Convention & Visitors Bureau, The CVBs of New York State, Pacific World, Visit Pittsburgh, Meet Washington State, Rosen Hotel Group, Cayman Islands Travel & Tourism, Moroccan National Tourism Office, Long Beach CVB, Palm Springs Desert Resorts CVA, Yosemite Mariposa Tourism Bureau, Salt Lake CVB and more.”

Qualified AIBTM Hosted Buyers will have the opportunity to pre-schedule appointments with exhibitors of their choice, receive complimentary travel and accommodation, attend exclusive Hosted Buyer networking events, participate in pre-show and post-show city tours and enjoy other VIP benefits. AIBTM Hosted Buyer applications are reviewed and accepted based on the number and size of meetings, events, incentives and annual conferences, individual purchasing authority, annual budgets for meetings, amount of business conducted, responsibility for company’s business travel decisions and potential for future business in the meetings and business travel industries.

“Our Hosted Buyers will have the option of participating for either two or three days, depending on their location,” said Hosted Buyer Account Manager, Christine Knox. “We received feedback that our Hosted Buyers would like the opportunity to participate fully in AIBTM Education Day. Therefore, we adjusted our schedule to allow for the most flexibility.”

AIBTM’s close relationships with the industry’s major associations, which have inspired AIBTM Education Day, will also boost Hosted Buyer attendance for AIBTM 2012. This year’s Education Day will kick-off AIBTM 2012 with dynamic conferences, panels, round-table discussions, workshops and education dedicated for Hosted Buyers provided by industry partners like the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), the Society of Incentive Travel Executives (SITE), the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE), Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).

“The Education Day offered by our industry partners is an added-value for our Hosted Buyers and in turn, some of our partners have committed to bringing in their own Hosted Buyer Groups,” said Moyes. “For example, SITE has agreed to bring 100 Hosted Buyers, while PCMA is on target to deliver 500 Hosted Buyers.”

Multiple concurrent educational sessions during AIBTM’s Americas Meetings Week ensures there are relevant tracks for all AIBTM 2012 Hosted Buyers and all attendees from each sector of the industry with the opportunity to earn CEU credits. PCMA will deliver Education Powered by PCMA, Executive Edge and the State of the Industry discussion and six bite-sized learning sessions at PCMA’s booth. ACTE will present an education track on the importance of face-to-face meetings in the context of business travel while utilizing new technology to best enhance the business experience. ICCA will present the ICCA Global Meetings track, consisting of roundtable sessions and clinical topics on how global destinations can penetrate the U.S. market. SITE will deliver stimulating education tailored to the incentive market as well as host the SITE Young Leaders Program, focusing on the next generation of motivational leaders. MPI will deliver a series of education tracks, which will include the final installment of BVOM (Business Value of Meetings) study, which was launched in 2011 and supported by AIBTM.

Hosted Buyers at AIBTM 2012 will also enjoy an exclusive networking reception on Monday, June 18 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. This invitation-only event will be held at the new Four Seasons hotel in Baltimore.

To apply for the AIBTM Hosted Buyer program, visit: http://www.reedexpovip.com/profile/web/index.cfm?PKWebId=0x381a09c.

AIBTM takes place from 19^th June – 21^st June, 2012.

AIBTM Doubles Educational Content For 2012

- Education Tracks and Alliances Announced for June Event -

AIBTM (www.aibtm.com) is partnering with four of the industry’s top associations to provide almost double the amount of educational sessions for the 2012 event. AIBTM takes place June 19-21, 2012 in Baltimore Convention Centre, Baltimore. The three-day business-networking event launches with AIBTM Education Day, followed by two days of exhibition and continued learning.

AIBTM will bring together the top minds in the meetings and events industry in a series of conferences, forums and workshops in conjunction with the educational sessions provided by some of the biggest names in the industry: the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), the Society of Incentive Travel Executives (SITE), the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).

“AIBTM has listened to the industry and structured an education program in response to the industry’s demands,” said Craig Moyes, Portfolio Director, IBTM Global Events Portfolio, Reed Travel Exhibitions. “We are thrilled to partner with the world’s top education associations to deliver a tailored series of programs that directly address our audiences’ diverse needs.”

PCMA will host Education Powered by PCMA, PCMA Executive Edge and the State of the Industry Panel. PCMA also will deliver six, 15-minute “bite-size” learning sessions with key learning objectives at its AIBTM stand. The PCMA mini-session topics will cover:

• Apps for the Meeting Professional
• Evaluating Hands-on Community Service Projects for your Meetings
• Recognise What it Takes to Host a Hybrid Meeting
• iPad for Specs: Learn How to Maximise Your Use of an iPad for Your Meeting in Place of a Notebook
• Engagement of the Virtual Audience

ICCA will present the ICCA Global Meetings track, featuring two 90-minute roundtable sessions. The discussions will be followed by a one-hour clinic, where ICCA members will be available to give personalized advice to planners. This year’s ICCA roundtable sessions and clinic topics are:

• How Global Destinations Can Penetrate the U.S. market
• Global Meetings: Practical Advice for North American Planners
• Going Global One-on-one Clinic

ACTE will present three education tracks on how industry professionals can make the most of face time and use technology to best enhance the corporate travel experience. ACTE’s education sessions include:

• Issues that Matter: In this speed-learning session focused on the industry’s hottest issues, attendees will participate in back-to-back “hot button dialogues” with industry provocateurs
• Cost-savings Tips & Insider Information from Road Warriors
• Is it Time to Eliminate the Hotel RFP Process? This session will explore the future of hotel aggregators and spotlight unconventional, out-of-the-box solutions

Additionally, SITE will host the SITE Young Leaders Program, along with an educational session on the benefits of incentives.

AIBTM’s leading education partners have pledged additional support to AIBTM by collectively bringing more than 750 buyers to the event. AIBTM announced last week a 48% increase in industry partnerships in 2012. AIBTM expects to have 20,000 pre-scheduled onsite appointments in 2012 and has seen a 50% spike in Group Coordinators over last year. Additionally, 85% of current exhibitors signed on are returning. Of those, 30% have significantly increased floor space for 2012. With still three months to go, more than 22% of AIBTM 2012’s show floor will include brand new exhibitors.

AIBTM takes place from 19th June – 21st June, 2012.

EUROPEAN PAVILION TO FEATURE AT AIBTM 2012

WITH SPECIAL SPOTLIGHT SESSIONS FOR EXHIBITOR AND BUYER APPOINTMENTS 

$44.7m business delivered at AIBTM 2011

The Americas Meetings & Events Exhibition (www.aibtm.com), the first major international meetings industry event this year for the US, will feature a new European Pavilion following demand from exhibitors who want a clear focus to expand their business reach into the US region, and meet with the event’s Hosted Buyer community. This will also be supported by a special European Spotlight Sessions table top presentation area.

AIBTM is reaching out to companies, products and services that want to be part of this dedicated themed business area, which will also feature a communications campaign, to those Hosted Buyers from the US who have proven business to place internationally and in Europe specifically.

At the first award winning AIBTM in 2011, 63% of exhibitors reported that they had done business with buyers from a variety of European countries. Over the course of 3 days, over 11,000 pre-scheduled appointments took place and an estimated $44.7m of business was generated at the show.

“AIBTM’s first edition was very successful for Barcelona, beyond expectations. We are glad to have a professional show that finally offers hosted buyers and pre-scheduled agendas in the US. The model is not new in Europe but I believe it is a great improvement in the US meetings industry. Reed Travel Exhibitions have been working closely with the European exhibitors to enhance and add value to the 2nd edition in 2012 and Barcelona is excited to be attending once more. Stay tuned to AIBTM, there is definitely more to come” said Elena Altemir, USA and Canada 
International Promotion, Barcelona Turisme Convention Bureau commented.

Exhibitors already participating in the European Pavilion include: Toerisme Viaanderen, Destination DC & Visit Brussels, Moscow Exhibition and Convention Agency, Vienna Convention Bureau, Ungerboeck Softward International, Ireland Tourist Board, Cititravel, Tui Travel Plc, Melia Hotels International, Barcelona Convention Bureau, Madrid Visitors & Convention Bureau, Kuoni Travel, Dorchester Collection and Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts.

All European Pavilion exhibitors will have ‘Spotlight Sessions’ delivering a specific market focus on their product.  Hosted Buyers who express an interest in Europe will have a Market Focus event pre-scheduled into their appointment diary.

Spotlight Sessions will allow European exhibitors to gain additional exposure by showcasing products and destinations in a “table top presentation” area. This will provide exposure and direct market penetration with the added opportunity to meet directly with an audience of top-level buyers.

Danielle Keogh, Reed Travel Exhibitions Head of Sales, Meetings and Events Portfolio commented: “The US Meetings market is expected to grow in 2012, and the recent AMEX and Maritz Travel survey reported that it continues to lead others in looking for new ways to optimize meetings spend and up the return on experience. This is a real opportunity for all European exhibitors to maximise their participation and exposure to our US Hosted Buyers not just in the Pavilion itself but also through the Spotlight Sessions.

“Our exhibitor research shows that 37% of those buyers polled at AIBTM 2011 were looking to do business in UK and Ireland, 47% in Western and Northern Europe, and 41% in the Mediterranean and Southern Europe.

This year’s AIBTM Hosted Buyer registration process has gone live and applications have opened to over 5,000 industry professionals. This year, AIBTM is expected to deliver over 20,000 Pre-Scheduled Appointments between exhibitors and Hosted Buyers.

Companies interested in exhibiting at AIBTM 2012 should contact Danielle Keogh, Head of Sales for AIBTM. Please email Danielle.keogh@reedexpo.co.uk or call 0208 910 7191.

AIBTM takes place from 19^th June – 21^st June, 2012.

AIBTM Announces 48% More Industry Partnerships in 2012

Alliances, Exhibitors and Hosted Buyer Attendance on the Rise

Collaboration for AIBTM 2012 (www.aibtm.com) continues to climb, as the show exceeds its partnership expectations with overwhelming support from industry leaders.  AIBTM announced today a 48% increase in industry partnerships in 2012, along with four new strategic alliances, building momentum – and buyer attendance – for AIBTM, June 19-21.

Among AIBTM’s new partners is the Meeting Professionals International Potomac Chapter.  The show’s involvement with the Capitol area MPI Chapter gives AIBTM a home-turf networking advantage for its 2012 launch in Baltimore.  Joining forces with the leaders in the cruise and convention center sales arena, AIBTM is a Gold-Level sponsor of Convention Service Professionals International.  CSPI and AIBTM are collaborating to heighten AIBTM’s industry impact, providing message visibility to the conventions field.

In addition, AIBTM is pleased to work with ConventionPlanit.com, a leading search directory for meeting, trade show and event planners, and SPIN, an independent network of senior level planners who organize education and networking “think tanks” throughout the United States.

“AIBTM is delighted at the response and support we are receiving for this year’s show,” commented Craig Moyes, Portfolio Director, IBTM Global Events Portfolio, Reed Travel Exhibitions.  “Though Reed Travel Exhibitions has long been the global meetings and events leader, AIBTM is only in its second year.  We are thrilled to be embraced on this level by the field’s top associations and organizations.  In collaboration with our new and existing partners, we are excited to showcase AIBTM’s strength, impact and value to the industry this June.”

AIBTM’s leading education partners are committed to supporting the event by collectively bringing more than 750 buyers to AIBTM, in addition to hosting targeted educational tracks tailored to the industry’s most pressing issues.  PCMA alone is committed to bringing more than 500 Hosted Buyers to AIBTM, and SITE is on board with 100 Incentive Buyers.  Additional AIBTM education partners presenting sessions during AIBTM Education Day on June 19 include ACTE and ICCA.

Following the success of its inaugural 2011 event, AIBTM expects to have 20,000 pre-scheduled onsite appointments in 2012 and has seen a 50% spike in Group Coordinators over last year.  Additionally, 85% of current exhibitors signed on are returning. Of those, 30% have increased floor space significantly for 2012. One-third of returning exhibitors already booked for 2012 have expanded their floor space, including Hilton Worldwide, IHG InterContinental Group, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts and Marriott International.

With still three months to go, more than 22% of AIBTM 2012’s show floor will include brand new exhibitors.  AIBTM welcomes Carlson Hotels, Visit Pittsburgh, the CVBs of New York State, Long Beach CVB, Palm Springs Desert Resorts CVA, Yosemite Mariposa Tourism Bureau, Meet Washington State, Visit Indianapolis, LA Inc. (The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau) and Pacific World.

AIBTM takes place June 19-21, 2012 at the Baltimore Convention Center.  Bringing together the world’s leading buyers and sellers in the business, AIBTM 2012’s three-day business networking event includes one full day of education and two days of exhibitions.

AIBTM takes place from 19th June – 21st June, 2012.

AIBTM Hosted Buyer Applications Go Live

The Americas Meetings & Events Exhibition Coming June 19-21 

The Americas Meetings & Events Exhibitions (www.aibtm.com) announced that Hosted Buyer applications are now being accepted.  The Hosted Buyer programme is a highlight of AIBTM 2012, which takes place June 19-21, 2012 at the Baltimore Convention Centre.  Bringing together the world’s leading buyers and sellers in the business, AIBTM 2012’s three-day business networking event includes one full day of education and two days of exhibitions.

“AIBTM offers a priceless opportunity for Hosted Buyers, and we are thrilled to officially open the application process to top industry buyers.  With key elements of AIBTM revamped for 2012, the event will be bigger, better and more engaging than ever,” said Steve Knight, Reed Travel Exhibitions Project Director AIBTM.  “For AIBTM 2012, we expect to have 20,000 pre-scheduled onsite appointments and we have a 50% spike in Group Coordinators over last year.  Additionally, 85% of our current exhibitors signed on are returning from 2011.  Of those, 30% have increased floor space significantly for 2012.”

Qualified AIBTM Hosted Buyers will have the opportunity to pre-schedule appointments with exhibitors of their choice, receive complimentary travel and accommodation, attend exclusive Hosted Buyer networking events, participate in pre-show and post-show city tours and enjoy other VIP benefits.   AIBTM Hosted Buyer applications are reviewed and accepted based on the number and size of meetings, events, incentives and annual conferences, individual purchasing authority, annual budgets for meetings, events and incentives, amount of business conducted and potential for future business in the meetings and business travel industries.

AIBTM’s close relationships with the industry’s major associations inspired AIBTM Education Day, comprised of dynamic conferences, panels and workshops that will kick-off AIBTM 2012. “AIBTM is proud to partner with the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), the Society of Incentive Travel Executives (SITE), the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) to deliver the latest and most comprehensive education to the industry,” Knight said.  “We believe these partnerships will be invaluable for Hosted Buyers.”

Multiple concurrent events ensure there are relevant educational tracks for AIBTM 2012 Hosted Buyers and all attendees.  PCMA will deliver Education Powered by PCMA, Executive Edge and the State of the Industry Panel.  ACTE will present an education track on the importance of face-to-face meetings in the context of business travel while utilizing new technology to best enhance the business experience.  ICCA will present the ICCA Global Meetings track, consisting of roundtable sessions and clinical topics on how global destinations can penetrate the U.S. market.  Additionally, SITE will deliver invigorating education tailored to the incentive market as well as host the SITE Young Leaders Programme, focusing on the next generation of motivational leaders.

To apply for the AIBTM Hosted Buyer program, visit: http://www.reedexpovip.com/profile/web/index.cfm?PKWebId=0x381a09c.

AIBTM takes place from 19^th June – 21^st June, 2012.

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International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) to Offer Educational Track at America’s Meetings and Events Exhibitions (AIBTM)

AIBTM Presents “ICCA Global Meetings” Track with Two 90-Minute Roundtable Sessions

The Americas Meetings & Events Exhibition (AIBTM) announced today that the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) will present an educational track at AIBTM 2012, Reed Travel Exhibitions’ premiere provider for the U.S. meetings and events industry. The three-day networking event, held June 19 – 21 in Baltimore will feature a full day of education, followed by two days of exhibitions. 

The ICCA Global Meetings track will feature two 90-minute roundtable sessions on June 19 during AIBTM’s Education Day. The first session will take place in the morning, after the keynote speaker, and the second will take place in the afternoon. The roundtable discussions will be followed by a one-hour clinic, where ICCA members will be available to give personalized advice to planners. 

This year’s ICCA roundtable sessions and clinic topics are: 

• How global destinations can penetrate the U.S. market
• Global meetings: practical advice for North American planners
• Going global one-on-one clinic 

“We are pleased to announce our partnership with ICCA for the ICCA Global meetings track at AIBTM 2012,” said AIBTM Project Director, Steve Knight. “The first roundtable session will be aimed primarily at suppliers, with the second session aimed at planners, as well as suppliers who are interested in meeting internationally focused planners.” 

“We are thrilled to offer an educational track at AIBTM 2012,” added ICCA CEO, Martin Shirk. “We look forward to lively discussions about the industry at both our roundtable sessions and our one-on-one clinic. With approximately eight moderators per session, we expect our roundtables to be very beneficial to advancing the conversation about our industry on a global scale.” 

ICCA joins other AIBTM Association partners for AIBTM Education Day, which is comprised of a series of conferences, forums and workshops. Other partners include the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) and the Society of Incentive Travel Executives (SITE). 

Multiple concurrent events ensure there are tracks for all types and levels of planners, as well as buyers and industry leaders participating in CEO panels and keynote speaker sessions. PCMA will deliver Education Powered by PCMA, Executive Edge and a State of the Industry Panel. ACTE will present an education track dedicated to corporate travel professionals on how to make the most of face time and developing technology to best enhance the corporate travel experience. Additionally, SITE will deliver invigorating education tailored to the incentive market and host the SITE Young Leaders program focusing on the next generation of motivational leaders. AIBTM is also pleased to offer the CEO Summit during the conference. 

AIBTM takes place from 19^th June – 21^st June, 2012.

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The Americas Meetings & Events Exhibition Announces Increased Show Floor Space to Meet Supplier Demand at AIBTM 2012

80% of Booked Exhibitors are Returning from 2011  

AIBTM, The Americas Meetings & Events Exhibition (www.aibtm.com) is four months away, and already the Event is increasing its exhibition space to accommodate supplier demand. Reed Travel Exhibitions’ premiere provider for the U.S. meetings and events industry, AIBTM 2012 is a three-day interactive networking event, held June 19-21 in Baltimore, with one full day of education and two days of exhibitions.

“As we count down to AIBTM 2012 in June, we’re absolutely delighted with the demand we have had from both new and returning exhibitors from all over the world,” said AIBTM Project Director, Steve Knight. “Approximately 80% of exhibitors that are currently signed on are returning from last year. Of those, 30% have increased their floor space for 2012.”

Following AIBTM’s success at the inaugural event in 2011, one-third of returning exhibitors already booked for 2012 have expanded their floor space, including Hilton Worldwide, Panama Tourism Authority, Meet Washington State (formerly Seattle CVB), Dominican Republic Tourism Board and EMBRATUR Brazilian Tourist Board.

In addition to those returning, more than 20% of AIBTM 2012’s show floor will include brand new exhibitors. AIBTM is happy to welcome new organizations such as Carlson Hotels, Visit Pittsburgh, Moroccan National Tourism Office, the CVBs of New York State, Long Beach CVB, Palm Springs Desert Resorts CVA, Yosemite Mariposa Tourism Bureau and TUI Event Management.

Some of the most recently confirmed returning exhibitors include Cvent, Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau, the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, the Ireland Tourist Board, the Detroit Convention Bureau and the Barcelona Convention Bureau.

The Americas Meetings & Events Exhibition Opens

Speaker Applications for June 2012 Conference 

The Americas Meetings & Events Exhibition (www.aibtm.com) is now inviting industry experts to apply for the opportunity to speak at their annual trade show, taking place June 19 – 21, 2012 in Baltimore, MD.

Reed Travel Exhibitions announces the expansion of its strategic partnership with Site

Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) has announced the growth of their strategic partnership with Site, the global association for the motivational events and incentive travel industry. Extending their long-standing relationship, Site will help build on the award winning AIBTM and Americas Meetings Week, and further develop its relationship across the IBTM portfolio including new programs at EIBTM and CIBTM.

 Under the expanded agreement, Site will serve as a Group Co-ordinator for AIBTM (www.aibtm.com). This will be the only trade event in the US to benefit from Site serving in a Group Co-ordinator role. Site will seek to elevate the conversation with and provide education for up to 100 Hosted Buyers commencing with the 2012 show (June 19-21). The Hosted Buyer Group will be in Baltimore and at AIBTM for the duration of the event and attend receptions, special seminars and a full diary of pre-scheduled appointments with exhibitors.

 Continuing with its investment in the next generation of industry professionals, Site will develop the 2012 Site Young Leader Program to capitalize on a co-location of Site Academy events with both AIBTM and EIBTM, starting off with a Young Leaders education seminar taking place alongside the current EIBTM (www.eibtm.com). The future program will be developed exclusively with AIBTM and EIBTM and is intended to not only offer networking and education on two continents, but to leverage the opportunity to attract conversations with industry leaders, politicians and advocates from like-minded organizations. The event with AIBTM will take advantage of the proximity to Washington DC and provide Site’s Young Leaders an experience that expands their views on advocacy for their profession.

In 2012, Site is also co-locating its annual conference with CIBTM (www.cibtm.com) in Beijing, which will take place from 12-14 September. The Site International Conference (Beijing2012.siteglobal.com) will seek to welcome 500 delegates from 40 plus countries and will serve as an opportunity for incentive planners in China and Asia to attend a Site global conference in their region of the world.

“The Site International Board of Directors is focused on the fact that the conversations we have today will have an impact on our business of tomorrow. We are very excited about the expansion of our partnership with RTE because we believe the conversations that will be had through the education and networking opportunities will be of great value for Site members and our colleagues in the industry,” says Allison Summers, Managing Director for Site.

“We have always valued the contribution Site has made to our global portfolio of events through the education programs and now look forward to extending this relationship to bring the incentive industry closer to our events. Hosting top level executives personally selected by Site for AIBTM as well as the other expanded programs will, we believe, deliver tangible business opportunities to our exhibitors.” Said Craig Moyes, Group Exhibitions Director for the global portfolio of meeting events Reed Travel exhibitions.

REED TRAVEL EXHIBITIONS ANNOUNCE COLLABORATION WITH ASSOCIATION OF CORPORATE TRAVEL EXECUTIVES

Strategic Alliance to Strengthen Meeting and Business Travel Industry Education

Reed Travel Exhibitions and The Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) have announced a joint collaboration across all events in their IBTM Portfolio (www.ibtm.com), the world’s leading exhibitions for the meetings and events industry held in five business destinations across the globe.

The strategic partnership aligned across the portfolio will ensure a unique level of knowledge, insight and expertise is delivered directly to the corporate Hosted Buyers who attend each of the IBTM shows.

Craig Moyes, Group Exhibition Director for the global meetings portfolio of events, Reed Travel Exhibitions commented: “The business and corporate travel community is an intrinsic part of the meetings industry and has been expanding steadily, this year we are making business travel a key focus across all of our shows. Our shows are tailored to the markets they serve and guarantee attendance of top-level decision makers through our Hosted Buyer programmes.

Together they provide attendees with access 5,000 suppliers from 100 countries, 17,000 meeting planners. Added to this, over 100,000 pre-scheduled appointments are generated ensuring that the IBTM events truly provide return on investment. This new partnership will ensure that ACTE delivers unprecedented and highly sought after solutions for business travelers across the globe”.

ACTE will deliver an educational track of sessions pertinent to face-to-face meetings in the context of business travel. The educational sessions will focus on how industry professionals make the most of face time and developing technology to best enhance the corporate travel experience.

Serving more than 31,000 executives in over 80 countries, ACTE is a not-for-profit association established to provide executive-level global education and peer-to-peer networking opportunities.

Ron DiLeo, ACTE Executive Director commented: “This collaboration is extremely timely, as business travel and meetings continue to converge. Face-to-face meetings are vital to business success and a healthy economy. Executives must travel to network and push forward initiatives. Through this partnership, ACTE is pleased to bring its unique level of knowledge, insight and expertise to Reed Travel Exhibitions, increasing educational deliverables to the meetings industry.”

AIBTM 2012 – US Exhibitors Increase Presence

 Success Of 2011 Drives Larger Booths

Association and Corporate Program added to Education Sessions

Hosted Buyers given increased room night options

Post Event Tours

With just three months since the inaugural AIBTM, 22 exhibitors have re-signed with greater booth sizes amounting to an additional 4300 sq ft of show floor for next year’s event. Currently more than 50% of space has been contracted and AIBTM 2012 will also welcome a number of new exhibitors who have been quick to sign up.

In addition to the larger show floor, Hosted Buyers for 2012 will be offered the opportunity to attend AIBTM for 3 nights so that they can participate in the AIBTM Education Day which will once again take place the day preceding the opening of the show floor. AIBTM will open with AIBTM Education day on June 19^th and will be followed by AIBTM Exhibition on 20^th and 21^st June 2012.

More Hosted Buyer Group Co-ordinators within the US are requesting to work alongside AIBTM to support the registration process which will start in late January 2012.

New for next year’s event is the addition of a choice of Post Event Tours made available to the Hosted Buyers. As a result of the interest shown by so many US destinations, the full list will be available on www.aibtm.com as they are confirmed.

Hosted Buyers will also see a dedicated Association and Corporate Education program delivered as part of the Education Day at AIBTM co-ordinated with the support of the Industry Associations.

With Destination DC, Vancouver Hotel Destination Association, Boston Convention Bureau, Atlanta Convention Bureau, Vantage Hospitality, Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau and Nassau Paradise Island, Hilton Worldwide, Marriott International, Sol Melia, Dominican Republic Tourism Board, Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau and Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau taking larger stands, they will join new exhibitors already contracted including, Carlson Hotels, Long Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau, Morocco, Palm Springs Desert Resorts Convention & Visitors Authority, and Visit Pittsburgh. A full list of exhibiting companies is available on www.aibtm.com

“We are well ahead of ourselves and the increase in booths by so many exhibitors who took part in the inaugural AIBTM proves the thirst for continuing the business that was traded on the show floor. Because of the success of the Professional Education Programme feedback showed that Hosted Buyers wanted to be given the choice to attend the Day before the show opened. So for 2012 we will be increasing their flexibility to do so by providing a third night option in Baltimore. “ commented Steve Knight, AIBTM Project Manager.

AIBTM takes place from 19^th June – 21^st June, 2012.

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AIBTM Amazing Results Lead to Impressive 2012 Floor Space Sold On-Site

A mix of international and U.S. exhibitors have re-booked their participation for AIBTM 2012 following this year’s inaugural event, and others new to the exhibition are following suit.

Based on the business done at AIBTM 2011, Mark Theis of Starwood Hotels & Resorts was one of the first to re-sign. “This first U.S. event was certainly appropriate. It was an exceptional, productive opportunity for us to meet first hand with potential business to business buyers.”

More than 20 U.S. regional CVB’s, as many Tourism Bureaus and Authorities from around the world, plus Hotel Consortiums and Groups, join DMC’s and other suppliers to make up the largest re-booking of any inaugural meetings industry event launched by Reed Travel Exhibitions.

Mike Fegley, VP America Sales for Intercontinental Hotel Group said onsite
“We have an army of sales people here, hotels from all over the world and at opening we had 450 appointments on the books and we have added to that. It’s been a phenomenal event for us. None of this two minute speed dating stuff, our new property in Times Square has had every timeslot fully booked – it was rocking!”

Among those first time exhibiting at AIBTM 2012 will be Palm Springs CVB, Long Beach CVB and Seneca Niagara Casino who will be joining some of the global meetings industry’s biggest brand names including Belgium Convention Bureau Club Med, Costa Rica Tourism Board, Crystal Cruises, Embratur, Brazilian Tourism Board, Intercontinental Hotel Group, Marriott Hotels, Shangri-La Hotels, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Preferred Hotels, Royal Caribbean, as well as U.S. suppliers to the sector including Chicago Convention and Tourism Board, Greater Boston CVB, St. Louis CVC, Visit Denver, NYC & Co, Meet Washington State and New Orleans Metropolitan CVB – the full list is available on www.aibtm.com.

On the heels of the Convention Industry Council’s Economic Impact Study that estimated the U.S. meetings and events industry is the biggest in the world with a contribution to U.S. gross domestic product of $106 billion, the recovery of the sector is well under way. AIBTM Project Director Steve Knight commented, “Our first event this year marked a new era for the meetings industry in the U.S. The feedback from both suppliers and buyers has been amazing and proved that the business environment was right and early bookings show that our exhibitors want to come back for more. We intend to build on the first success to ensure that 2012 delivers new opportunities to maintain our poll position as the premier event in the U.S. to deliver for all those involved.”

MORE THAN 70 EXHIBITORS RE BOOK FOLLOWING AIBTM 2011

SUCCESS MEANS 2012 BALTIMORE EVENT IS FILLING UP FAST

A mix of international and US regional exhibitors have re-booked their participation in the next AIBTM following this year¹s inaugural event, andothers new to the exposition are following suit.

On the back of business done at the show, Mark Theis of Starwood Hotels &Resorts was one of the first to re-sign.  ³This first US event was certainly appropriate.  It was an exceptional, productive opportunity for us to meet
first hand with potential business to business buyers .²

More than 20 US regional CVB¹s, as many Tourism Bureaus and Authorities from around the world, plus Hotel Consortiums and Groups, join DMC¹s and other suppliers to make up the largest re-booking of any inaugural meetingsindustry event launched by Reed Travel Exhibitions.

Mike Fegley, VP America Sales for Intercontinental Hotel Group said onsite ³We have an army of sales people here, hotels from all over the world and at opening we had 450 appointments on the books and we have added to that.
It¹s been a phenomenal event for us.  None of this two minute speed dating stuff, our new property in Times Square has had every time slot fully booked it was rocking!²

Among those first time exhibiting at AIBTM 2012 will be Palm Springs CVB, Long Beach CVB and Seneca Niagara Casino who will be joining some of the global meetings industry¹s biggest brand names including Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, Club Med, Crystal Cruises, Government of Dubai, Intercontinental Hotel Group, Marriott Hotels, Shangri-La Hotels, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Preferred Hotels, Royal Caribbean, as well as US suppliers to the sector including  Chicago Convention and Tourism Board, Greater Boston CVB, St. Louis CVC, Visit Denver, NYC & Co, and New Orleans Metropolitan CVB ­ the full list is available on www.aibtm.com <http://www.aibtm.com> .

On the back of the Convention Industry Council¹s Economic Impact Study that estimated the US meetings and events industry is the biggest in the world with a contribution to US gross domestic product of $106 billion, the recovery of the sector is well under way. AIBTM Project Director Steve Knight commented, ³Our first event this year marked a new era for the meetings industry in the US.  The feedback from both suppliers and buyers has been amazing and proved that the business environment was right and early bookings show that our exhibitors want to come back for more.  We intend to build on the first success to ensure that 2012 delivers new opportunities to maintain our poll position as the premier event in the US to deliver for all those involved.²

AIBTM 2012 will take place from Tuesday 19th to Thursday 21st June, 2012.

DTCM promotes Dubai at AIBTM 2011

OVERWHELMING PRAISE CONFIRMS THE US SUPPORTS AIBTM

“This is the biggest US show I have seen”

OVERWHELMING PRAISE CONFIRMS THE US SUPPORTS AIBTM

BUSINESS, EDUCATION AND ROCK AND ROLL

From Boston to Dallas, Las Vegas to New York, Texas to Washington, those representing the US that took part in the first ever AIBTM and America Meetings Week, have voted it an overwhelming success in delivering business and business prospects.

Gary Musich of Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority said: “The format is excellent. For a first time show it’s awesome. We have seen a lot of new faces, that’s the biggest deal. The industry needed a new format and this is it. We couldn’t be more pleased.”

Mike Fegley, VP of American Sales for IHG commented: “I have an army of sales people and a lot of hotels from around the world, plus we brought in some 60 Hosted Buyers. By 10am on the first day we had 450 appointments on our books – it has been phenomenal for us.”

Liz Erikson, Executive Director, Meeting & Incentives – North America, Fairmont Hotels added: “We really have enjoyed the appointments. The Hosted Buyer program with the appointment schedule is really an added benefit to a trade show.

We are rebooking for next year because of that quality. There are many industries represented you don’t just have associations but you have a lot of incentive houses that have come, and a lot of third parties. I think it is an excellent meeting place and I think with the proper nurturing this show will grow. We’ve been busy, appointments back to back, it’s fabulous.”

Buyer Richard Gregg of Revent said: “Being from Australia, the American market is opening up huge, so it’s good to see a show that has so many US destinations. This is the biggest American show I have seen.”

Joseph I. Vina, VP and Managing Director, of International at Conferencedirect, USA added his support for AIBTM: “I have been to all the RTE shows, you should be proud of this one, vendors have told me it was worth their time and investment, we bought 16 buyers here this year all focused on quality and between them their average annual meetings budget is about $1.5 million, each. It was well worth our time, and we will be back next year. I would encourage anyone from the east and west coast of the US to be part of AIBTM and we will be encouraging others to do the same.”

International exhibitors also represented on the show floor were happy to add their praise of the organizers for the quality Hosted Buyer audience and the fact that trade visitors were also only allowed admission after they were qualified.

Gareth Walters, Director of Sales, Emirates Palace commented: “The first AIBTM has proven to be a success. The quality of the hosted buyers has been tremendous and we are leaving the show with live enquiries for groups, conferences andincentives. The US market is tangibly interested in new International destinations and AIBTM is the essential showcase that destinations, dmcs and hotels need to attend to ensure the relationships and awareness is in place.”

Alessandro Sansa from the Madrid Convention Bureau, Spain said: “We are trying to promote the city of Madrid and attract new meetings business – there are 9 cities in the US directly linked to Madrid with flights so we are here to tell the US meetings industry that we are their home in Europe. We have had a great positive experience here.”

Eva De Snoo of Marriott Hotels participating on the Netherlands CVB booth said: “I think it’s been wonderful, people had business for us and they want to come to Europe and want to come to Amsterdam.”

“Strategically we are delighted with the feedback from this first event. We achieved a ratio in excess of 1:1 Hosted Buyer to Supplier, the first Education Day was standing room only, and walking down the aisles you could see business being achieved which is also testament to the fact that we already have 60 contracts signed representing over one third of the show for 2012”, said Steve Knight Project Director for AIBTM.

Part of the successful education content included 3 sessions on technology. “The seminars I attended were interesting. Mobile apps and how to make better use of social networking are some things I want to learn more about”, said Mark McDonald of Goodyear Tire & Rubber.

For the first time in the history of the US meetings industry AIBTM held an Education Day aimed at providing insightfultopics of interest to both buyers and suppliers. The program was overbooked for every one of the 21 sessions.

“The decision to provide education for exhibitors as well as meeting planners was clearly the right one” said Erica Keogan, Associations & Education Manager for AIBTM. “The response from the industry has confirmedthat the subjects, speakers, sessions and content was right on target and the format will certainly be replicated for 2012”, she continued.

Tom Noonan, CEO Visit Baltimore: “The reason for us hosting AIBTM was because Reed wanted to be in America and we’re in the middle of meeting planner land up and down the east coast. That’s great but for us this is a perception game changer. For a lot of customers from around the world, this maybe their first time here. Even some domestic customers in the Chicago market or west coast market haven’t been here in 5 or 10 years or maybe ever. And to walk in and see this city in June, with some of our best weather and see what we’ve done here at the convention center, the downtown, the hotels and the tourism community, it’s a real game changer for us. And we’ve got a lot of great comments from customers throughout the city during this week. It’s been great.”

Every RTE event is independently audited and official figures will not be available until this is achieved. However end of show stats include the following:

Exhibitors – 789

Total number of booths – 183

Registered Hosted Buyers – 740

Total number of appointments -11,200

CEO Summit – 55

Attending Media – 66

Other highlights of the first America Meetings Week included the CIC Hall of Leaders Gala, the PCMA Annual Conference, various networking events and a unique opportunity for a 1000 of the AIBTM community who won tickets to see the U2 live concert as part of their world tour. The evening took place at the M & T Stadium in Baltimore, in front of an audience of 75,000 people.

Kerstin Hoffman, Editor-in-Chief, CIM magazine, Germany said of the U2 concert: “It was brilliant, energizing and kept me awake until 5am German time – this is really something, considering I am pushing 50. ”

Hear what exhibitors had to say at AIBTM: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oolkj2jTwzg

AMERICA MEETINGS WEEK KICKS OFF

789 EXHIBITING COMPANIES AT FIRST AIBTM

OVER 11,000 PRE-SCHEDULED APPOINTMENTS

60 INTERNATIONAL & US CEO’S JOIN FIRST SUMMIT

The first AIBTM was opened officially today by the Mayor of Baltimore, Stephanie Rawlings-Blake who toured the show meeting Ambassadors from several countries, and speaking about the positive economic impact of AIBTM on the city.

Following on from the AIBTM Education Day that kicked off America Meetings Week on Tuesday, today saw the expo open and the first of 11,000 pre-scheduled appointments begin between US and International Hosted Buyers and suppliers.

Early signs from the show floor indicated that the event was exceeding everyone’s expectations. “The format is excellent for a first year show. It’s truly awesome. We have seen a lot of new faces and that’s the biggest deal. The industry needed a new format and this is it. We couldn’t be more pleased, we have done enough business in the first few hours that means I could actually go home right now!” Said Gary Musich, Vice President Sales & Service Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority.

With 789 exhibitors from 52 countries the show has increased by 40% over the original floor plan. Hosted Buyers from Asia, Europe, South and North America will also be able to join 5 early morning education sessions before the show floor opens.

The total number of participants registered to attend is approximately 3,872 and whilst the total number of buyers is not available until the end of the show, there have been 1533 registered today, Wednesday 22^nd June.

America Meetings Week includes a number of co-located events including the CIC Hall of Leaders Gala, PCMA Education Conference, Launch of MPI Value of Meetings research and several networking functions of which the highlight will be for those attending the U2 live concert tonight in Baltimore.

Photos of AIBTM 2011 are available online at http://www.aibtm.com/live and will be updated daily.

Join AIBTM on Linked in, facebook, Twitter (@steve_aibtm) and Youtube (http://www.youtube.com/user/AIBTM).

AIBTM’S EDUCATION DAY OVER SUBSCRIBED

PCMA co-located conference also welcomes more than 600 registrants

With over 1,500 buyers pre-registered for day one of the first AIBTM which opened yesterday in Baltimore, it was standing room only at many of the 12 Education Day Sessions. At the same time PCMA announced that their annual Education Conference co-located with AIBTM attracted more than 600 total registrants which was 64% more than the conference drew in Montreal last year.

Eugenia Solano of Rain Forest Adventures Costa Rica commented “Costa Rica became a new member of ICCA recently and we represent the Costa Rica Bureau of incentive organisers. We are here to take advantage of our country’s ICCA membership for the first time and are enjoying the education sessions .”

Amarosa Gruess, Oslo Convention Bureau Norway. “I really enjoyed the session on how to research what your clients need and my key take-away was don’t try to push your product on the clients and try to research better.”

On average over 150 delegates packed each of the session rooms to listen to a wide range of industry topics from ICCA on “Penetrating the US Outbound Meetings Market”, to “MPI Global Training on the Road” and “Strategic Meetings Management Supplier Engagement .”

Education continues at AIBTM when the expo opens today June 22^nd with 4 morning seminars on Wednesday and 3 on Thursday running concurrently from 9-10am .

Join AIBTM on Linked in, facebook, Twitter (@steve_aibtm) and Youtube (http://www.youtube.com/user/AIBTM).

WORLD ISSUES, BUSINESS TRENDS AND THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

MORE THAN 60 INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRY CEO’S MEET AT AIBTM FOR FIRST US SUMMIT

The first CEO Summit for the US international meetings industry will take place at AIBTM in Baltimore during the exhibition later this month. With more than 60 industry heads from Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Finland, India, Ireland, South Africa, Switzerland, US and UK, some 40 will attend for the from the USA. Attendees include Microsoft, Grass Roots, Maritz Travel, Silversea Cruises, Banks Sadler, Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau.

This inaugural AIBTM CEO Summit follows the success of the Summit held for the past 5 years at EIBTM in Barcelona, Spain, will bring the group together on 22nd June at the Baltimore Convention Centre alongside the exhibition allowing the individuals to also spend time on theexpo floor. Discussing both current and future issues impacting the industry, the event will be facilitated by industry expert Paul Bridle with two powerful presentations to the group that represents every part of the meetings, incentives and events industry. Paul is an information contextualizer and with his extensive and ongoing research into organizations and the people that lead them, he brings an external perspective to businesses.

Speakers will include Frank Sesno who will discuss the topic of Social Media: Lifeline or Albatross? Frank is an experienced American journalist and former CNN correspondent, anchor and Washington bureau chief and Kelly McDonald who will tackle the Changing Consumer Landscape: Marketing Insights and Trend Spotting . Kelly is a recognized expert on diversity marketing and business trends listed as number 1 in the list of “26 Hot Speakers” by Successful Meetings magazine.

Co-ordinated by the Forum’s Chair, Jeremy Garbett has chosen these first two top US speakers and the topics for discussion having undertaken a consultative period with the CEO Club members.

“Our CEO Club has been held during one of our 5 global meetings industry events, EIBTM and is now a world-class debating forum we wanted to bring the concept to the US and we are absolutely delighted by the quality of attendance at this first one. We expect this group to take away some rich content whilst also being able to network on the show floor”. Commented Craig Moyes, Group ExhibitionDirector, IBTM Portfolio.

Join AIBTM on Linked in, facebook, Twitter (@steve_aibtm) and Youtube (http://www.youtube.com/user/AIBTM).

SocialTech Clinic for AIBTM

Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn Skills Sessions on Show Floor.

Facebook for Smarties, Taking LinkedIn up a Notch and Twitter in 20 are just some of thelive education sessions taking place on the show floor as part of a SocialTech Clinic at AIBTM (www.aibtm.com) later this month. Created as a platform for trade and Hosted Buyers to talk with a team of professionals, the Clinic aims to help develop social technology skills in a fun, non-intimidating setting.

Running from 10am until 6pm every day of the AIBTM expo, the SocialTech Clinic is held by Midori Connolly, CEO and Chief AV Gurl at Pulse Staging and Events – best known for producing the industry’s first set of guidelines for sustainable AudioVisual Staging. Midori is a Platinum Speaker for MPI, and a Director on the Green Meetings Industry Council International Board of Directors.

“By now you’ve probably come to terms with the fact that there is a true business value inusing social technologies to support your event, marketing and engagement strategies. With approximately 200 million users on Twitter, LinkedIn at 100 million and 675 million on Facebook, a significant percentage of the population is using social technologies to network/connect with peers, obtain education and market their products or services” says Midori.

The Social Clinic on Stand 1810 will offer:

1. Basic skills development and understanding of social media platforms

2. Short, scheduled presentations, including:

a. Facebook for Smarties

b. Taking LinkedIn up a Notch

c. Twitter in 20

3. How to better use your mobile device

4. Time management skills

5. Metrics and measurements that matter

“We are delighted to be able to bring this live Clinic to our show floor in our first year and as successful marketing and communications is now partly focused on social community platforms, this opportunity for our visitor audience to ask questions, experience demonstrations and understand its role in the marketing mix we hope will provide real value” says Steve Knight, AIBTM Project Manager.

To apply for a Hosted Buyer place at AIBTM, to pre-register as a trade buyer or for the latest information on the event’s free Education Programme, go to www.aibtm.com.

U.S. TRAVEL ASSOCIATION REVEALS LATEST FINDINGS AT AIBTM IN BALTIMORE

The U.S. Travel Association is to present an update on its next steps for the Corporation for Travel Promotion at the inaugural AIBTM Education Day taking place on June 21st. Part of the Americas Meetings and Events Exhibition that runs through to June 23rd in Baltimore, Castleman will also speak on the efforts of the Discover America Partnership, a consortium of some three dozen companies and associations led by U.S. Travel to improve U.S. visa policy around the world, and especially in the potentially lucrative markets of Brazil, China and India.

The AIBTM Professional Education programme dedicated to a day of workshops, conferences and forums has been specifically designed to provide the industry with some of the very latest updates on key strategic industry issues.

Dennis Castleman, Vice President Industry Relations will provide a brief update on expected next steps for the Corporation for Travel Promotion with the recent hiring of Jim Evans as Chief Executive Officer. The CTP is a public-private partnership whose mission is to promote the United States as a destination to international travellers around the world.

The U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organisation representing all components of the travel industry that generates $1.8 trillion in economic output and supports 14.1 million jobs. U.S. Travel’s mission is to increase travel to and within the United States.

To apply for a Hosted Buyer place at AIBTM, to pre-register as a trade buyer or for the latest information on the event’s free Education Programme, go to www.aibtm.com.

Join AIBTM on Linked in, facebook, Twitter (@steve_aibtm) and Youtube (http://www.youtube.com/user/AIBTM).

BUYERS AND EXHIBITORS PREDICT BUSINESS AT AIBTM THREE WEEKS TO GO BEFORE THE FIRST AMERICAS MEETINGS WEEK

With a few weeks until the opening of AIBTM, ( 21 – 23 June) the first event of its kind in the US (Baltimore) and part of Americas Meetings Week, both buyers and suppliers have been discussing their agendas, thoughts and what they are looking forward to. With over 700 exhibiting companies and a buying community focused on placing US and International events, meetings and incentives, the buzz is all about doing business.

“I am very excited to attend my first AIBTM meeting, and engaging with vendors that I have not worked with in the past. The opportunity to meet with so many exhibitors in one location who offer new and creative solutions to the meetings industry is one of my main reasons for going to Baltimore. I am also looking forward to spending a few days networking with my fellow industry peers.” Nancy DeBrosse Vice President, Association Strategic Account Management, Experient.

With the concept of a Hosted Buyer program and individual diaries of pre- scheduled appointments, being introduced at AIBTM, many buyers and suppliers will be experiencing this new business expo platform for the first time.

“I am most interested in participating in the exhibitor appointments that have been set up for exclusive time to discuss products, services, or venues. This focused one-on-one opportunity should provide me with information that is specific, if not customized, to our meeting needs. I’m looking forward to learning how these appointments will provide me better tools and information for our fundraising meetings than the normal way of attending exhibits.” Commented Lynn Smith Vice President, Meetings Association of Fundraising Professionals.

“As a first time attendee of AIBTM, I am looking forward to engaging with industry leaders and set the foundation of exploring the potential for new relationships with strategic business partners.” Said Salvatore J. Chiarelli, Director of Meetings and Events Risk and Insurance Management Society, Inc. (RIMS)

Mark Prine, US Motivation, Atlanta commented: “I’m most interested in networking with others in our industry, comparing notes around the rebound we’re seeing in travel, and meeting with exhibitors to learn specifics about their destinations.”

Suppliers heading to Baltimore and doing so on the back of their successful attendance at other events in the global IBTM portfolio of events, are counting the days.

“I am delighted to represent Dublin at this year’s AIBTM. I have high hopes for AIBTM given Reed’s track record and it’s good to see the inclusion of the online diary which we all value as exhibitors. I’m very confident Dublin Convention Bureau’s attendance at this event will deliver for Dublin. I’m excited to be in Baltimore at the same time as one of Dublin’s best exports – U2. It’s a good time to be Irish in Baltimore!” says Miriam Kennedy, Business Tourism Manager, Dublin Tourism

“Choice Hotels and its sales force is extremely committed and focused on delivering more business directly to Choice-branded hotels and through our participation as an exhibitor at this year’s AIBTM, we’re able to meet with meeting planners from across the country to help us accomplish this goal.” Commented Michele Tunis, Senior Account Manager.

“AIBTM brings a strong string of DNA from successful shows like EIBTM, CITBM, and AIME, and so I fully expect to meet a great cross-section of new and existing business partners at this show. While it’s the first iteration here in America, I have already assumed this is a ‘must do’ show for HPN Global, and our great associates and we will be there in force.” Added Kip Horton President, International Division Hospitality Performance Network (HPN) Global, Scottsdale.

To apply for a Hosted Buyer place at AIBTM, to pre-register as a trade buyer or for the latest information on the event’s free Education Programme, go to www.aibtm.com

Join AIBTM on Linked in, Facebook, Twitter (@steve_aibtm) and Youtube (http://www.youtube.com/user/AIBTM).

BUYERS AND EXHIBITORS PREDICT BUSINESS AT AIBTM

THREE WEEKS TO GO BEFORE THE FIRST AMERICAS MEETINGS WEEK

With a few weeks until the opening of AIBTM, ( 21 ­ 23 June) the first event of its kind in the US (Baltimore) and part of Americas Meetings Week, both buyers and suppliers have been discussing their agendas,  thoughts  and what
they are looking forward to.  With over 700 exhibiting companies and a buying community focused on placing US and International events, meetings and incentives, the buzz is all about doing business.

³I am very excited to attend my first AIBTM meeting, and engaging with vendors that I have not worked with in the past. The opportunity to meet with so many exhibitors in one location who offer new and creative solutions
to the meetings industry is one of my main reasons for going to Baltimore. I am also looking forward to spending a few days networking with my fellow industry peers.² Nancy DeBrosse Vice President, Association Strategic
Account Management, Experient.

With the concept of a Hosted Buyer program and individual diaries of pre-scheduled appointments, being introduced at AIBTM, many buyers and suppliers will be experiencing this new business expo platform for the first
time.

³I am most interested in participating in the exhibitor appointments that have been set up for exclusive time to discuss products, services, or venues. This focused one-on-one opportunity should provide me with information that is specific, if not customized, to our meeting needs. I¹m looking forward to learning how these appointments will provide me better tools and information for our fundraising meetings than the normal way of attending exhibits.²  Commented Lynn Smith Vice President, Meetings Association of Fundraising Professionals, Salvatore J. Chiarelli Director of Meetings and Events Risk and Insurance Management Society, Inc. (RIMS)

³As a first time attendee of AIBTM, I am looking forward to engaging with industry leaders and set the foundation of exploring the potential for new relationships with strategic business partners.² Salvatore J. Chiarelli, Director of Meetings and Events Risk and Insurance Management Society, Inc. (RIMS) Mark Prine, US Motivation, Atlanta: ³I¹m most interested in networking with others in our industry, comparing notes around the rebound we¹re seeing in
travel, and meeting with exhibitors to learn specifics about their destinations².

Suppliers heading to Baltimore and doing so on the back of their successful attendance at other events in the global IBTM portfolio, are counting the days.

³I am delighted to represent Dublin at this year¹s AIBTM.  I have high hopes for AIBTM given Reed¹s track record and it¹s good to see the inclusion of the online diary which we all value as exhibitors. I¹m very confident Dublin Convention Bureau¹s attendance at this event will deliver for Dublin.
I¹m excited to be in Baltimore at the same time as one of Dublin¹s best exports ­ U2. It¹s a good time to be Irish in Baltimore!²  says Miriam Kennedy, Business Tourism Manager, Dublin Tourism

³Choice Hotels and its sales force is extremely committed and focused on delivering more business directly to Choice-branded hotels and through our participation as an exhibitor at this year¹s AIBTM, we¹re able to meet with
meeting planners from across the country to help us accomplish this goal.²Michele Tunis, Senior Account Manager

³AIBTM brings a strong string of DNA from successful shows like EIBTM, CITBM, and AIME, and so I fully expect to meet a great cross-section of new and existing business partners at this show. While it¹s the first iteration
here in America, I have already assumed this is a Œmust do¹ show for HPN Global, and our great associates and we will be there in force.² Kip Horton President, International Division Hospitality Performance Network (HPN)
Global, Scottsdale.

To apply for a Hosted Buyer place at AIBTM, to pre-register as a trade buyer or for the latest information on the event¹s free Education Programme, go to www.aibtm.com

Join AIBTM on Linked in, Facebook, Twitter (@steve_aibtm) and Youtube
(http://www.youtube.com/user/AIBTM).

The sweet smell of success brought to you by London

First ‘scratch and sniff’ mini guide launched on London & Partners booth #649 London & Partners, the official promotional agency for the capital (formerly known as Visit London), will launch their first ever ‘scratch and sniff’ sensory experience which will give event planners a ‘scents’ of what London has in store for 2012.
AIBTM will be the first North American trade show for the new ‘super agency’ which was launched by the Mayor of London Boris Johnson on 1st April 2011.
London & Partners brings together London’s promotional activity in tourism, inward investment and higher education, incorporating the previous agencies of Visit London, Think London and Study London. The new agency will continue Visit London’s work as the official convention bureau and event solutions service for the city.
With the 1 year countdown to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games fast approaching, the theme on the London’s new mini guide will be ‘Scratch (and sniff) the surface of London’, as London & Partners send the message that the city has a vast range of amazing and unmissable events and unique activities taking place across the next 12 months!

The ‘aromatic’ guide gives a fragrant flavor of the delights that await business visitors in the UK capital and includes quirky facts such as:

- The first ‘fish and chips’ dish is mentioned in Charles Dickens’s Oliver Twist, where Oliver lives in London. 2012 is ‘Dickens Year’ with many events and exhibitions set to take place in London.
- Over the Wimbledon fortnight – Wimbledon serves up 23 tonnes of strawberries and cream. The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Club is one of the official 2012 Olympic host venues. It also offers the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum, a fully interactive exhibition.
Chris FJ Lynn, Sales & Marketing Director, North America & Emerging Markets said of the new guide:
‘London is one of the most inspirational and diverse capitals in the world and over the next year it is set to host some of the biggest and most exciting events in the world. We wanted to create a fun sensory guide which will highlight all the events happening in 2012 – from the 200 year anniversary of Charles Dickens’, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations in June and of course the biggest sporting event in the world the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games which start in July next year.’

Lynn added: ‘The US audience is still the number one market for business tourism to London and so it was crucial for us to communicate who London & Partners are and the fact that we are still the city’s convention bureau which offers free and impartial advice!’
London & Partners will be joined by six partners on their AIBTM stand, together showcasing some of the very best venues, hotels and visitor services available in the city: ICC London ExCeL; Park Plaza Hotels; Wyndham Grand London Chelsea Harbour; Chelsea Football Club; Grosvenor House, a JW Marriott Hotel and The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre.
So inhale, breathe deep and get inspired with London & Partners!

FINAL MONTH TO THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL MEETINGS INDUSTRY EXPO AND EDUCATION EVENT

AIBTM 2011 – STILL TIME TO REGISTER ATTENDANCE

With just over a month to go until the opening of AIBTM, (www.aibtm.com) 21-23 June, bringing together the US and international meetings industry to participate in the first ever Americas Meetings Week, there is still time to apply for Hosted Buyer status – a business opportunity for industry professionals to be part of this unique event.

AIBTM includes a 2 day expo, a full day of education, and some great networking including the living legends of rock U2 performing as part of their world tour.

Pre-registration is required for all trade buyers via www.aibtm.com and there are still spots remaining in the Hosted Buyer Program where industry professionals can participate in every aspect of the event while being fully hosted to Baltimore. Find full details at www.aibtm.com/HostedBuyers.

With the US boasting more international congresses according to the latest rankings of the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA), this major business opportunity for both buyers and suppliers has significant impact for the industry, and has sold out the expo show floor.

Two SITE education sessions have now been added to the final program on both Wednesday and Thursday morning headlining topics such as “Selecting a Value Destination for your next International Association Meeting” and “Lessons from the Trenches – Leveraging the latest Technologies to engage attendees” and “Measurement in Motivational Events and Incentive Travel Programs”. Two sessions will take place each day from 09.00 – 10.00. Full details on the AIBTM website.

Some of the major highlights that are set to make AIBTM the event of 2011 will include:

· PCMA co-located annual conference and CIC Hall of Leaders Gala evening

· For Hosted Buyers a welcome reception at the Maryland Science Center

· The AIBTM Education Day – open to Buyers, Delegates, Visitors and Exhibitors, with international thought leaders taking the education sessions and master classes to another level of innovation and knowledge.

· More than 700 exhibitors on the show floor from around the world and the USA

· Full Hosted Buyer pre-scheduled appointment system undertaking 8 meetings a day with exhibitors

· 2 Hosted Buyers to every 1 Exhibitor giving suppliers a full diary of appointments over the 2 days

· 1000 of the participants attending AIBTM have won free tickets to the U2 world tour sell out concert at the Baltimore Stadium

· Pre-show onsite Education Sessions each morning of expo

· First CEO Summit for the Americas

· ICCA, SITE, PCMA, MPI, USTTA – all strategic partners

To apply for a Hosted Buyer place at AIBTM, to pre-register as a trade buyer or for the latest information on the event’s free Education Programme, go to www.aibtm.com <http://www.aibtm.com>

Join AIBTM on Linked in, Facebook, Twitter (@steve_aibtm) and Youtube (http://www.youtube.com/user/AIBTM).

AIBTM BRINGS INDUSTRY CEO SUMMIT TO BALTIMORE

INTERNATIONAL AND US INDUSTRY FIGUREHEADS TO ATTEND FIRST EVENT

The first inaugural year in North America for the CEO Summit at AIBTM in Baltimore will see a select group of CEO’s and Executive Vice Presidents representing all sectors of the meetings and events industry come together to bring incisive and appropriate insights to a global platform. The Group will come together during AIBTM to consider current and future issues impacting the industry as the primary focus of the Summit agenda.

An initiative first launched at EIBTM in Barcelona in 2005 and then further evolved in 2010, The CEO Forum is now a ‘must attend’ event, and is part of the IBTM Global CEO Summit Series that provides a compelling and engaging world-class debating forum for senior decision makers and influencers. The success of previous events at EIBTM has driven the launch of the first US Summit following requests from the industry in North America and more are set for the other IBTM portfolio of events in the Middle East and China.

Co-ordinated by the Forum’s Chair, Jeremy Garbett, the objectives of the first event will be to showcase global and growth issues in the meetings business, bringing a different point of view for the audience to reflect upon with various presentations by world-class speakers, together with time for networking and exchanging of views.

“It’s always important to listen to your audience so we are presently engaged in asking a number of the US CEO’s what they particularly want to hear and learn about. From this simple survey and its excellent informed feedback we are able to create a number of hot topics which will be announced shortly” commented Garbett.

“We are really looking forward to the launch of our first CEO Summit outside of EIBTM and as AIBTM is the first international meetings industry event of its kind in the US, we feel this is a particularly good time to host such a dynamic event”. Said Craig Moyes, Group Exhibition Director, IBTM Portfolio.

The AIBTM CEO Summit meeting will take place from 2-6pm on Wednesday 22nd June in the Baltimore Convention Centre alongside the exhibition.

Join AIBTM on Linked in, facebook, Twitter (@steve_aibtm) and Youtube (http://www.youtube.com/user/AIBTM).

CMP Accredited AIBTM Education Programme Provides Compelling Content for all Industry Professionals

Strong Association focus and wide-ranging variety means there is something for everyone

AIBTM’s diverse professional Education Program provides comprehensive content for exhibitors, Hosted Buyers, and trade buyers, equipping them with expert advice and practical training to enable them to drive their organisations forward and deliver bottom line results.

The content for the first America Meetings Week and AIBTM’s Professional Education Programme, created in conjunction with the leading associations CIC, MPI, ICCA, and JMIC, kick starts with AIBTM Education Day, a day solely dedicated to professional education on June 21st.

A strong Association theme runs throughout the programme featuring a number of sessions aimed at this audience. The Association Leadership Conference will take place on June 21st and will provide professional development and leadership strategies for association meeting planners.

Penetrating the US Outbound Meetings Market: Practical Advice for International Meetings Suppliers seminar, run by ICCA, features a panel of experts, experienced in generating U.S. business for international suppliers and their destinations. International Association Meetings: Decision-making, Bidding and Ambassador Programmes – Lessons from Leading Global Destinations, also run by ICCA, features a number of top destination marketers who will share the secrets of their success. Joan Eisenstodt, considered a one-woman powerhouse in the U.S. meetings industry with over 30 years’ experience, will provide an insightful session on Women in Business focussing on the association market.

Paul Bridle, Information Contextualizer, who has spent over two decades studying effective organisations and the people that lead them, will present the final session aimed at associations, Leadership Challenges for the Future Association.

On Wednesday June 22nd, AIBTM will be the platform for the exciting launch of the AIBTM and MPI Business Value of Meetings (BVOM) research. The international study has uncovered best practices, steps to avoid, expected outcomes, and practical ways to introduce the measurement and reporting of BVOM within organisations. Presented by Bill Voegeli of Association Insights, the session will enable delegates to recognize BVOM opportunities within their organizations, learn practical ways to measure and report BVOM, and the mistakes to avoid when establishing BVOM measures and reports.

Trade buyers and Hosted Buyers can attend all Education sessions and, for the first time, the program includes a session specifically aimed at exhibitors. Branding Your Product Master Class: Socialization of Your Brand, which will discuss the role that social media plays in branding, presented by international guru and branding expert Ilan Geva.

Steve Knight, AIBTM Project Director says: “AIBTM aims to equip industry professionals with information, thought-leadership and practical advice to excel in the global meetings industry. With over 3,000 industry professionals expected to attend, 2,000 of which will be Hosted Buyers, and over 700 exhibiting companies, we recognize that one size does not fit all, and so we’ve developed an education program that will effectively meet the needs of all participants.”

The program also includes Focus on Technology sessions to help professionals understand the impact that technology is having on the industry. Exploring the Benefits of Virtual Events, Mobilizing your Events, Behind the Scene of a Successful Events will provide valuable insight and practical advice on how attendees can harness the latest technologies to maximize their company’s market presence.

In addition to the sessions on AIBTM Education Day, there is also a number of Wake up to AIBTM morning education seminars taking place before the AIBTM trade exhibition opens on June 22nd and 23rd, starting at 8:30 am and ending as the show floor opens at 10:00 am.

Pat Durocher, CEO Global Synergies will present The Challenges and Triumphs of Delivering Global Events. Corbin Ball, international speaker and technology consultant will chair a technology panel discussion, and Dianne Devitt, DND Group President, will also present a morning education seminar on Wednesday June 22nd. Thursday morning presenters include BCDMI executive team members Mathew Wall and Mary MacGregor, the current SITE President.

All of the AIBTM educational sessions will be Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) accredited, the foremost certification of the meetings, conventions and exhibitions industry.

Erica Keogan, Associations and Education Manager Meetings and Events Portfolio, Reed Travel Exhibitions comments: “AIBTM is the first large scale exhibition to bring together the world’s meeting and events industry in one U.S. location, giving us a great opportunity to reach out and connect with a very established market.

“With offices on five continents, we’re able to tap into the various teams that possess local knowledge, helping to ensure that we have a local, regional and international aspect to our education programme. This year’s AIBTM program will also provide valuable feedback, enabling us to develop and enhance the programme for AIBTM 2012.”

For the latest information on the AIBTM’S free Education Programme, please visit www.aibtm.com.

Join AIBTM on Linked in, facebook, Twitter (@steve_aibtm) and Youtube (http://www.youtube.com/user/AIBTM).

Top Five Preliminary Findings Shaping Major Research Project by MPI

Business Value of Meetings research revealed at AIBTM unlike previous studies

Initial findings from an intensive 18-month study into the business value of meetings and best practices amongst industry professionals around the world are yielding unique findings that will shape not only the study report, but also future content development on this topic.

Chief researcher and president of Association Insights, Bill Voegeli said, “Initially we started this research with the intent to harvest best practices and identify trends. What we’re finding is essentially a lot of perceived challenges into what it takes to effectively and efficiently measure the business value of meetings and events.”

The top five preliminary findings:
· Very few companies have a formal strategy for measurement
· Companies who are measuring are relying on traditional satisfaction surveys and are not beginning with design concepts and clear objectives
· There are significant differences and definitions between North America, Asia and Europe
· Most planners perceive good measurement is too complicated or expensive
· Measures vary by meeting type: educational, sales, networking etc.

Because of these early findings, the design of the research report is shifting from more traditional data-centric studies like the recently released US Economic Impact Study, and will focus more on case studies, identifying variances in practices by business region and suggested solutions for best practices that essentially turn the research into a useful guide for the future.
Meeting Professionals International (MPI <http://www.mpiweb.org/Education/BVOM/bvomtl> ) intends to reveal the entire study at AIBTM <http://www.aibtm.com/>  in Baltimore June 21-23. Educational sessions presented by Voegeli at AIBTM will leverage interviews, examples and detailed information gained from hundreds of personal interviews with professionals tackling this challenging topic.
“We are delighted to be funding such a critical and forward thinking piece of research on a global basis, the values of which unite our ownership of the industry from a global perspective, and we are delighted that AIBTM will be the first event where such detail is provided,” said Steve Knight, AIBTM Project Director.

For more information on the Business Value of Meeting initiative, made possible by AIBTM’s three-year investment with the MPI Foundation, its deliverables already in market, and other tools for meeting professionals, visit mpiweb.org/bvom.

AIBTM 2011 MORE THAN 97% SOLD OUT DUE TO LATEST SURGE IN EXHIBITOR SIGNINGS

A surge in exhibitor demand over the last few weeks has resulted in over 97% of booth space sold at AIBTM 2011 (www.aibtm.com) as meeting and event industry professionals aim to attend the first large scale U.S. exhibition incorporating a Hosted Buyer Programme, AIBTM Education day and America Meetings Week.

A significant number of national tourist organisations and convention bureaus have come on board during the last month alone, including Meet Taiwan, Switzerland Tourism, Barcelona CVB, Madrid CVB, New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau, Providence Warwick CVB, Philadelphia, Newport Rhode Island CVB and Turespaña.

The sales team continues to be inundated with bookings from exhibitors as Club Med, George Mason University, Revel Atlantic City, Westin St Maartin Dawn Beach, Landry & Kling, Cruise Event Services, AMResorts, Marriott Hotel, Hilton Worldwide and Trinidad and Tobago adding further to the list of destinations and hotel companies exhibiting at the event.

AIBTM Project Director Steve Knight comments: “We’re ecstatic with the extraordinary demand we’ve had from exhibitors all over the world as we start to count down to AIBTM in June. The industry undoubtedly recognises the importance of the U.S. market and the value that AIBTM will deliver. Companies are eager to secure their attendance and participation at AIBTM 2011 for the opportunity to meet with 3,000 global industry professionals, 2,000 of which will be individually qualified Hosted Buyers. No other North American event comes close to offering the same level of opportunities to drive business, maximise ROI, and network with industry professionals. Clearly, we are providing the value that businesses are looking for.”

In addition, a substantial number of South African private sector companies have also confirmed their participation, including Springbok Atlas, Tusker Tours, Sandton Convention Centre, Dragonfly Africa, Walthers DMC, Mercury 80 and Propel Africa.

Yolanda Woeke-Jacobs, Director of Sales & Marketing at Dragonfly Africa comments: “We are excited to have AIBTM in the North American market, with PSA appointments and a professionally qualified Hosted Buyer Programme – something that we always felt was missing from the U.S. market.  We have had great success with EIBTM in Barcelona, and we are looking forward to the same quality show in the U.S.  North America is Dragonfly Africa’s biggest market, and we are therefore anticipating this to be a very successful show for us as we meet with MICE buyers specifically from this market.”

Panama Tourism Bureau has signed up and will be joining the strong exhibitor contingency from Central and South America, which also includes Argentina Instituto Nacional de Promocion Turistica and Brazil, Costa Rica Tourist Board and Guatemala.

For further information please visit www.aibtm.com

Join AIBTM on Linked in, facebook, Twitter (@steve_aibtm) and Youtube (http://www.youtube.com/user/AIBTM).

AIBTM Hosted Buyers Can Win U2 Tickets

Hosted Buyers and Group Coordinators attending AIBTM (www.aibtm.com) will have the chance to see U2 live in Baltimore on 22nd June during AIBTM. A total of 500 tickets are up for grabs.

The lucky winners will see rock n’ roll band U2, and special guests, Florence and The Machine, at the M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, on 22nd June as part of the band’s global 360° Tour. The U2 360° Tour is an ongoing worldwide concert tour launched in support of the group’s 2009 album No Line on the Horizon.

For a chance to win, individual Hosted Buyers* must apply by the 22nd April 2011 for a chance to win two tickets. Group Coordinators signing up until the 29th April will automatically be entered in the sweepstakes to win ten U2 tickets for their group.

For more information on AIBTM and a chance for Hosted Buyers and Group Coordinators to win tickets to see U2 in Baltimore, visit the Hosted Buyer section on the AIBTM website www.aibtm.com and click on ‘U2 Sweepstakes’.

Join AIBTM on Linked in, facebook, Twitter (@steve_aibtm) and Youtube (http://www.youtube.com/user/AIBTM).

First Winners of AIBTM’s U2 Ticket Exhibitor Sweeps Announced

AIBTM (www.aibtm.com) announces several winners from the first two rounds of the U2 Ticket exhibitor sweeps. They are Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas, Canadian Tourism Commission, Condor Travel, and Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, which won during the first draw on March 4th.  These lucky winners are joined by: Freeman; Peppermill Reno; Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau; Scandinavian Pavilion; Unique Vacations for Sandals & Beaches Resorts; IHG – InterContinental Hotels Group; and Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau, which won on March 18th.  All 45 winners will come together to experience this live concert. A total of 510 tickets in total will be distributed to AIBTM’s exhibitors through the Exhibitor Sweeps.

With more than 1,000 tickets up for grabs, nine exhibitors will be selected at random by an official third-party organisation every two weeks.  The winners will see rock n’ roll band U2, and special guests, Florence and The Machine, at the M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, on 22nd June as part of the band’s global 360° Tour. The U2 360° Tour is an ongoing worldwide concert tour launched in support of the group’s 2009 album No Line on the Horizon. The Tour is named after the 360-degree staging and audience configuration it uses for shows which U2 claims is “the first time a band has toured in stadiums with such a unique and original structure.”

The draws are held every other Friday up to 29th April. In order for exhibitors to qualify, they must have their contracts signed and returned by 12:00 p.m. EST on the Wednesday prior to each draw.

“This live gig by one of the world’s greatest rock bands is a pretty unique way for exhibitors to entertain customers and prospects, as this is one of the exhibition world’s greatest networking events!”, says AIBTM Project Director, Steve Knight.

The next draw takes place on 1st April. Exhibitors that wish to be entered into the sweeps must ensure they return their contracts in plenty of time to not miss this opportunity.

For more information on AIBTM and a chance to win tickets to see U2 in Baltimore, please visit the AIBTM website www.aibtm.com/exhibiting and click on the ‘U2’ tab.

Join AIBTM on Linked in, facebook, Twitter (@steve_aibtm) and Youtube (http://www.youtube.com/user/AIBTM

Business is Top of Mind as AIBTM Group Coordinators and Individuals Apply for Hosted Buyer Programme

Since AIBTM’s Hosted Buyer registration opened, 1,000 top decision-makers are in the process of being qualified, representing 50% of the anticipated 2,000 Hosted Buyers who will attend AIBTM this June.  As predicted, applications are coming in from group coordinators, media partners and by individuals who are applying via the website www.aibtm.com.

Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) has a successful proven track record with their Hosted Buyer formula, considered the ‘gold standard’ for the meetings industry, across its global portfolio of events on five continents.

Hand-picked, those attending AIBTM 2011 will be the major decision-makers for meetings, incentives, conventions and business travel.  The event will deliver 3,000 US and international meeting professionals, 2,000 of which are individually qualified Hosted Buyers, who are the top influencers for domestic and international business.

Mike Fegley, Vice President of IHG Americas Sales comments: “We’re confident that Reed’s Hosted Buyer programme will revitalise and re-energise the events and meetings industry trade shows in the United States. Reed’s model guarantees qualified buyers, making AIBTM attractive to IHG and our hotel partners, allowing us to bring in our top account’s meeting planners from the US, as well as internationally.”

Elisabeth Shipman, AIBTM’s Hosted Buyer Manager explains, “Our Hosted Buyers are the top decision makers in the industry and they realise our programme is the most effective use of their time.  Over 700 global exhibitors are available at their disposal for one-to-one meetings. Hosted Buyers choose which suppliers they want to meet with based on their business objectives, they then select eight pre-scheduled appointments per day. This focused approach guarantees that time is maximised and their business goals achieved.”

All Hosted Buyers receive complimentary travel and/or hotel accommodations, local transfers from airports, train stations and hotels, as well as, exclusive access to the onsite Hosted Buyer Lounge.   Networking is recognised as a key ingredient and all Buyers are invited to attend the exclusive Hosted Buyer Ice Breaker Reception, the Visit Baltimore Welcome Reception and qualify to enter a drawing for tickets to attend the 360˚ tour U2 concert being held during AIBTM in Baltimore.

Hosted Buyers are encouraged to take part in AIBTM’s extensive Education Programme offering a variety of industry-related hot topics and global trends presented and debated by key industry leaders and experts.   AIBTM Education Day is scheduled for 21st June one day in advance of the exhibition in order to allow for maximum meeting time between Hosted Buyers and suppliers during the exhibition which runs from 22nd June and continues on 23rd June.

Steve Knight, Project Manager for AIBTM comments, “The response we’ve received has exceeded our original expectations.  Applications being processed are greater than expected mainly due to Group Coordinators including The DMC Group, Global Cynergies, Helms Brisco, HPN, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Experient, IHG – InterContinental Hotel Groups and several chapters of MPI.”

Full details on how to apply as a Hosted Buyer can be found on www.aibtm.com

Trade registration will open online at www.aibtm.com within the coming weeks.

Meetings and Events Industry focus on the new AIBTM for 2011

Τhe launch of AIBTM (Americas Meetings and Events Exhibition) in Baltimore in June will be the first opportunity in 2011 for the industry to meet with over 3,000 meeting professionals, 2,000 of whom will be individually qualified corporate, agency, incentive and association Hosted-Buyers.

With four months to go, over 90% of space has been sold. Hilton Worldwide and Starwood Hotels and Resorts join Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, IHG (Intercontinental Hotel Group), Fairmont-Raffles-Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts, Sofitel Luxury Hotels, Preferred Hotel Group and Langham Hotels International among other major and boutique players in the hotel industry at this new event.

In the past two weeks alone, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Germany, China, Moscow have all committed to attend AIBTM and Argentina has increased their space due to demand. From within the US, Sonoma Tourism Board, Freeman, Experient, Visit Newport Beach and Wyoming Travel and Tourism add to the already broad array of destinations and technology companies exhibiting at the event in June.

“The opportunities to drive business during AIBTM and America Meetings Week are endless as there are a whole host of valuable networking functions to choose from (Monday, June 20th to Thursday June 23rd),” says Steve Knight, AIBTM’s Project Director. “A welcome reception exclusively for AIBTM Hosted Buyers, the CIC Hall of Leaders Gala and the Visit Baltimore Welcome Party are just a few of the networking events happening this week.”

The leading industry associations including PCMA, CIC, MPI, ICCA, and JMIC are also committed to AIBTM and America Meetings Week as they prepare to deliver a high-level Education Programme. AIBTM 2011 opens with the AIBTM Education Day, a day solely dedicated to professional education, on June 21st. Education sessions running from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. will precede the opening of the event on both June 22nd and June 23rd allowing exhibitors, Hosted Buyers and trade buyers to have access to education without impacting their ability to conduct business on the show floor.

For further information please visit www.aibtm.com

Join EIBTM on Linked in, Twitter and Facebook.

From the CIC Hall of Leaders Gala to ROCK BANDS

AIBTM 2011 has something for everyone

As the temperature rises to 85 degrees in June, the first large scale meetings industry event in America, AIBTM, is gearing up for the scores of networking and social events that will keep Baltimore buzzing from Monday 20th June through Thursday 23rd June.

AIBTM’s America Meetings Week kicks off on Monday 20th June with the PCMA (The Professional Convention Management Association) opening general session, followed by the PCMA Welcome Reception at the Renaissance Hotel. PCMA and CIC, two of the US industry’s most influential organisations, are running major events during America Meetings Week as strategic partners of AIBTM.

Tuesday 21st June offers three networking opportunities following the day’s Education Conferences from both AIBTM and PCMA. America Meetings Week will attract the international marketplace as it is the one spot in 2011 where a Who’s Who of the world’s entire meetings industry will gather for networking, education and business. PCMA welcomes the international meeting professionals with an International Reception at the Renaissance Hotel. The evening continues with two spectacular networking events. AIBTM’s Ice Breaker Reception, by invitation only, happening at the Maryland Science Center and the CIC Hall of Leaders Gala, which takes place at the Baltimore Convention Center.

The prestigious Hall of Leaders Gala attracts a Who’s Who of the meetings and convention industry as it honours the industry’s outstanding leaders and innovators. This is a ticketed event and more details on how to attend can be found at www.conventionindustry.org.

Wednesday 22nd June will be the first full day of the AIBTM trade exhibition, preceded by a pre-show AIBTM education session running from 8:30 – 10:00am and a continuation of the PCMA Education Conference. PCMA’s education conference will end on Wednesday with a Happy Hour and AIBTM’s opening day exhibition will close with a Visit Baltimore Welcome Party.

The two-day trade exhibition continues on Thursday 23rd June, where AIBTM exhibitors will have the opportunity to meet with over 3,000 meeting professionals from all over the world, 2,000 of which are individually qualified Hosted Buyers. Pre-show education seminars take place from 8:30 – 10:00am also on this day.

The big event of the week will see some 1,000 plus lucky participants with tickets to attend the U2 world tour concert in Baltimore’s downtown M&T Bank Stadium. Being distributed over the coming months, the tickets to see the living legends of rock “will surely be the networking event of the industry in 2011”, says Steve Knight, AIBTM’s Project Director.

“We have worked with all our partners to achieve a combination of networking opportunities, some are wild, others full of glitz and glamour and then some rather tame, but we think all of them will add a unique element to our first US event”, said Knight.

For further information please visit www.aibtm.com.

NEW YEAR BRINGS NEW EXHIBITORS TO AIBTM 2011

The New Year is already proving successful for AIBTM (www.aibtm.com), as more new exhibitors have signed on to participate in AIBTM 2011.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau, Unique Vacations for Sandals & Beaches Resorts, MGM Resorts, Maui Jim Sunglasses, Laico Hotels & Resorts, EDPglobal, Destination DC, Arizona Pavilion, Anaheim Orange County Visitors & Convention Bureau, and 3d Destinations are the latest round of companies and convention bureaus to commit to AIBTM 2011.

Steve Knight, AIBTM Project Manager comments: “AIBTM’s exhibitors understand that there are many key differentials that distinguish AIBTM from other industry events in 2011.”

Knight continues: “More and more companies are signing up because our exhibitors know we will deliver the quality of Hosted Buyer they expect. AIBTM exhibitors will have the opportunity to meet with over 3,000 meeting professionals from all over the world, 2,000 of which are individually qualified Hosted Buyers. And, our one-to-one appointment schedule means that Hosted Buyers and exhibitors can make the most efficient and effective use of their time, ensuring that business is generated and their time is maximised. AIBTM Hosted Buyers will potentially undertake 640,000 minutes of meetings during two days – no other industry event in North America even comes close to delivering this many meeting minutes over two days. Besides being the first large scale exhibition incorporating a Hosted Buyer Programme in the U.S., the industry will find that AIBTM offers incredible value to its exhibitors compared to other industry events of a similar format.”

Mindy Abel, Senior Vice President Convention Sales, Anaheim Orange County Visitors & Convention Bureau, comments: “Meeting face to face is the backbone of our industry.  Anaheim as a destination is looking forward to the format offered by AIBTM allowing participants to strengthen existing partnerships and introducing new opportunities to organizations and the destination.”

AIBTM 2011 opens with the AIBTM Education Day, a day solely dedicated to professional education, on 21st June. The trade exhibition opens on 22nd June and continues on 23rd June and will be preceded by pre-show education sessions running from 8:30 – 10:00am on each of these days.

Companies interested in exhibiting at AIBTM 2011 should contact Nancy Walker, Sales Director North America, at nwalker@reedexpo.com or on +1 (203) 840-5862.

For further information please visit www.aibtm.com.

AIBTM – AMERICA MEETINGS WEEK – OUTLINE EDUCATION CONTENT LAUNCHED

The education content for the first America Meetings Week and AIBTM, taking place in Baltimore (21-23 June, 2011), is now in the final planning stages. Reed Travel Exhibitions global education strategy includes using content successfully delivered within their worldwide portfolio, as well as introducing new content with a focus on current events that shape the industry.

Scheduled to be the first large-scale Hosed Buyer meetings and events exhibition to take place in the US, AIBTM opens with the AIBTM Education Day, a day solely dedicated to professional education, on 21st June. The AIBTM trade exhibition opens on 22nd June and continues on 23rd June. AIBTM Education Day is comprised of a series of conferences, forums and workshops, current highlights include:

• The Association Leadership Conference – focusing on strategies for association meeting planners

• Women In Business conference – successfully launched at EIBTM recently – aimed at women in the events industry

• Focus on Technology – a series of hands-on workshops and debates by industry experts updating delegates on developments in social media, apps, social networking and the very latest tools to maximise an individual’s attendance at an event.

• Branding your Product Masterclass  - another powerful topic that was part of the EIBTM Education Programme recently, will help suppliers to understand the power of viral marketing, social media and how to help their company or product stand out from the crowd.

Further content for AIBTM’s Education Programme will be created working with the leading industry associations including PCMA, CIC, MPI, ICCA, JMIC and details will be announced in the New Year.

AIBTM will also see the launch of the MPI Value of Meetings research study, sponsored by AIBTM, set to deliver the world’s first qualitative and quantitative study of its kind. The content is expected to be launched on the first day of the trade exhibition, Wednesday 22nd June.

Says Erica Keogan, Education Content Manager for RTE, “We are committed to developing stimulating, multi-faceted event experiences that go far beyond the show floor.  Hosted Buyers, trade buyers and exhibitors to AIBTM will have access to a world-class comprehensive Education Programme specifically geared to helping them focus on the issues that directly affect their sector, while also giving them practical pointers on how to maintain, develop and attract business.

“Currently some of our most successful seminars, workshops and conferences are only available to specific shows within our portfolio and we are now going to look at which ones will also benefit our other events including AIBTM. For example, the ICCA Forum for Young Professionals, the Technology Hours, and sustainability programmes are all going to be part of America Meetings Week”, Keogan concluded.

Following on from the success of the annual CEO Summit held at EIBTM 2010, RTE will launch a new version of the concept at AIBTM, with members invited from the US meetings industry to join those from the current CEO Club who are either already involved in the industry within the Americas or are interested in developing their business there.

AIBTM Project Manager, Steve Knight added; “ The professional Education Programme created by RTE for its global meetings portfolio of events is unique and considered “gold class standard” by the industry. As a result, we are selectively choosing what’s appropriate for the US Hosted Buyers and, of course, for those that will come from outside the country – it total, we’re expecting 3,000 meeting professionals of which 2,000 are Hosted Buyers.  It’s a project in progress and we will gradually be feeding details and information to the industry over the coming months”.

EIBTM 2010 – Optimism, innovation and business – New exhibitors, education and events

New exhibitors, education and events

The power of face to face

RTE Meetings Global Meetings Portfolio update

AIBTM 2011 – U2 “performs”

The 22nd EIBTM opened its doors today(30 November) in Barcelona, welcoming thousands of meetings industry professionals who are expected to undertake over 57,300 pre-scheduled appointments during the 3 days of the show.

Commenting at the opening day’s press conference, Graeme Barnett, Event Director said; “In what has clearly been a turbulent year for many, the signs from the exhibition floor are highly optimistic.  From the increase in new exhibitors, and highest pre-registration figures, to the most education sessions on record, we have focused on not only delivering a return on investment for all our stakeholders but at the same time, we have been innovative in delivering new ways to do business, so that we help make 2011 a year of success for all our clients”.

EIBTM Vital Statistics

The event has attracted over 3,100 exhibitors from over 90 countries, and 38 new exhibitors including Japan National Tourist Organisation, Marriott Global, Indonesia, Seychelles Tourism Board and Uganda Tourism Board.

48 exhibitors have increased their stand size to accommodate more partners and a wider range of companies and products.  These include Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, VisitScotland, Allied Europe and Oman Ministry of Tourism.  In addition, 8 companies that did not exhibit in 2009 have returned this year.

Over 4,000 Hosted Buyers have been accepted on to this year’s Hosted Buyer Programme and are set to undertake a record breaking 57,303 pre-scheduled appointments – a 6% increase on 2009.

Graeme Barnett, EIBTM Event Director, comments: “We’ve calculated that the meeting minutes for these appointments are in excess of an incredible 1.2 million. Additionally, EIBTM is the only meetings industry tradeshow in Europe to host Association Buyers who purely do international business.”

EIBTM Education Programme Highlights

This year’s Education Programme, targeted at corporates, associations, agencies and suppliers, is delivering a record number of sessions – over 59 in total – which also include 8 Spanish sessions – the most to date.  The comprehensive and diverse series of seminars, underscores the event’s commitment to raising industry standards and encouraging learning and development.

One of the education programme highlights is today’s launch of the EIBTM 2010 Industry & Market Share Report by Rob Davidson, which will be repeated on the final day of the show. The report, available on www.eibtm.com identifies the key trends for the meetings, events and incentive markets over the past 12 months and provides an outlook for 2011.

A new Lecture Theatre on the show floor has Daily Technology Hours enabling visitors to keep up-to-date with the latest technological advances in the industry. Topics include crisis management and managing event interruptions, plus effective use of mobile technology for meetings.

Another new feature is The Green Room, a seminar area dedicated to sustainability, featuring ‘bite-sized’ panel discussions, workshops and case studies. The sessions highlight up to date issues affecting sustainability in the meetings industry.

This year sees the launch of EIBTM TV providing a snapshot of each day plus live news on screens positioned around the show floor.

Summarising the importance of EIBTM to the global meetings industry Graeme Barnett, EIBTM Event Director, commented: “With over 100 events taking place this week, including officially scheduled EIBTM events and others organised by EIBTM partners and associations, EIBTM 2010 really aims to deliver value to all our stakeholders and help drive business throughout the industry.

“Our role is to act as a business, education and networking catalyst. We aim to provide a platform that connects people from all over the world in order that they can come away with new business, new relationships and lead generation, plus obtain valuable insights from the educational sessions and show initiatives to help develop and grow their businesses in the future.”

Reed Travel Exhibitions Portfolio News – think global, act local

Craig Moyes, Group Exhibition Director for Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) Meetings and Events Portfolio today announced some important strategic changes to the delivery of the IBTM events which include AIBTM, Baltimore, USA (launching 2011); AIME in Melbourne, Australia; CIBTM in Beijing, China; GIBTM in Abu Dhabi, UAE; and EIBTM.

A number of new initiatives including local teams in each region, a new portfolio website that brings all shows together under one umbrella brand, the development of its social media and online communities, plus a global education strategy and international industry research are all in development or planned for the future.

Moyes confirmed that the team will be increasing presence online including Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter and announcing similar initiatives globally to Connect@EIBTM, the new online community launched ahead of EIBTM 2010 to enable connections between all pre-registered visitors before the event will be rolled out wherever possible at IBTM events.

Next year will also see the refinement of the global education strategy.  Moyes said: “Where an event has a successful feature or education component, we will see how it can work within a different culture, and region of the world, to ensure it also adds value to an event. We won’t just be replicating an initiative for the sake of it. As with all our initiatives, it will have to add real ROI.”

Similarly, CSR initiatives will also begin to impact its global events, as the organisation is well placed to turn its current BS8901 accreditation into the global ISO standard when it becomes globally accepted.

Countdown to AIBTM 2011

The first meetings industry event of its kind in the Americas, AIBTM, will take place in Baltimore from 21-23 June 2011. Two thirds of available space on the floor plan is now contracted, with a growing list of international exhibitors, including Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, Ireland Tourist Board, Fairmont Raffles Swisshotel and Hong Kong Tourism Board.

Designed to provide meeting and event professionals in all sectors – association, corporate, government and third party with quality interaction with both domestic and international exhibitors, AIBTM is expecting to deliver over 21,000 pre-scheduled appointments through its Hosted Buyer programme which is set to bring 2000 qualified industry professionals.

As part of America Meetings Week, AIBTM will also include a high quality education programme supported by a wide range of industry associations, the annual PCMA conference co-located with the event, the world´s first MPI Value of Meetings global research launch and the launch of a US centric CEO Summit.

Tom Noonan CEO Visit Baltimore added “AIBTM provides Baltimore with the opportunity to highlight our visitor centric walkable waterfront convention community.  As we are within close proximity to 1/3rd of the nation´s population and just 40 minutes from Washington DC, we know that Baltimore is an easy city to get to and from”.

Finally, both Tom Noonan and Craig Moyes announced that rock legends U2 will be playing at the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore during AIBTM as a stop on their 360° Tour and as a special feature of the inaugural of the exhibition, there will be more than 1000 tickets made available to both exhibitors and Hosted Buyers through a number of special promotions pre-show.

Baltimore’s Green Roof

Home to AIBTM, Baltimore and the Baltimore Convention Center, has put sustainable practices at the top of their agenda, attracting an increased number of meetings to the city. Research has shown that meeting planners in the US are more likely to choose cities with sustainable practices and polices.

The Baltimore Convention Center is taking major strides in their sustainable development by working towards a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification (LEED), issued by the Green Building Council. The most visible project is the transformation of the Center’s 27,497 square foot Outdoor Terrace into a “Green Roof”. Almost half of the space 12, 245 square feet will be set aside for vegetative roofing. The remaining space will be hardscape, a portion of which will include a water feature which will use the Center’s two current shallow pools with their self-contained recirculation water system. A portion of the vegetation planned for the project will require no maintenance or watering whatsoever.

Additionally, the roof will be home to a variety of flowers including Maryland’s own Black Eyed Susan, cone flowers, lavender and a host of other variety of flowering and non flowering plants as well as edible herbs. These will be used by the Center’s kitchens.

The benefits of this project include increased insulating efficiency that will result in a lower energy use, and increased roofing life, a reduction of roof maintenance, not to mention, an improved aesthetic appeal that will promote more use by attendees. Baltimore will benefit by a reduction in storm water runoff deposits causing a reduction in pollutants in streams, reservoirs, lakes and other systems.

US and international exhibitors make AIBTM A top priority for 2011

US destinations, Convention Bureaux and Hoteliers are making AIBTM (21 – 23 June 2011, Baltimore MD, USA) a top priority, marking it in their 2011 event calendars as the industry show at which to exhibit.  With over nine months to go until AIBTM opens its doors, 50% of the show floor has already been sold. With over 60 main stand holders contracted for booths up to 2,500 square feet (230 square metres), sales are gathering momentum.

This early in the sales cycle, we have signed contracts from Convention Bureaux Telluride, St. Louis, Seattle, Visit Florida, Denver, Chicago, Fort Worth, Houston, Boston, Miami, Las Vegas, New York City, Phoenix, Denver, Atlantic City and Orlando/Orange County.

According to Steve Knight, AIBTM’s Project Manager: “The response from exhibitors has been phenomenal. In addition to American exhibitors, we have strong international representation with companies from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and South America. Exhibitors recognise the massive business potential that exists in talking directly to over 2,000 global Hosted Buyers coming from all sectors of the industry including corporate, agency, incentive and association backgrounds, plus an additional 1,000 event and meeting planners will be joining us from all over the US.”

Over and above the US bookings, booth space has also been contracted for international hotel groups, cruise lines and a multitude of European destinations.   Global hotel chains such as Fairmont-Raffles-Swisshotel and Resorts, Intercontinental Hotels Group and Carlson Hotel Group are joining Royal Caribbean International, Silversea Cruises, Sol Melia and Sofitel Luxury Hotels.  International destinations include Austria, Ireland, Hong Kong, Meet Taiwan, Argentina, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Panama, Austria, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Belgium.

Jorge Franz, VP of International Group Sales, Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau comments: “Houston has been actively targeting international MICE in Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America. AIBTM will definitely be a good addition to our global portfolio to capitalise on unique opportunities that are emerging from the new business cycle.”

Steve Knight continues: “The feedback that we are receiving has highlighted the need for a US-centric meetings event that puts business and education at its core. With Reed Travel Exhibitions’ reputation of organising the industry’s leading international events, EIBTM in Barcelona, as well as CIBTM in Beijing and GIBTM in Abu Dhabi, exhibitors are guaranteed to meet buyers and planners that are eager to do business.”

“The [EIBTM] hosted buyer program is invaluable… With scheduled appointments, networking and educational components that truly define the purpose of our profession, the importance of hosting and organising face-to-face conferences. Expanding the program into the US will increase participation and upgrade the professionalism of the industry by increasing the perspective of a much broader and diverse audience”, comments Thomas Morano, Vice President, Meetings & Conferences, American Financial Services Association.

Mike Fegley, Vice President of InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) said: “The EIBTM show in Europe has held an excellent reputation for many years and we are confident that AIBTM in the US will be a stellar industry event, as well.”

For further information please visit www.aibtm.com.

AIBTM INCREASES HOSTED BUYER NUMBERS IN RESPONSE TO UNPRECEDENTED INDUSTRY SUPPORT

AIBTM – The Americas Meetings & Events Exhibition – has announced that it will be welcoming 2,000 Hosted Buyers to the most eagerly anticipated US meetings event in 2011. AIBTM takes place in Baltimore June 21 – 23, 2011.

Steve Knight, Project Manager for AIBTM comments: “We have been delighted by the meetings industry’s response to the launch of AIBTM throughout the United States and internationally; both in terms of inquiries and committed exhibitor bookings. So much so, that we have increased the number of Hosted Buyers we are set to host, to ensure that we maintain the ideal Buyer and supplier ratio.

“The profile and importance of AIBTM has been considerably raised since the co-location announcement of PCMA’s annual education conference and CIC’s Hall of Leaders Gala which will run alongside AIBTM in Baltimore.

“AIBTM will be the first truly large scale Hosted Buyer event of 2011 in the US Meetings Industry.”

Additionally, the creation by AIBTM of a dedicated America Meetings Week will raise the profile of the industry to the wider business market and political community across North America. The Week will focus on the economic contribution which meetings and events make to the economy, the number of jobs supported and the positive benefits which effective meetings and events bring to business development and communication.

The 2,000 Hosted Buyers will be made up predominantly of US based meeting planners with domestic and international business as well as those from Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Asia and Europe.

Buyers from associations, incentive houses, corporate and independent meeting planners who organize, influence or make budgetary decisions for meetings, incentive and business travel, conventions and congresses, product launches or events are eligible to apply for Hosted Buyer status.

With Reed Travel Exhibitions responsible for organizing the leading international Hosted Buyer led events – EIBTM (Barcelona, Spain); GIBTM  (Abu Dhabi, UAE), CIBTM (Beijing, China) and AIME (Melbourne, Australia) – the AIBTM Hosted Buyer Program offers a highly effective way for high level decision makers to meet suppliers through an online pre-scheduled appointment system. This guarantees that buyers meet exhibitors that they are predominantly interested in doing business with.

Hosted Buyers can also receive many exclusive benefits including complimentary travel, hotel accommodations and transfers during their time at AIBTM.

As well as the 2,000 Hosted Buyers, AIBTM is set to attract thousands of meeting planners located in cities within three hours drive of Baltimore – over 13,000; from New York and Washington DC (the hub for associations and government meeting planners), Pittsburgh and Philadelphia (home to major agencies such as Maritz) and New Jersey (home to many pharmaceutical companies).

AIBTM’s business opportunities have been recognized by major US exhibitor signings including Atlantic City, Denver, Chicago, Fort Worth, Houston, Boston, Miami, Visit Florida, Las Vegas, New York City, and Orlando/Orange County.

These will be joined by the Canadian Tourism Commission, Mexico Tourism Board and destinations further afield including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Hong Kong, Ireland, Netherlands and Austria.

Other exhibitors include Silversea Cruises, Intercontinental Hotels Group, Royal Caribbean, Sol Melia and Fairmont-Raffles-Swissotel.

For further information on AIBTM and for those interested in becoming a Hosted Buyer log on to www.aibtm.com <http://www.aibtm.com>. Official Hosted Buyer registration will go live on January 11 2011.