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EIBTM Technology Watch –Opens for Submissions

The continuing impact of new technology on the meetings industry is significant and the EIBTM Technology Watch Award is now the most high profile and longest running recognition scheme for innovation in the sector worldwide.  Considered to be the “Meetings Industry Tech Oscars” it will celebrate its 13^th anniversary this year.

Free to enter, the application process for submissions is now open at www.eibtm.com/techwatch.   The award winner will receive an exhibition stand within the Technology Village at EIBTM (value €3000) to showcase their product to over 15,200 industry professionals expected to attend this year’s event.

Chaired by Corbin Ball (recently named one of the 25 most influential people in the meetings industry) the expert judging panel will be looking for companies to demonstrate new and innovative technology solutions that can make a significant difference to the industry.

With the winner being chosen before EIBTM, the prize also includes a global publicity and marketing campaign pre-show as well as high visibility on site with:

• Inclusion in a monthly e-newsletter to over 28,000 industry professionals
• Announcement in the weekly EIBTM news alert which is issued to over 15,000 industry professionals in the  run up to the show
• Profile on the EIBTM website which receives over 1.3 million page views per year
• Exposure to the world’s industry media
• Inclusion in the official EIBTM catalogue (printed and online)
• Award presentation at the show
• Article in the official Show Daily at EIBTM distributed to all attendees

In 2011, the award went to US based ITN International.  ”The leads we generated and the contacts we made were extraordinary,” said Mike Sorgani, Vice President, Sales and Marketing of the full-service registration and lead management company.

“I will give you just one example.  Eleven days after EIBTM, we found ourselves in front of the producer of the world’s largest corporate event, describing how our technology could add excitement.  The invitation to visit the producer’s offices and make a presentation stemmed directly from our award and the prize for us to exhibit at EIBTM.  This particular opportunity is huge-and we owe it to EIBTM.” He added.

The Technology Village is a specialist exhibiting area of EIBTM where technology suppliers have the opportunity to showcase their products and services.  To enquire about booking a stand or for further information please visit www.eibtm.com/tech or contact david.benitez@reedexpo.co.uk

EIBTM 2012 takes place 27^th – 29^th November, Barcelona.

EIBTM Celebrates 25 Years

 The global hub for the Meetings Industry plans for its Birthday .

EIBTM, the Global Meetings, Events, Incentives and Business Travel Exhibition (www.eibtm.com), has unveiled a new logo to celebrate 25 years within the meetings industry. EIBTM first opened in 1988 and has been committed to delivering vital business opportunities for meeting industry professionals across the world. The 25th edition will take place in Fira Gran Via, Barcelona (27 – 29th November).

The logo can be viewed and downloaded from the EIBTM website at www.eibtm.com/logo25. The new design which reflects the official “silver” associated with a 25^th anniversary, marks the first of many new initiatives throughout the year, which will culminate with celebrations in Barcelona.

Katie Devaney, Reed Travel Exhibitions, Marketing Manager EIBTM comments, “EIBTM is recognised as the leading event of its kind in the world and the global hub for the meetings industry.  We could not let this landmark pass without using it to celebrate the past, as well as look to the future.

This logo is a modern reflection of the anniversary and part of the inspiration behind many new dynamic initiatives, all part of the innovations that EIBTM plans to deliver for the industry over the next 25 years. This year will deliver business as usual but with lots of fun thrown in!”.

Further information regarding plans for EIBTM 25 will be released over the coming months to the show. Reed Travel Exhibitions are inviting participants to celebrate 25 years of innovation with them by sharing their photos, videos, memories and messages on the EIBTM Facebook page www.facebook.com/eibtmevent or by email to eibtm-marketing@reedexpo.co.uk 

Join EIBTM on Facebook, Linked in, Xing and Twitter.

EIBTM 2012 takes place 27^th – 29^th November, Fira Gran Via, Barcelona.

Prestige Hotels of the World by Keytel hosts a fam trip for Russian touroperators in Barcelona and Lloret de Mar

Turisme de Barcelona, Turisme de Lloret, as well as high-end partners and member hotels belonging to PHW, did their utmost for them during a five-day action-packed program to ensure that their stay was as rewarding as possible.

Barcelona, 2 May 2012.- Last week, Prestige Hotels of the World by Keytel (PHW) organized a familiarization trip involving fifteen Russian tour operators from Moscow, who throughout the  five days of their stay visited some of the establishments making up the hotel representatives’ portfolio in the cities of Barcelona and Lloret de Mar. Through this initiative, tour operators get to know in greater detail some of the brand’s hotels as well as the major tourist attractions of the destinations Barcelona and Lloret de Mar, all of which is geared towards establishing partnerships for promotional purposes and increasing the flow of Russian tourists to PHW
destinations and their hotels.

Thus, the hotels visited were the Omm, the Condes de Barcelona, the Claris, Casa Fuster, the Eurostars Grand Marina, the Guitart Monterrey and the Santa Marta, the latter two in Lloret de Mar. In addition, Prestige Hotels of the World by Keytel (PHW) organized a work shop at the emblematic Hotel Casa Fuster, where tour operators had the chance to get to know other hotels in greater depth, such as Hotel Pacha and the Aguas de Ibiza, both of which are in Ibiza; the Pulitzer Barcelona and the Pulitzer Buenos Aires, the Claris Barcelona, the Granados 83 Barcelona, the Omm Barcelona, the Palace Barcelona, the Wellington Madrid, the Urban Madrid, NH Palacio de Tepa Madrid, NH Paseo del Prado Madrid, Hesperia Madrid, the Roca Negra Hotel & Spa de Agaete (Gran Canaria), NH Palacio de la Merced Burgos, the Pazo Los Escudos Vigo, the Guitart Monterrey Lloret de Mar and the Hotel Santa Marta, also from
Lloret de Mar, the Hotel Westminster Nice, The Caesar of London, the Banke Paris, the St Raphael Resort Limassol (Cyprus) and the Casa Fuster Barcelona itself, who did their absolute utmost in organizing the event.

In addition, the tour operators enjoyed all kinds of experiences with the PHW brand: they got to know about the legend of Sant Jordi with its rose and book tradition, enjoyed the visit to the Sagrada Familia and the famous Moritz Factory Barcelona, drove a high end sports car thanks to Gevicar and strolled around the beautiful gardens of Santa Clotilde of Lloret de Mar, all of which was offered by PHW with the help of collaborators like the official tourist promotion organizations Turisme de Barcelona and Turisme de Lloret, hotels belonging to the brand such as the Hotel Omm, the hotel Condes de Barcelona, the Claris, the Casa Fuster hotel, the Eurostars Grand Marina, the Guitart Monterrey and the Santa Marta along with the Hotel Miramar, who also contributed to this famtrip by welcoming the Russian group. PHW partners such as Godiva, Javier Simorra and Alqvimia took part in the famtrip by giving the Russian group exclusive products from their respective brands.

Both the Russian tour operators and the hotels taking part in this move were very pleased with this initiative by Prestige Hotel of the World by Keytel by putting them in contact with the luxury hotels that are particularly suitable for the needs of the extremely important emerging Russian tourist market.

Key Industry Players Sign Up Early To Maximise Return On Investment at EIBTM 2012

Mid-Year Booking Rates Available until 25^th May

 Building on the success of EIBTM 2011 which achieved record breaking attendance – this year’s Global Meetings, Events, Incentives and Business Travel Exhibition (www.eibtm.com), taking place from 27th November to 29^th November in Barcelona – has already received an unprecedented level of re-bookings and requests for increased space.

 The positive response received is a direct reflection of the success of last year’s event – confirming the quality and range of buyers who attend, the buyer driven, pre-scheduled appointment system and ultimately the business that it generates for both exhibitors and Hosted Buyers.

 Exhibitors who have already rebooked to attend and have increased the size of their stand this year include: Estonian Tourist Board, Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, Moscow Exhibiting and Convention Agency, NYC & Company, Business Profilers, Abercrombie & Kent/ Akorn, Seychelles Tourism Board, EMBRATUR (Brazilian Tourist Board), Madrid Convention Bureau, American Express, Korea Tourism Organisation, Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions and Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts.

Joan Lewis, Director of Sales & Marketing, Regional Sales Office, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts commented, “ Shangri-La has a long established relationship with EIBTM and we highly value our location within the Asia Pacific hall.  So to sign up early in order to secure our regular location and to now increase our presence for 2012 really mirrors our growth and also supports the growing needs from our customers doing business with us in the region. “

Companies signing up early can benefit from year round exposure on the website (www.eibtm.com), which receives over 1.3m page views per year. They will also gain valuable preshow exposure to buyers who use the online exhibitor directory as a supplier’s guide. All exhibitors participating in EIBTM can also make the most of additional marketing opportunities including press release exposure through their dedicated exhibitor portal and connections via EIBTM social networks.

Other companies who have signed up to maximise participation include: Dragonfly Africa, Barcelona Convention Bureau, Croatian National Tourist Board, Pacific World, Accor Hospitality, Corinthia Hotels International, Fairmont Raffles & Swiss Hotels, The Aviation Factory (Holland), Turkish Culture and Tourism Office, Great Hotels of the World, Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau, Taiwan Convention & Exhibition Association, Incentive Destinations (Inspirations of the World) and Argentina – Instituto Nacional de Promoción Turística.

Graeme Barnett, Exhibition Director EIBTM, Reed Travel Exhibitions commented: “EIBTM saw record breaking attendance last year with a 6.9% increase in overall attendance and satisfaction levels were high”.

“We are delighted with the response we have had so far and it is great that people are signing up early to make the most of what EIBTM has to offer as a year round marketing tool. As the world’s leading event for the meetings, events and business travel industry, our primary aim is to deliver quantifiable return on investment”.

Reed Travel Exhibitions are encouraging companies to take advantage of the opportunities available at this three day dynamic business event and confirm their participation early, securing the mid-year booking rate which is only available to companies returning their signed contract to exhibit by 25th May 2012. Companies interested in exhibiting at EIBTM 2012 should contact the sales team at eibtm@reedexpo.co.uk or on +44 (0) 20 8910 7711 before 25th May 2012

EIBTM 2012 takes place 27^th – 29^th November, Barcelona.

Join EIBTM on Linked in, Xing, Twitter and Facebook.

Reed Travel Exhibitions connects with the Meetings Industry to shape EIBTM

EIBTM announces new Advisory Board members and builds on critical stakeholder relations

As part of a strategic engagement programme with the international leaders of the meetings industry, EIBTM (www.eibtm.com) has added 8 new members to its Advisory Board. The move serves as part of EIBTM’s ongoing commitment to building strong industry relations and ensuring the world’s leading event continues to innovate, and evolve with market expectations.

New members include: Meenaz Lilani (Executive Director Global Sales EMEA at Fairmont Raffles Swissotel Hotels and Resorts), Bruna Migliazza (Marketing Manager, Hay Group), Luca Favetta (Senior Director Global Events, SAP), Barbara Albrecht (Managing Director, Swiss Convention Bureau), Ole Sorang (Ole Sorang, Director of Regional Marketing, Rezidor), Eric Mottard (CEO, Eventoplus), Christoph Tessmar, (Director, Barcelona Tourisme Convention Bureau) and Sherif Kamarat (COO, PCMA).

“The EIBTM Advisory Board clearly demonstrates Reed Travel Exhibitions’ commitment to delivering the best value and experience for buyers and exhibitors at EIBTM. The diversity of its members brings unique business intelligence and strengths that perfectly positions EIBTM at the forefront of a dynamic marketplace” said Sherrif Karamat, COO of PCMA.

Eric Rozenberg, President of Swantegy and non-executive Chairman of Reed Travel Exhibitions Global Meetings, Events and Business Travel Portfolio commented, “The EIBTM Advisory Board is a strategic element of the overall success of EIBTM. Some of the most dynamic and insightful leaders in our Industry provide highly valuable and direct advice, which enables the EIBTM Senior Management Team to continuously improve the product in order to exceed market expectations”.

The established EIBTM Advisory Board is made up of a cross- section of senior members of the global meetings industry who represent key sectors of the market from the supply and buyer communities to representatives from key trade Associations.

Graeme Barnett, Reed Travel Exhibitions, EIBTM Event Director commented:

“On the back of our best ever EIBTM in 2011 and as one of RTE’s largest exhibitions, it is critical that we continually seek to improve and evolve the event to meet the needs of our customers and the markets and industries that EIBTM serves.  The current Advisory Board consisted of 9 members and after careful consideration, we have decided to expand the Board to increase the richness and diversity of the membership group to provide a greater depth of insight and knowledge.

“In effect, The Advisory Board acts as a ‘critical friend’, providing advice and support on purpose, vision and planning. Our members also act as a sounding board for new ideas and developments that lead to growth”.

EIBTM also continues to work with their Executive Committee who remain the key stakeholders in the show. The EIBTM Executive Committee comprises key members of Barcelona stakeholders who, along with their teams, are responsible for the operational delivery of EBTM as well as maximising the experience of EIBTM in Barcelona.

Key stakeholders on the EIBTM Executive Committee include members from Barcelona Turisme and Convention Bureau, Fira de Barcelona, Pacific World, Cataluna Convention Bureau, Eventoplus, Barcelona City Hall, Gremi d’Hotels Barcelona, Diputacio de Barcelona and Turespana.

Graeme Barnett comments, “ the Executive Committee provide significant input as to the operational delivery of EIBTM but also how the City of Barcelona and its stakeholders can play the lead role as host city to the event. Over recent years the relationship we have developed with our local stakeholders has helped enormously in making the experience our participants receive in Barcelona of the highest level”.

EIBTM 2012 takes place 27^th – 29^th November, Barcelona.

EIBTM INDEPENDENT ABC AUDIT RESULTS CONFIRMS RECORD BREAKING ATTENDANCE

Quality buyers and exhibitors maximise business opportunities at the show 

EIBTM (www.eibtm.com), the leading global event for the meetings, events and incentives industry, held in the award winning business and tourism destination of Barcelona has announced record breaking attendance following the official results of their ABC Audit – confirming them as the largest audited exhibition in the meetings sector.

The Total Unique Attendance for EIBTM 2011 tipped an all time high with 15,219 industry professionals (6.9% increase on Total Unique Attendance for EIBTM 2010) attending the show over the course of three days to make the most of world class international business, networking and education opportunities.

This figure can be split into Visitor and Exhibitor Attendance, allowing clear clarification:

• Visitor Attendance including Hosted Buyers was recorded as 9,330, the highest ever total number of visitors at EIBTM, marking an 11.4% increase on 2010.
• Exhibitor attendance also increased from 2010 with 5,889 exhibiting personnel on the show floor at EIBTM 2011

Graeme Barnett, Reed Travel Exhibitions Event Director, EIBTM commented: “These figures are a true testament to the business value and success of our show. Each year we deliver more and more business and with the addition of the seventh appointment for Hosted Buyers, we tipped an all time record of 64,950 pre-scheduled appointments, which took place over three days between international exhibitors and Hosted Buyers with real purchasing power from across the globe.

Each year we strive to deliver quality audiences that include top-level decision makers and senior level buyers. These proven positive results year after year make EIBTM the global event of choice for the meetings and events industry”.

Trudi Wagner, Senior Event Manager – International global meeting planning services, Marriott International commented on the quality of business undertaken at the event: “EIBTM plays a fundamental role for us in driving leads to our properties and raising awareness of our portfolio across the globe.  Each year the show delivers quality customers from our target markets.

At EIBTM 2011 we generated .2m worth of leads for the 158 properties we have represented at our stand”.

The EIBTM 2011 audit was carried out by ABC, an independent industry body that audits exhibitions, providing independent verification of exhibition attendance figures. To view the official ABC certificate, please visit www.eibtm.com 

EIBTM 2012 takes place 27^th – 29^th November, Barcelona.

Emirates ramps up services to Spain

Barcelona launching 3rd July
Madrid going double daily 1st July  

DUBAI, U.A.E., January 2012: Emirates will launch Barcelona as its second passenger gateway into Spain from 3rd July, after doubling frequencies to Madrid from 1st July.

The airline is embarking on a major boost to its services in Spain on the heels of mounting demand for its Madrid service, launched in August 2010.

The new Barcelona flight, EK 185, will leave Dubai daily at 0655hrs and arrive in Barcelona at 1200hrs. The return service, EK 186, leaves Barcelona at 1640hrs and lands in Dubai at 0100hrs the following day.

Emirates’ 30th European destination will be served with a 360-seat Boeing 777-300ER, in a three-class arrangement. This includes eight First Class Private Suites and the award winning ice entertainment system throughout all cabin classes.

Barcelona, in the north east corner of Spain, is a popular tourist destination, boasting a wealth of gothic architecture, art galleries, sandy beaches and the Montserrat mountain range.

As capital of the Catalonia region, Barcelona is an important commercial city. It is an established centre for hi-tech and biomedical business and has one of the busiest ports in the Mediterranean. Thousands of cruise passengers are amongst the city’s 7 million visitors per year.

On 1st July, in a further sign of commitment to Spain, Emirates will launch a second daily service to Madrid. EK 143 will also be operated with a three-class Boeing 777-300ER, departing Dubai daily 1425hrs and arriving in Madrid at 2020hrs. The return flight, EK 144, leaves Madrid at 2210hrs and arrives in Dubai at 0715hrs the next day.

“Emirates is making a very significant investment in Spain. To announce a new destination and a doubling of services to an existing gateway at the same time demonstrates our belief in the market and our commitment to the country, said Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline. “Madrid has been a strong performer and the demand is there for a second frequency, while we need a second point serving the dynamic Catalonia region.”

Catalonia receives approximately 25% of annual foreign investment in Spain and more than half of the Japanese, French, German, American, Italian and Dutch companies in Spain are located in the region, according to Barcelona City Council.

The city is home to a population of around 1.6 million people – a figure rising to more than 7 million across the Catalonia region.

“The new link between Dubai and Barcelona service will provide an efficient route to a wide range of Emirates’ destinations across Asia including Hong Kong, Thailand, South Korea and Singapore, all via our superb Terminal 3 in Dubai,” Mr Clark added.

The European Cities Monitor 2011 named Barcelona as the top European city for employees’ quality of living and the 6th most attractive city in Europe to do business.

While Emirates has been serving Spain with passenger flights since 2010, Emirates SkyCargo has been operating freighter services to Spain since 2006, largely in support of the country’s fashion industry. Clothes are also amongst Catalonia’s main exports to the Gulf, along with machinery, cosmetics, audio and video equipment, chemical products and fresh foodstuffs. Overall trade between Spain and the UAE reached AED 4.15 billion (US $1.13 billion) in 2010, according to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade.

Barcelona snapshot

• Top European city in quality of living for employees (European Cities Monitor, 2011)
• 6th most attractive city in Europe for business (European Cities Monitor, 2011)
• 2nd city globally for the organisation of international meetings (International Congress & Convention Assoc. 2010)
• Barcelona city: 1,619,337 inhabitants (January 2010)
• Metropolitan area: 5,012,961 inhabitants (January 2010)
• Foreign population: 15.9% of total population (January 2010)
• Catalonia’s GDP per capita (ppp) in % of EU-27 average: 120.9 (2010)
• Workforce employed in services: 86.8% (2010)
• University students in Catalonia: 233,583 (2009-2010)
• 2 Business schools amongst the top 10 in Europe (2011)
• Tourist overnights: 14.04 million (2010)
• 1st Mediterranean port in cruise passengers: 2,347,976 (2010)
• Delegates attending fairs and congresses: 616,833 (2010)

Source: Barcelona City Council website

Visit Barcelona – best events in February 2012

With the winter season coming to a close and the holidays now far behind us, February is the perfect time to give yourself a well-deserved break, and with so much going on, Barcelona is a great place to visit at this time of year.

Besides the sun, sea and beautiful architecture, Barcelona is going to be bursting with exciting events for you to experience this February. From costume parties on the beach,

27th February – 1st March 2012, Barcelona: Mobile World Congress 2012

Executives from ARM, Best Buy, China Mobile, Citigroup, ISIS, Juniper Networks, Sprint and VimpelCom will be speaking in the keynote programme at the GSMA Mobile World Congress, which will be held 27th February – 1st March 2012 at the Fira de Barcelona Montjuic in Barcelona.

“The line-up of keynote speakers strengthens what is an already unparalleled conference programme,” said Michael O’Hara, Chief Marketing Officer, GSMA. “Mobile World Congress attendees will have the opportunity to hear from many of the mobile communications industry’s most influential leaders across our four-day programme. We’re looking forward to a very exciting event in February.”

Keynote speakers at Mobile World Congress include:

• Warren East, CEO, ARM
• Brian Dunn, CEO, Best Buy
• Xi Guohua, Vice Chairman, China Mobile
• Vikram Pandit, CEO, Citigroup
• Michael Abbott, CEO, ISIS
• Kevin Johnson, CEO, Juniper Networks
• Dan Hesse, CEO, Sprint Nextel
• Jo Lunder, CEO, VimpelCom Previously announced Mobile World Congress 2012 speakers are:
• Ben Verwaayen, CEO, Alcatel-Lucent
• Ralph de la Vega, President and CEO – AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets, AT&T
• Sunil Mittal, Chairman and MD, Bharti Airtel
• René Obermann, CEO, Deutsche Telekom
• John Donahoe, President and CEO, eBay
• John Riccitiello, CEO, Electronic Arts
• Hans Vestberg, President and CEO, Ericsson
• Eric Schmidt, Executive Chairman, Google
• Peter Chou, CEO, HTC
• Michael Roth, Chairman and CEO, Interpublic Group
• Stephen Elop, President and CEO, Nokia
• Ryuji Yamada, President and CEO, NTT DOCOMO
• Franco Bernabè, Chairman and CEO, Telecom Italia Group
• Jon Fredrik Baksaas, President and CEO, Telenor Group
• Vittorio Colao, Chief Executive, Vodafone

Topic areas addressed in the keynote programme will include mobile operator strategies in developed and developing markets, cloud computing, connected consumers, mobile money, mobile OS and applications and next-generation networks and technologies.

In addition to the keynote programme, the 2012 conference will also feature dedicated tracks on applications, cloud computing, embedded mobile, mobile advertising, mobile health, mobile money, next-generation technologies and OSS/BSS, as well as sessions exploring business strategy, developing markets, devices, network capacity, regional issues and social media, among other subjects.

EIBTM AWARDS EXHIBITORS FOR INNOVATIVE SHOWCASES

EIBTM 2011 awards eight stands at the show in Barcelona for exhibition excellence in a variety of categories.

 The EIBTM Stand Awards looks to recognise and highlight the best and most effective exhibitors and their stands. The awards have been designed to reward companies who successfully create impactful and business effective environments with their space at EIBTM.

 The panel of judges comprised Jeremy Garbett (Founder, Deeper Blue Ltd), Pat Holmes (Managing Director, Pat Homes Consulting), Nina Gardiner (Managing Partner, Cut Communications) who judged the Most Effective use of PR award and Charlie Banks (Sustainability Events Advisor, Positive Impact Events) who judged the Sustainable Stand Award.

The following winners were announced:

The Best Shell Scheme Design award was won by Eventresult for its unusual, persuasive design graphics. The stand was well executed with a good control of graphics iconography, lighting and stand furniture.

Ben Buurke, Managing Director, Eventresult commented: “EIBTM is an extremely important exhibition for Eventresult. The show offers an excellent opportunity to meet senior level personnel from the international congress and meetings industry.

We are delighted that our stand won the Award for ‘Best Shell Scheme Design’. We are a company which provides presentation solutions and it was important that anyone who walked past our stand could easily understand what we offer; in a clear and appealing way. It is therefore, very satisfying that our efforts have been acknowledged by the organisers of EIBTM, with such an award.”

The winner of the Best Stand Design Overall, the Hungarian Convention Bureau was awarded for a light, spacious stand with great use of compound curves and movement to catch the eye of visitors and bring them into the stand.

Anikó Ferenczy, Director commented: “We are very proud that the Hungarian booth representing the importance of our thermal water treasures was awarded “Best Stand Overall Design” at last by EIBTM. The award is the recognition of our work in order to have an impressive stand to attract more visitors at the fairs.”

Best Stand for Doing Business was awarded to Barcelona Convention Bureau for positive first impressions, clear signage and graphics and a relaxed spacious environment and dedicated lounge space, which proved very conducive to business.

Dawn Page, Director of UK and Northern Europe of the Hong Kong Tourism Board and winner of the Best Stand Personnel award commented: “We are honoured to receive this ‘Best Stand Personnel’ Award. The award does not only recognise the great performance of our hospitable team, but also underlies HKTB’s long-standing commitment to offering top class services to visitors and upholding Hong Kong’s reputation as a welcoming destination.”

Oman Ministry of Tourism was awarded Best Stand Feature and Attraction for a well crafted and discreet stand design embodying the spirit and soul of Oman and Portugal was awarded for Most Innovative Stand Technology and Event Services for their use of a large LED block which was used to project a colourful and vivid software story of iconic stills.

The Most Effective use of PR award was presented to London and Partners for their integrated campaign combining media relations, press conference, social media and innovative use of promotions and brand messaging at the show.

Conventa, the South East European Exhibitions for Meetings, Events and Incentives won the Sustainable Stand Award this year for their clear understanding of sustainability and visual design of their stand. The stand was built using sustainable wooden creates and cardboard as well as other reusable items.

EIBTM 2012 takes place 27^th – 29^th November 2012, Barcelona.

EIBTM DELIVERS FIRST FULL SHOW EVENT APP

EIBTM (www.eibtm.com) have launched their first full show EIBTM Event APP, which has been designed to meet the individual needs of all EIBTM attendees. The APP will contain all exhibitor and show information, venue maps and floor plan, a guide to the city of Barcelona and direct links to all social media portals.

The EIBTM APP sponsored by Lufthansa German Airlines will also allow users to build their event itinerary with the event planner tool. It will be continually updated before and during EIBTM with a full ‘What’s on’ guide, essential information, exhibitor listings, speaker profiles and the latest show photos.

The APP is available to download free of charge and will be a tool that all attendees can use to make the most from the EIBTM event, pre show, onsite at the show and post-show. To download now please visit www.eibtm.com/APP

Gudrun Gorner, Corporate Communications Executive, Lufthansa German Airlines commented: “We are very proud to be sponsors of the new EIBTM APP. It’s a fantastic tool for everyone attending the show and we feel that it will make a real difference – being able to access all of the latest information instantly.”

Trade Visitor registration for EIBTM 2011 is available through the App or at www.eibtm.com/register Pre-registering is free of charge and will save the onsite entry fee of €25. Benefits of pre-registering include: Fast track entry saving you valuable time queuing, flexibility to arrange your own schedule, discounted travel and accommodation and pre-show information and updates allowing you to effectively plan your visit.

EIBTM 2011 takes place 29^th November – 1^st December 2011, Barcelona.

EIBTM SUSTAINABILITY DRIVING BUSINESS FOR ATTENDEES

EIBTM, (www.eibtm.com) the leading global event in the meetings and events industry have implemented numerous initiatives which will contribute towards the overall environmental conscience and business success for the industry whilst delivering an event which is approved by the British Standard for Sustainable Event Management accreditation (BS8901).

Commenting on the initiatives, Reed Travel Exhibitions EIBTM Event Director Graeme Barnett said: “Our climate is changing with potentially substantial implications for our lives, our businesses and our future with the events industry being no exception. As the leading global exhibition for the meetings and events industry, we want to ensure that everyone involved in organising events, understand these trends, and the direct implications they hold for their businesses”.

“One of our key objectives it to educate our stakeholders about ways they can respond to their business objectives in a more sustainable way, as we believe this is the way forward for our industry. Commitment to sustainable actions will help to drive business, retain customers and preserve our environment ”.

EIBTM invites attendees and exhibitors to visit the Sustainable Events Corner, where they can get practical advice and hear from industry experts on key issues and best practice relating to sustainability within the industry.

Rebecca Saunders, Sustainable Consultant from Sustainable Events Limited commented: “The Sustainable Events Corner (stand G800) is integral to supporting EIBTM’s commitment to delivering an environmentally friendly and socially responsible show. Our corner will deliver leading education from industry practitioners and experts sharing best practice and top tips. We will also be providing a complimentary open advice clinic for anyone to come and learn more about event sustainability and a wide range of informative sessions for everyone attending”.

New this year, there will short interactive presentations on the hour throughout the entire show which will include insight from leading industry experts and two industry associations who are leading in the provision of sustainability support to their members, Meetings Professional International (MPI) and the Green Meetings Industry Council (GMIC).

Experts sharing sustainable tips will include Tamara Kennedy-Hill from GMIC, Roger Simons (MPI), Magdalina Yarichkova (Sustainable Events Alliance), Guy Bigwood (MCI) and Andrew Walker (E3 Strategy). There will be a host of topics discussed in short, interactive workshops, as well drop in sessions, for anyone looking for more advice and information. There will also be an advice clinic for anyone wishing to learn more or ask industry leaders specific sustainability questions. Please visit www.eibtm.com/csredu to view full EIBTM sustainable education programme.

This year also sees the return of the Sustainable Stand Award with many exhibitors rising to the challenge and implementing sustainability initiatives. Exhibitors wishing to participate in the award will be required to demonstrate their dedication to sustainability through showing they have considered sustainability in all aspects of their participation at EIBTM. If you are interested in participating in the award, please visit www.eibtm.com/sustainability for the application form or more information.

EIBTM will continue to work closely with the Fira Gran Via to ensure that waste and unused items are disposed of appropriately following the event. Donations will be made to Voluntaris Catalunya following the show and all other waste will be recycled as appropriate. There will also be a team of waste managers onsite to advise contractors about ways to reduce, reuse and recycle materials during build up and breakdown. The Fira also provides a number of recycling points which are available for all exhibitors to use.

EIBTM is again encouraging all exhibitors to take a sustainable approach to CSR through ‘20 Sustainable Actions’. These are actions that exhibitors can implement in their own journey to become more sustainable. Any exhibitor that undertakes five or more of the actions will be recognised on site with a special certificate acknowledging their efforts. Please visit www.eibtm.com/sustainability to view the 20 Sustainable Actions check list.

Trade Visitor registration for EIBTM 2011 is open at www.eibtm.com/register. Pre-registering is free of charge and will save the onsite entry fee of €25. Benefits of pre-registering include: Fast track entry saving you valuable time queuing, flexibility to arrange your own schedule, discounted travel and accommodation and pre-show information and updates allowing you to effectively plan your visit.

EIBTM 2011 takes place 29^th November – 1^st December 2011, Barcelona.

Make the most of New Business Opportunities in the Future Events Experience

The new live Future Events Experience at EIBTM (www.eibtm.com) will deliver a number of business, education and networking opportunities to deliver insight into how future conferences and meetings will be run.

Located near the Internet Café and EIBTM Lecture Theatre, the Future Events Experience (Stand P350) is tipped to be the most visited new feature at the show. In partnership with SyncPartners and Newtonstrand, the ‘Future Events Experience’ will incorporate innovative speaker presentations, a live demonstration area, technology showcase and networking opportunities for all. For the full programme please visit: www.eibtm.com/future

Newtonstrand’s ‘Chance2Speak’ will also provide another innovative platform to enhance education and networking opportunities, by empowering every delegate to become a speaker at the event by sharing ideas and thoughts. Attendees are invited to book a 10 minutes time slot to speak to the Future Events Experience audience http://newtonstrand.com/eibtm/speak/speak.html

An ‘Ask the Experts’ session will also take place on Tuesday 29^th November at 10:45am- 11:15am. The panel comprising five Technology Experts will be onsite to discuss all technology questions, issues and challenges which the audience raise http://www.eibtm.com/page.cfm/action=Seminars/SeminarID=68

All exhibitors at EIBTM are also invited to upload their brochures and E-Posters free of charge onto the interactive screens in the new Future Events Experience. This offers exhibitors a unique opportunity to reach show attendees with their key business messages. For more information please visit: http://eposters.newtonstrand.com

Trade Visitor registration for EIBTM 2011 is open at www.eibtm.com/register. Pre-registering is free of charge and will save the onsite entry fee of €25. Benefits of pre-registering include: Fast track entry saving you valuable time queuing, flexibility to arrange your own schedule, discounted travel and accommodation and pre-show information and updates allowing you to effectively plan your visit.

EIBTM 2011 takes place 29^th November – 1^st December 2011, Barcelona.

China’s industry leaders gather at EIBTM to discuss the global impact the country is having on the Meetings Sector

For the first time, EIBTM (www.eibtm.com) is to present a China Meetings Summit, to give the international meetings industry a view of how the world’s economic power house is determined to succeed on the global stage winning high profile business led events.

As economists look to China and it’s potential for 70% growth over the next 5 years, conversations are leading towards one critical conclusion – If a business isn’t positioned in the Chinese market or serving clients in that region, high growth is going to be difficult to achieve. The China Meetings Summit will look at the meetings industry from a first tier destination perspective and from a meeting planner perspective, bringing a highly interactive session with live debate and presentations from some of China’s key industry leaders, showing how they are competing for business with the rest of the world.

Craig Moyes, Group Exhibition Director, IBTM Portfolio commented “The IBTM portfolio of events includes CIBTM – the annual event for the meetings industry that was launched in Beijing in 2005. Year on year this event grows from not only an international, local and regional exhibitor base but also from a Hosted Buyer and trade visitor perspective. Strategically located in the capital city of China, and the getaway for government and industry, the influence that CIBTM has on the industry sector, both inbound and outbound from China, gives us the opportunity to bring this perspective to our biggest event, EIBTM.”

The panel, facilitated by Eric Rozenberg (Non-Executive Chair of the IBTM Portfolio and President of Swantegy Ltd) will assess the new business mix in China and the increasing importance of meetings to in the success to secure business. Discussions will also consider the impacts of national and domestic business giants and their impact on the outbound meetings markets as well as the impact major events such as the Olympic Games (Beijing) have had on the success of their economy.

Other topics for discussion will cover anticipated growth for the industry, the development of the domestic meetings industry and the ways in which the local trade and infrastructure is helping to meet the perpetuating needs of a meetings industry which is expanding at an exponential rate.

The panel will comprise Golfer Gao (Deputy Director of High-end Tourism Department, Beiging Municipal Commission of Tourism Development), Patrick Chen (Deputy Director of International Tourism Promotion Department, Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration), Mr. William Wei (Deputy General Manager, China National Convention Center), Mr. George Qiao (Deputy Director of Department of International Cooperation, China Electronic Chamber of Commerce), Les Sinclair (Director, Regional Accounts, Global Synergies) and Ms. DSally Greenhill, Managing Director, The Right Solution).

The China Meetings Summit will take place on Tuesday 29^th November at 3:30 – 4:30pm (conference room 5.3) at EIBTM this year. Please visit www.eibtm.com for more information and ways to attend.

EIBTM 2011 takes place 29^th November – 1^st December 2011, Barcelona.

EIBTM HOSTED BUYERS GEAR UP FOR MAJOR BUSINESS IN BARCELONA

Strategic initiatives are proving to have a positive impact on Hosted Buyers and excitement is building as EIBTM (www.eibtm.com), the Global Meetings and Events Exhibitions is set for another year of serious business in The Fira Gran Via, Barcelona (29 November – 1^st December).

Ronald Kötteritzsch,
Director Marketing & Sales
– 
Leipziger Messe GmbH commented: “I have been a regular attendee at EIBTM throughout many years, even back in the Geneva years. This show is very important for us, as it has helped to bring Leipzig onto the map and into the minds of international meeting planners. EIBTM is a precious opportunity to meet key decision makers from many important associations. In fact, many of our success stories and many bids we have been able to win, started with a first personal contact at the EIBTM”.

 With over 3,100 exhibitors confirmed to attend EIBTM and take advantage of these additional business opportunities, anticipation levels are high with many returning exhibitors maintaining that EIBTM is the main event in their business calendar.

 Meenaz Lilani, Executive Director Global Sales EMEA for Fairmont Raffles Hotels International commented: “Since we opened up our diaries, pretty much all of our sharing partners are 60% full already with appointments. Last year we had 730 pre-scheduled appointments so this year with 25 diaries, this could gives us at least another 70 appointments, we are delighted”.

 “We are showcasing our new properties that are opening including Fairmont Baku in Azerbaijan, Fairmont Kieve in the Ukraine and Fairmont Jaipur in India at EIBTM, so additional business opportunities really will help to focus in on these new destinations”.

 This year’s EIBTM Association Programme, sponsored by Madrid Convention Bureau, Qatar National Convention Centre, Singapore Convention & Exhibition Bureau and Vienna Convention Bureau and will celebrate its 10^th anniversary. The programme is focused on issues and objectives highlighted by executives from the industry as key to their learning and development.

 EIBTM, a Reed Travel Exhibitions event has witnessed some major shifts within the meetings industry over the last 12 months as competition for business intensifies. This year’s Hosted Buyer programme will see increased presence from fast emerging markets such as Latin America and Russia as well as increased interest from more traditional markets such as France, United Kingdom and Belgium as their respective markets continue to strengthen.

 Yaroslav Artemchu, Group Coordinator for Business Forum Ltd. Russia commented: “The EIBTM is important for Business Forum Ltd. Firstly our company, amongst many others in Russia is interested in the development of the Meetings industry. EIBTM gives us this great opportunity. Secondly, when we are finding Hosted Buyers for EIBTM, we are expanding the range of possibilities for our company and building many strong partnerships within the meetings and events industry market”.

 June Clark, Reed Travel Exhibitions Hosted Buyer Programme Manager, EIBTM commented: “As part of the IBTM Portfolio, the EIBTM Hosted Buyer Programme has a truly global dimension. Our aim is to successfully identify and recruit buyers from across the globe, that place meetings and events with both high volume and value. These are the buyers our exhibitors want to meet”.

For more information about the EIBTM Hosted Buyer programme please visit www.eibtm.com. Trade Visitor registration for EIBTM 2011 is also open. Pre-registering at www.eibtm.com/register provides the flexibility of diary planning, saves money, offers various travel discounts on accommodation and flights plus fast track entry to 3 days of business, education and networking at the world’s leading industry event.

 EIBTM 2011 takes place 29^th November – 1^st December 2011, Barcelona.

Poland, Country of Young Leaders!

Rob Davidson the esteemed expert of Meeting Industry, from University of Greenwich, made his decision! Among hundreds of Essays, choose the 20 best ones, giving to 20 people, working in the meeting industry (under30) the possibility to attend one of the most appealing training of the industry – Forum for Young Professionals, Barcelona 2011. Invitation to these elite training was the prize in a competition for young professionals (under 30), whose task was to write an essay on one of the four themes proposed by the organizers. This year Poland doubled the success! Two participants, Agata Walczak-Ziller, Gdansk Convention Bureau and Davide Odella, Trip Group Warsaw (DMC and PCO) are going to attend the Forum. The 2011 Forum for Young Professional organized and sponsored by ICCA (the International Congress and Convention Association) and EIBTM (international exhibition of tourism business in Barcelona).

FYP is an incredible few day meeting of young professionals from different countries and continents. Delegates have seminars with world-renowned experts in the meetings industry, such as Corbin Ball and Miguel Neves, Graeme Barnett and many others who will share his experiences with the group. During the workshops delegates’ task is to prepare a BID. They will have an opportunity to test their presentation skills. The training also allows to look at meetings industry from different perspectives: venues, destinations, associations.

In 2010 among the winners there was Polish representative – Marta Wisniewska from Gdansk Convention Bureau: ‘FYP was an absolutely fantastic experience! The meeting gave me a valuable chance to build personal and professional network. I had the honour of working with world famous experts and learning from their experience. The training helped me to identify new trends in meetings industry, expand my world view and basically let me see new possibilities. I encourage everyone to apply for it.’

Does it mean Poland focus on Generation Y? First of all Poland is fast growing convention destination in Europe. Just to mention few rising stars of eastern Europe: Warsaw, Gdansk, Krakow. What’s the key to the success? They simply follow international trend – Generation Y is a future of meetings industry. Polish PCOs, Convention Bureaux, DMCs, Venues, Suppliers – they employ young professionals to develop business faster than competitors. Can Generation Y lead the polish meetings industry on their own? Of course not. They still need the support of more experienced colleagues but they can give fresh breeze to eastern European market. Young professionals implement new technologies faster, they are loyal, dedicated, creative and enthusiastic. That is the core of polish model. Professional, enthusiastic team is the key factor of success of every company.

EIBTM – WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU THIS YEAR?

PRE-REGISTER NOW!

EIBTM, the world’s leading event for the meetings and events industry provides a one-stop shop for everyone planning to enhance their business knowledge, opportunities and contacts within the industry. The show, which takes place in the Fira Gran Via, Barcelona (29 November – 1 December) has something to offer all attendees so pre-register to attend as a trade visitor now at www.eibtm.com/register.

Graeme Barnett, Reed Travel Exhibitions EIBTM Event Director commented: “Each year EIBTM brings together over 14,000 industry professionals and provides each and every attendee with the opportunity to build on the business skills, knowledge and contacts which they require to support their business objectives”.

We encourage visitors to pre-register to attend as early as possible so that they can make the most of all of the travel and accommodation deals and have adequate time to plan their business schedule in advance. EIBTM has so much to offer so make sure you don’t miss the meetings industry event of the year”.

Visitors who register online before the event can gain free entry to EIBTM saving €25 (onsite entry fee). Pre-registration guarantees fast-track entry to three days of business, education and networking and a host of other exciting benefits.

Over 3,000 exhibitors from hotels, meetings venues, destinations and event services across the globe will be offering exhibitor promotions exclusive to EIBTM for all visitors attending the show. To find out more about all of the offers available to you please visit www.eibtm.com/exhibpromo.

All pre-registered trade visitors who attend the show will also be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win a luxury holiday for two courtesy of Istanbul Convention & Visitors Bureau and partners. The winner will be announced on the week commencing 12th December 2011.

Trade visitors can also benefit from discounted accommodation in 47 partner hotels across Barcelona, free coach services from official hotels to the Fira Gran Via. Lufthansa will once again provide competitive airfares for all pre-registered trade visitors through its global network linking Barcelona with multiple major cities around the world.

Attendees are also invited to attend a full programme of over 40 education sessions led by some of the most influential experts in the industry. This year EIBTM’S Education Programme will combine experience, research and industry knowledge to lead the way in delivering critical insight and solutions to meetings industry issues. Trade visitor attendance is free and the programme includes a series of Spanish language seminars dedicated to the local meetings industry community.

New to the show this year – EIBTM have created a Future Events Experience. This new live experience will provide an insight into how future conferences and meetings will be run and how social media technologies will re-shape attendees’ experiences. EIBTM will also be running a number of Technology Education sessions considering the relevance and impacts of various applications ranging from social media and mobile technology to Ipads and tablets. Each session is structured to evoke a range of debates and discussions throughout.

Further to this, there will also be sustainability drop in education sessions and advice clinics to help all visitors ensure that they are doing everything possible to make their events as sustainable as possible.

Trade visitors are also invited to join the best parties in town during this year’s show where they can meet and network with colleagues and build on industry contacts. This year the Welcome Reception will take place in a new venue – the famous Barcelona Magical Fountains in the heart of the City and the EIBTM Club Night will also move to Barcelona’s top nightspot Opium Mar. The full event programme can be viewed at www.eibtm.com/whatson

Barcelona is an award winning meetings city, ranked second in ICCA’s 2010 rankings for the most popular destination for international congresses. The city is fully equipped to host congresses and conventions and serves as a great city break location. If you are interested in attending EIBTM, register now at www.eibtm.com/register

EIBTM 2011 takes place 29th November – 1st December 2011, Barcelona.

GLOBAL INDUSTRY LEADERS COMBINE FORCES TO PRESENT WORLD-CLASS INDUSTRY RESEARCH AT EIBTM

Led by some of the most influential experts in the industry, this year EIBTM’s Education Programme (www.eibtm.com) will combine experience, research and industry knowledge to lead the way in delivering critical insight and solutions to meetings industry issues. 

Dedicated towards achieving business excellence, the programme strives to raise industry standards and encourage learning and development. Each element has been researched and structured to ensure that providing support and improving business is at the forefront of all content.

This years EIBTM programme running from 29^th November to the 1^st December at the Fira Gran Via, Barcelona will comprise a series of over 40 structured seminars, workshops and conferences which will tackle key themes and hot topics whilst addressing real industry issues.

Erica Keogan, Reed Travel Exhibitions Education Content Manager EIBTM comments: “The economic significance of meetings on the national economy in enormous and as the world’s leading exhibition for the meetings and events industry, it is imperative that we support the meetings industry and move it forward in every way possible. We believe that be educating and inspiring these professionals – we will help to achieve this”.

“This year we have really focused on getting right to the heart of issues which meetings industry professionals are faced with each day. We have focused on delivering content, which will ensure all of our attendees leave each seminar with meaningful and relevant inspirations and solutions, which they can apply in their field of work”.

The Economic Significance of Meetings on National Economies session moderated by Karen Kotowski, CIC, will bring together a panel of representatives from the U.S., Canada and Mexico comprising Deborah Sexton (PCMA), Bruce MacMillan (MPI), Jakub Konysz (ASAE) and Eduardo Chaillo (Mexico Tourism Bureau) to answer questions and discuss the importance of economic research and consider the meetings industry’s role in creating jobs, economic growth and revenue generation. The panel will also consider ways in which this information can be used to promote the value of face-to-face meetings.

EIBTM will also provide the platform for the European 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.

The results of the Association Leadership Survey by Bridle Research & Development session will also be revealed for discussion in the session, which is dedicated to considering how the economic downturn has changed the way Associations are structured and operated. Many Associations are still trying to find their future and their contribution in this rapidly changing world and the content of these sessions are aimed at providing insight and understanding around this issue.

As well as a questionnaire being circulated, interviews will be conducted with some Associations to seek examples of good practice and identify future trends. If any Association would like to be part of the study, then please contact Lorna Bainbridge on lorna@bridleinternational.com

EIBTM will also see the launch of Rob Davidson’s 2011 Industry Trends & Market Share Report. Rob’s annual research as EIBTM’s industry analyst will create insight into the global economic situation we find ourselves in, and how the meetings and events industry are responding to it. His research will also present an overview of the national economies including Brazil, Russia, India and China, the US and Europe and consider the evolving role of technology in meetings and events and the ways in which social media has witnessed a major surge in importance this year.

Reed Travel Exhibitions, organisers of EIBTM and the IBTM portfolio will additionally be launching it’s first IBTM Global Meetings Industry Research Study. This primary research will provide essential insight into business flows of the meetings and incentives industry globally, revealing the key performing areas, regions and sectors of business. It will give the industry essential information to shape their business strategy moving into 2012.

The general education programme also features a series of Spanish seminars specifically for the local market. The sessions will examine the theory and practise of networking, the importance of social networks within a business, the ways in which events can deliver return on investment and show case various case studies of Spanish companies who have launched international events successfully. The programme will directly address ways in which local companies can enhance their position in the market sector.

In addition to this, EIBTM will also be running a number of technology education sessions. The now famous Technology Hour will take place everyday in the Lecture Theatre on the show floor and topics will consider the relevance and impacts of various applications ranging from social media and mobile technology to Ipads and tablets. Ivan Lazarev, President and CEO, ITN International and the winner for EIBTM Technology Watch will present the winning concept for this year. Each session has been structured to evoke a range of debates and discussions throughout.

All EIBTM general education programme sessions are free to attend and open to all. Those wishing to attend can register for free at www.eibtm.com/register

Sessions in conjunction with Association, Corporate and Agency programmes are open to Hosted Buyers only and places must be pre-booked. Information about attending EIBTM as a Hosted Buyer and the full event programme can be found at www.eibtm.com

EIBTM CEO SUMMIT 2011

A Meeting of Great Minds to reflect on Global Events of our Future

The EIBTM CEO Summit (www.eibtm.com) now in its 6th year will take place on Wednesday 30th November at Fira Gran Via, Barcelona. This global forum will bring together over 60 C-level executives from across the meetings and incentive industry to learn and debate insights and trends that can and will affect and influence their respective businesses now and in the future.

The key theme for this year’s EIBTM CEO Summit will centre on ‘Global Events’ and include a succinct and thoroughly up-to-date analysis of the global economy from Professor Dominic Swords – with particular reference both to the Eurozone and the region’s critical debt crisis plus an insight into the expanding opportunities within the BRIC economies.

Dominic has a background in the City working in Economic Intelligence at the Bank of England. He is a regular contributor to a number of TV and Radio programmes including CNBC’s ‘Strictly Money’, News 24 and BBC’s Financial World Tonight. Dominic’s international experience includes client projects in the EU, US, the Far East and Australia.

Jeremy Garbett, CEO Summit Chair and Founding Director for Deeper Blue Ltd. commented on the programme of events for this years Summit: “It’s a deliberate step back to look at the broader picture and for the invited CEO audience to have the opportunity to network and debate the more global aspects that continually swirl around and affect our industry. Feedback from our CEO Summit in Baltimore this year has been outstanding and we look to offer a similar depth and brevity of world-class speakers supported within a challenging and engaging agenda in our forthcoming Barcelona programme.”

Following this, the focus of the summit will steer towards tackling the challenges that the evolving communications environment presents as it rapidly develops.

Ewan McLeod, Social Media Expert and Founder of Mobile Industry Review, will map out the growth in global interconnectivity via mobile technology and consider the existence, application and relevance of specific advances in social media for meeting and event planners.

Finally professional speaker, PR expert, journalist and crisis communication expert Alan Stevens (one of the top 10 media experts in Europe, The Independent) will present an analysis on how to plan more effectively. He will consider the impacts this could have on potential management of a crisis or global event and the ways in which these tools can be used in relation to both traditional and social media.

Graeme Barnett, Reed Travel Exhibitions Event Director EIBTM commented: “Our compelling annual summit provides a powerful opportunity for an invited audience of top industry players to come together and shape the future of our industry. We are dedicated to ensuring our CEO Summit programme is tailored to the meetings industry and that our speakers are of the highest caliber. The Summit is well on its way in educating, inspiring and captivating industry leaders from across the globe.”

This year’s CEO Summit will be facilitated by Nadine Dereza, a specialist business presenter and accomplished interviewer, previously reporting for CNN, Sky TV, BBC, Talk Radio, Simply Money, SABC and Summit TV. As London Markets Correspondent for the Financial Times, Nadine was awarded ‘Financial Journalist of the Year’. Nadine is a permanent fixture on the corporate circuit, chairing and facilitating numerous conferences and live events for a diverse range of businesses and organisations, across many different sectors globally.

EIBTM 2011 takes place 29th November – 1st December 2011, Barcelona.

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EIBTM ASSOCIATION PROGRAMME STRATEGICALLY ALIGNED TO ADDRESS KEY INDUSTRY ISSUES

This year’s EIBTM Association Programme is focused on issues and objectives highlighted by executives from the industry as key to their learning and development. Celebrating its 10^th anniversary, the EIBTM Association Programme (www.eibtm.com) organised by Reed Travel Exhibitions, in conjunction with Gallus Events, will, as a result of this research, address member growth and retention, raising income, communicating with members and the threats and opportunities of the social media revolution.

For the first time, attendees will be shown short video clips from EIBTM YouTube channel where Association Executives explain the challenges they face. The day will then focus on an agenda that addresses their issues whilst providing time for interaction, debate, breakout sessions and peer-to-peer networking.

Martin Sirk, CEO, ICCA commented: “The international association meetings Market has been consistently resilient over the last few years of economic turbulence, so ICCA is delighted to see another strong association programme at this year’s EIBTM. For ICCA members around the world these association professionals are EIBTM’s most valued clients and we look forward to another excellent opportunity to bring these two communities together.”

The 2-day programme will equip attendees with relevant tools, knowledge and insight, enabling individuals to create more effective and profitable events for their associations. Interwoven throughout the sessions, key themes will be addressed, including membership growth and retention, revenue generation and communications, specifically the use of social media.

Thomas Morano, Vice President, Meetings & Conferences, American Financial Services Association, Washington, DC commented: “EIBTM has proven to be the industry event of the year. After attending the Association Programme for several years, I have found the timing, location and convergence of industry leaders from all corners of the world at one place to be the best use of my time. The Hosted Buyer program makes it an easy financial decision as well. My plan is to attend again in 2011 to expand my knowledge in products and services while learning the latest trends”.

Highlights from the sessions include; Jeff Hurt, Director of Education and Engagement, Velvet Chainsaw Consulting (US) presenting his views on Objective Led Events and helping his audience discover the power of objectives, what good and bad congress objectives look like and setting guidelines on being bold but realistic when setting objectives and benchmarking.

Michael Coogan, Ex Director General, Council of Mortgage Lenders (UK) will offer insight on the importance of understanding roles when planning and delivering events. His session, aimed at the senior Association professional, will consider how various roles impact on the event process, from Event Organiser to Association Head. The session will also cover aspects such as cost management and budgeting, benchmarking and best practice.

Day two will tackle the fundamental components of the largest association run event; The Annual Congress. The day will commence with an opening discussion before moving on to various case studies, breakout and Q&A sessions which have been integrated into the structure to ensure that association peers form across the globe are given the opportunity to network with one another.

Break out sessions will focus on learning and content development for the Annual Congress and organisational approaches to addressing key conference themes including retaining and recruiting members; raising income and communicating successfully with all members.

Networking is a fundamental component of the programme, which strives not only to support business objectives but also to connect Association planners from across the globe. At the end of each day there will be a Personal Connections Networking Event – in conjunction with ICCA.

Graeme Barnett, Reed Travel Exhibitions Event Director EIBTM comments: “Ten years of Association excellence is a great achievement but we are always looking to evolve and develop the programme to meet the specific needs of the Association event planning community. Each year we review the content, format and objectives, taking advice from leading Associations who support the event such as ASAE, PCMA, ICCA and Association Resource. We want to make sure that EIBTM’s Association Programme remains the leading annual event for Association Meetings Planners and Association Management Companies.”

For further information about becoming a Hosted Buyer or to register to attend please visit www.eibtm.com/hosted. When applying for the Hosted Buyer place please select the Association option. Alternatively, you can contact the EIBTM Hosted Buyer team directly on +44 (0) 20 8271 2127 or at eibtm-hosted@reedexpo.co.uk.

EIBTM 2011 takes place 29^th November – 1^st December 2011, Barcelona.

EIBTM – DIGITAL INNOVATIONS FOR BETTER BUSINESS

The changing face of EIBTM (www.eibtm.com) – the leading global event for the meetings and events industry – will see a number of innovations at this years show, dedicated to bringing business directly to Trade Visitors, Hosted Buyers and Exhibitors more effectively.

Reed Travel Exhibitions Event Director EIBTM Graeme Barnett commented “Whilst we expect some 60,000 pre-scheduled business meetings to take place during the 3 days of the event, we are also delivering new ways of providing communications between more than 14,000 attendees through every available digital channel from live TV to interactive floor plans and Apps”.

“The changing world we are all living in is being re-shaped every day by emerging technologies that connect and engage individuals all over the world to contribute, share, express and debate information. They also affect the way businesses are run today, and that consequentially impacts all aspects of the event industry. One of our key objectives is to utilise every tool available to us to ensure all business opportunities are delivered in a relevant, accessible and meaningful way”.

The onsite TV channel EIBTM TV produced by Grupo eventoplus has been developed to add new business dimension to the event. The channel will deliver a continuous news stream including the EIBTM programme of events, products and services. Content will be projected on two 6m LCD screens which will be suspended over the main aisle and in key locations around the exhibition to ensure that content can be clearly viewed by all show attendees.

EIBTM will deliver the first full show EIBTM Event APP, which has been designed to meet the individual needs of all Hosted Buyers and Trade Visitors. The APP will contain exhibitor and show information, venue maps and floor plan, a guide to the city of Barcelona and direct links to all social media portals. It has also been designed to allow users to build their event itinerary before and during EIBTM. EIBTM Event APP will be available soon and you can download the APP by visiting www.eibtm.com/APP

This year EIBTM will launch A2Z’s newly developed Event Map tool to offer all attendees an interactive floor plan of the EIBTM exhibition online. The interactive platform will facilitate better pre-show planning by enabling users to click on each location to view full exhibitor details so they can plan their business visits before arriving at EIBTM.

In conjunction with Poken, EIBTM will also provide each Association Hosted Buyer attending the show with a unique device, which will allow them to exchange a social business card with other Association Buyers present. Following the show, EIBTM Association Hosted Buyers can download all data to their PC’s and explore business opportunities via the personalised hub. The move served to illustrate the ways in which technology can be used to improve networking, business and contact building at the show.

EIBTM will use digital posters around the Future Events Experience to showcase exhibitor advertisements digitally. QR codes will be used on the show floor to assist visitors in downloading information directly to their mobile device. There will also be a series of video blogs and education content posted on the EIBTM TV website following the show to ensure that all education and show content can be accessed remotely.

EIBTM 2011 takes place 29^th November – 1^st December 2011, Barcelona.

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EIBTM WELCOMES OVER 42 NEW EXHIBITORS TO THE SHOW

EIBTM, the world’s leading Global Meetings and Events Exhibition (www.eibtm.com) sees 42 new destinations, DMC’s and venues present at the show this year which will take place in the Fira Gran Via, Barcelona (29^th November – 1^st December).

New suppliers exhibiting for the first time include; American Express, Calima Marketing Turistico Sl, Btg Event Solutions DMC & PCO, Louvre Hotels Group, Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, ATAHOTELS Spa, Pepper and Salt ® Event Group, 2morrow srl, H10 Hotels, Georgian National Tourism Agency and Riga Tourism Development Bureau.

EIBTM, a Reed Travel Exhibitions event has also seen 43 exhibitors from 2010 expand the size of their stand to accommodate more sharing companies who plan to do business at the event. These include Pacific World Asia / Ultramar Events Spain, Hungarian National Tourist Office, Moscow Exhibition and Convention Agency, Finland Convention Bureau, NH Hoteles and Cyprus Tourism Organisation – others are expected to follow.

Atout France and the members of the France Meetings and Convention Board will represent the French “savoir-faire” and are pleased to announce new exhibiting partners including Royal Riviera Hotel, Impérial Palace, Belambra Business resorts, The Blue Yellow Company and Vanilia Events.

EIBTM has made major developments in the layout of the show this year to accommodate the ever-growing demand for new and innovative companies who have chosen EIBTM as the platform to launch their product. The EIBTM Technology Village will also see 19 new technology companies exhibit there for the first time this year.

Exhibitors who attend EIBTM year on year have used EIBTM as a business platform since its inception. Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau who will be exhibiting for their 23^rd year commented: “We have attended every EIBTM since the beginning and as the main fair for the industry it’s very important. This year there will be over 30 people on our stand with 15 local convention bureaus and DMC’s”; commented Guendalina Rampazzi, Project Manager Meeting & Incentives, Switzerland Convention Bureau.

Reed Travel Exhibitions Event Director EIBTM Graeme Barnett commented: “EIBTM expects to see over 3,800 Hosted Buyers with serious purchasing power attend the show this year – 47% of Hosted Buyers attending EIBTM 2010 had annual meetings budgets of over $1m – so it is not surprising that suppliers of products and services for this industry should choose to attend EIBTM as part of their strategic marketing plans.”

“Exhibitors at the show benefit from tailored solutions for their sales and marketing objectives from having a stand presence to brand enhancing sponsorship which supports them further in delivering the best possible return on investment from their participation at the show”.

If you are interested in attending or exhibiting at EIBTM this year, please visit www.eibtm.com

EIBTM 2011 takes place 29^th November – 1^st December 2011, Barcelona.

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LUFTHANSA AIRLINES PROVIDE DISCOUNTED FARES FROM OVER 200 DESTINATIONS FOR EIBTM ATTENDEES

EIBTM, a Reed Travel Exhibitions event (www.eibtm.com) has announced that Lufthansa Airlines will once again provide competitive fares to all trade visitors and exhibiting personnel. Lufthansa, the lead supplier of flights for EIBTM offers a comprehensive global route network linking Barcelona, Spain with over 200 cities around the world including Russia, Middle East and South Africa.

To book flights and receive special EIBTM rates, please visit www.eibtm.com/travel follow the dedicated booking link and enter the special access code DEJII in the “Access to Event Booking” area. You can book your flights directly from this site which will offer you a discounted rate (typically 10% off published fares) on the lowest available fare.

EIBTM has also successfully secured competitive rates with 47 hotels for this year’s exhibition. There are 41 official (4* and 5*) partnering hotels in Barcelona and a further 6 non-official partnering (4* status) hotels. Rates range from 106 Euros for the Ayre Hotel Gran Via adjacent to the venue, up to 339 Euros for the Hotel Arts. A free shuttle bus service will operate between all official hotels, the airport and the venue.

Graeme Barnett, Reed Travel Exhibitions Event Director EIBTM comments: “We are very happy to announce that Lufthansa Airlines will once again be our official flight partner. With over 14,200 meetings and events professionals expected to attend, we want to support our attendees as much as we can to ensure that their time at the show is as easy and cost effective as possible.

Partnering with Lufthansa Airlines and various hotels around Barcelona allows us to secure the best rates possible for our attendees. Over the course of the show, we require 19,000 room nights for our Hosted Buyers, exhibitors, speakers and press alone – this is great news for the Barcelona hotel community and it also contributes to supporting the wider city economy”.

EIBTM 2011 takes places 29^th November – 1^st December 2011, Barcelona. For full details on how to travel to Barcelona, a full listing of official and non-official hotels and to register for free saving 25 Euros, please visit www.eibtm.com.

EIBTM HOSTED BUYER PROGRAMME ON TARGET FOR RECORD BREAKING LEVELS OF BUSINESS

Registration is now open for those wishing to apply for Hosted Buyer status at www.eibtm.com/hbreg

With a 4% increase in accepted applications (10 weeks from show), EIBTM is set for it’s best year of business yet. EIBTM expects to see over 3,800 Hosted Buyers with serious purchasing power to attend the show this year, with research showing that 47% of Hosted Buyers attending EIBTM 2010 had annual meetings budgets of over $1m.

EIBTM has also seen a 48% increase in accepted buyers from the UK compared to this time last year. Key countries including Belgium, Germany, Italy, Netherlands and Russia have seen a significant increase in accepted Hosted Buyer applications and as a result EIBTM, a Reed Travel Exhibitions Event has been working closely with Barcelona Convention Bureau, Ultramar Event Management and BCD Meetings & Incentives to ensure that each Hosted Buyer accepted is guaranteed complementary flights and 4/5 star accommodation.

Reed Travel Exhibitions have now also appointed a dedicated team in the US to provide additional support and assist with qualification and management of Hosted Buyers travelling from America.

Benefits for Hosted Buyers at EIBTM include complimentary flights and accommodation, transfers and a personal diary of pre–scheduled appointments. In addition to these, buyers will also benefit from invites to numerous networking functions, dedicated Hosted Buyer lounges, the chance to meet a broad range of international exhibitors and dedicated education (tailored to the needs of corporates, association and agencies).

In order to meet the growing demand for business meetings at EIBTM, an additional appointment per day will also be arranged for each accepted Buyer. As a result, EIBTM is expected to generate over 60,000 one-to-one appointments, ensuring maximum productivity and ROI is achieved.

June Clark, Reed Travel Exhibitions EIBTM Hosted Buyer Programme Manager commented: “What makes our Hosted Buyer programme so invaluable to those attending it that unlike other Hosted Buyer programmes, ours is ‘100% buyer driven’. All Hosted Buyers attending as individuals or as part of a group decide which exhibitors they would like to see before the show. EIBTM then matches these appointment and provides each buyer with an individual diary of pre-selected appointments”.

Research has also confirmed that 99% of International Buyers who attended EIBTM 2010 left the show feeling satisfied that the Global Meetings and Events Exhibition had met their commercial needs.

Collette Mcgannon, Senior Event Director, TM Forum commented: As an organizer of events the fraction of the size of EIBTM, I was completely blown away by Reed Travel Exhibitions organization and execution from start to finish. It was a wonderful event, and the Hosted Buyer team were simply superb.”

If you are an organiser of an event or conference; someone who influences or make budgetary decisions for international business travel, meetings, incentive travel, international conventions, product launches, or staff training, EIBTM would like to hear from you. Register at www.eibtm.com/hbreg

All details for how to qualify can be found by logging on to www.eibtm.com or you can contact our dedicated Hosted Buyer team on eibtm-hosted@reedexpo.co.uk.

EIBTM LEADS THE WAY INTO THE FUTURE

Building on its acclaimed international reputation for showcasing cutting edge technology solutions for event and meeting planners, EIBTM has attracted another year of great attendance from leading global suppliers of technological solutions for this years show in Fira Gran Via, Barcelona (29^th November – 1^st December. www.eibtm.com). EIBTM, a Reed Travel Exhibitions event, has pioneered the use of technology in developing new show features, which will enhance the experience and business opportunities for exhibitors and buyers to the show.

The Technology Village @ EIBTM 2011 is one of the fastest growing areas of the show and over the past 4 years the number of companies exhibiting has increased by 25%. Exhibitors new to the show this year include PSideo SA, H82 medientechnik, Availpro, EventPlatform, myQaa, Vivien – Virtual Event Designer and GoomeoEvents.

Those returning to EIBTM this year include Poken, M Events: The future of conference IT-Services & M2A: AV and Streaming Services, Chance2Meet – Newtonstrand, Amiando – Online Event Planning, a2z, Inc., Eventresult, etouches and Ungerboeck Software and Sherpa Solutions.

Thorsten Kolbinger (General Manager USI, EMEA) of Ungerboeck Systems Int. GmbH comments: “As the world leading event management software provider, we are glad to say that EIBTM is a must-attend trade show for us. We’re looking forward to attending for the 7th time, because EIBTM is the place where we can meet our customers and all the relevant industry contacts as well as generate new prospects and leads.”

The EIBTM Technology Watch – the most high profile and longest running technology recognition scheme for innovation in the meetings and events industry – has also received record-breaking levels of entry this year with 56 entries. EIBTM Technology Watch acts as a major opportunity for companies to demonstrate new and innovative technology solutions that have the capacity to make a real difference to the business of meeting and event planner’s.

Jacques Racine, President & CEO, Sherpa Solutions, the 2010 winner commented “We could not have been more pleased in 2010 to win the very significant EIBTM Technology Watch award. Since exhibiting at EIBTM last year we have confirmed over 200 large events for the next 18 months, placing us in the Number One spot in the market. Mobile solutions can play a very significant role in helping attendees and exhibitors get the most out of their participation to large events. We will not stand still”. Visit www.eibtm.com/TW2010 to find out more about last years entries.

New to the show this year – EIBTM have partnered with global meetings architecture consultants SyncPartners Ltd and Newtonstrand to create a Future Events Experience. This new live experience will provide an insight into how future conferences and meetings will be run and how social media technologies will re-shape attendees experiences.

In addition to this, EIBTM will be running a number of Technology Education sessions. The now famous Technology Hour will take place everyday in the Lecture Theatre on the show floor and topics will consider the relevance and impacts of various applications ranging from social media and mobile technology to Ipads and tablets. Each session is structured to evoke a range of debates and discussions throughout.

Graeme Barnett, Reed Travel Exhibitions Event Director EIBTM comments: “The changing world we are all living in is being re-shaped every day by emerging technologies that connect and engage individuals all over the world. This year we have looked at developing ways to support the exponential growth of this new and rapidly evolving medium. As the leading global event for the meetings and events industry, one of our main objectives is to drive change and bring industry players together to contribute, share, express and debate about these development – which will in turn, carry the industry forward”.

For 2011, EIBTM will be launching their first event App, enabling EIBTM participants to get full information about the event and plan their visit on their mobile device. Before, during and after the show, there will be news and updates as well as reminders about key events taking place during the show. For further information visit www.eibtm.com.

Activities explosion in CSIO Barcelona

The image of the oldest international sport event in Spain fills the streets of Barcelona thanks to the media campaign that started and displays the image of CSIO Barcelona 2011 in different forms: banners, illuminated signs, towers…
On the occasion of CSIO Barcelona 100th edition, various actions have been activated which show photographic and documentary material of high historical interest.

The Museu Olímpic i de l’Esport Joan Antoni Samaranch already exhibits pictures of the Real Club de Polo, which hosts the event. From September 12th the Catalan Parliament, located in the Ciudadela Park – were the first edition of CSIO Barcelona took place in June 1902- will host until September 25 another photographic exhibition.

On the same time Barcelona Shopping Line together with the association of the Amcs del Passeig de Gràcia, will support the communication campaign decorating the shop windows from September 12th on with equestrian items.
This year for the first time in history, CSIO Barcelona will be a part of the Fiestas de la Mercè. That is the reason why the entrance will be free during the opening day.

FINAL CALL FOR EIBTM 2011 TECHNOLOGY WATCH AWARD ENTRIES

WINNING ENTRY RECEIVES A STAND IN TECHNOLOGY VILLAGE @EIBTM

There are just two weeks left for organisations to enter the EIBTM Technology Watch awards scheme. The closing date is 2^nd September. EIBTM Technology Watch acts as a major opportunity for companies to demonstrate new and innovative technology solutions that make a real difference to the meeting and event planner’s business. It is free to enter and the most recognised company for technological innovation, voted by the judges, gets a stand within the Technology Village @ EIBTM 2011. The winner also gets to receive publicity through the EIBTM Show Daily, recognition in the communications and press releases about the awards distributed worldwide, the chance to do business with the Hosted Buyer and trade visitor community and to meet the global industry media that attend the show. They also get to present their winning technology at the end of a technology hour education session.

Judging will take place on Wednesday 5th October 2011 and the company chosen will be informed shortly after this date. To enter the Technology Watch awards scheme and for further details, visit www.eibtm.com/techwatch.

EIBTM 2011 takes places 29^th November – 1^st December 2011, Barcelona.

Join EIBTM on Linked in, Twitter and Facebook.

EIBTM 2011 VISITOR REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Take advantage of early accommodation and travel deals in Barcelona

Trade Visitor registration for EIBTM 2011 (29th November – 1st December) is now open. Pre-registration at www.eibtm.com/register <http://www.eibtm.com/register>  provides the flexibility of diary planning,
saves money, offers various travel discounts on accommodation and flights plus fast track entry to 3 days of business, education and networking at the world’s leading industry event.

Trade visitor status at EIBTM is an option offered to those who prefer to organise their own schedules and appointments during the three-day event taking place at the Fira Gran Via, Barcelona – it also secures free entry
(onsite entry fee is €25).  Online there are hotels for every budget and partner airline discounted travel for those who book early.

Additional privileges include regular show news updates in the run up the event, a copy of the show preview and fast-track entry. This year EIBTM will also be providing an e-badging option for visitors who would prefer to
receive their badge via email.

Trade visitors will have the opportunity to connect with over 14,200 international industry professionals expected to attend EIBTM 2011, access to 3,000 leading global suppliers and free entrance to cutting edge
education seminars and networking events.

All pre-registered attendees can also take advantage of the Connect@EIBTM networking tool. Connect@EIBTM is an online community providing pre-registered attendees direct access to communicate with other
participants attending the show and will be live in the final weeks leading up EIBTM.

“We encourage visitors to pre-register as early as possible so that they can take advantage of every aspect of the event, including discounted flights and accommodation in Barcelona.” confirmed Graeme Barnett, EIBTM
Event Director.

Shortly after ICCA’s announcement that Barcelona has been ranked as the 2nd most popular city destination for hosting international association meetings - EIBTM has announced it’s official partnership with Lufthansa airline and successfully secured competitive rates with 47 partner hotels starting from as little as €120 per night. For more information about visiting EIBTM please visit www.eibtm.com/travel <http://www.eibtm.com/travel>

To find out more about EIBTM and ways to attend, please visit www.eibtm.com <http://www.eibtm.com/>

EIBTM NETWORKING EVENTS

www.eibtm.com

NEW VENUES FOR  Hosted Buyer Icebreaker

Welcome Reception Club Night

The award winning City of Barcelona and the Barcelona Turisme Convention Bureau, has joined forces with Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) and local event partners to create a number of new venues for the networking events at this year’s EIBTM (29^th November to 1^st December) celebrating its 23^rd anniversary.

The EIBTM Welcome Reception will, for the first time, take place outside of the Fira in the centre of the City and around the famous Barcelona Magical Fountains. Created in 1929 for the Great Universal Exhibition, the fountains today produce a colour and light display that will form part of the evening’s entertainment. Courtesy transfers will, as usual, be provided for the 15-minute journey from Fira De Barcelona to the City centre.

This year’s first EIBTM networking event is the Hosted Buyer Icebreaker, on Monday 28^th November which will take place at the 5 star ME Barcelona (Melia Hotels) situated in the centre of town, and designed by renowned French architect Dominique Perrault. The venue is considered a dramatic new contemporary addition to the Barcelona hotel scene and the evening will bring the Hosted Buyer community together to network with each other prior to the start of the exhibition.

Barcelona’s top nightspot – Opium Mar – will be the new venue for EIBTM Club Night, which takes place on Wednesday evening 30^th November. Recently voted one of the “Finest Clubs in the World,” and the venue in the city for some of the globe’s top recording artists’ live performances, the evening will be similar in concept to previous years but in a brand new indoor and outdoor space for everyone who attends EIBTM.

“We decided that 2011 would be a year for change and innovation for our networking events. As Barcelona continues to win industry awards, we have been working closely with our partners at the Barcelona Turisme Convention Centre to deliver a combination of venues and events that we believe really will help celebrate our 8^th year in the City. The combination of venues really gives the city an opportunity to show the diversity of their event space plus it gives all of our exhibitors, Hosted Buyers and Trade Visitors the opportunity to enjoy the social aspects of EIBTM in environments that also allows for the option of business to continue”, commented Graeme Barnett, EIBTM Event Director.

To find out more about EIBTM and ways to attend, please visit www.eibtm.com

Join EIBTM on Linked in, Twitter and Facebook.

Barcelona Edges Competition to be Named Mobile World Capital for 2012-2018

After an 18-month search, the GSMA announced that Barcelona has been selected as the Mobile World Capital from 2012 to 2018.  As the Mobile World Capital, Barcelona will be the home of the mobile industry’s must-attend event, the GSMA Mobile World Congress, and will also develop a range of other programmes and activities that will span the entire year and will benefit not only the citizens of Barcelona, Catalonia and Spain, but also the worldwide mobile industry.

“We are thrilled to announce that Barcelona will be the Mobile World Capital for the next seven years,” said John Hoffman, CEO, GSMA Ltd.  “All of the cities who competed for this title presented extremely innovative and compelling bids, but in the end, Barcelona truly demonstrated that it deserves the title of the Mobile World Capital, with its combination of outstanding exhibition and conference facilities, its transportation and hospitality infrastructure, its commitment to expanding the reach of mobility throughout Barcelona, Catalonia and Spain, and the strong support of the public and private sectors. This is an exciting time for Barcelona and for the mobile industry as a whole.”

“Becoming the Mobile World Capital was a strategic bid for Barcelona, and consolidates our leadership as a benchmark city for new technologies,” said Xavier Trias, Mayor of Barcelona. “This will give a significant boost to the image of our city brand associated with a sector, that of mobile communications, which will experience strong growth in the next few years. Barcelona is reaping the rewards of the serious, professional work of different institutions with the involvement of many of the city’s companies and entities. Now, Barcelona will be the center of a new model of international event linked to economic growth, industrial development and the creation of new jobs vital to the future of our economy.”

Bringing the Mobile World Capital Vision to Life

The cornerstone of the Mobile World Capital is the Mobile World Congress, a four-day event which in 2011 attracted more than 60,000 attendees from 200 countries, including 3,000 CEOs, government delegations from 131 countries and more than 2,900 media representatives.  Starting in 2013, the Mobile World Congress will be held at the cutting-edge venue Fira de Barcelona Gran Via.  The dates for the 2013 Mobile World Congress are 25-28 February 2013.

Beyond the Mobile World Congress, the Mobile World Capital also features two additional elements: the Mobile World Centre and the Mobile World Festival. The Mobile World Centre will comprise permanent and temporary exhibitions which meld culture and technological innovation, facilities for the development and incubation of mobile solutions, and retail and hospitality venues. The Mobile World Festival, which is targeted to the general public, will incorporate a range of activities including sporting events, music and art festivals, film awards, applications and technology fairs and more.

According to estimates from the Barcelona Candidacy, the Mobile World Capital would bring, in the first year alone, more than 300 million euro, along with thousands of part-time jobs. As some of the initiatives have a mid-term reach and will grow steadily during their implementation, the economic impact is expected to increase progressively and, based on Barcelona’s assessments, could reach 3.5 billion euro over the seven years of the Mobile World Capital.

“I would like to commend and thank all of the finalist cities – Barcelona, Milan, Munich and Paris – for their excellent proposals and the huge amount of energy and creativity that was put into them,” concluded Hoffman.  “We look forward to working in partnership with the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Commerce, the Government of Catalonia, the City of Barcelona, Fira de Barcelona and the Barcelona Tourism Bureau in bringing the vision of the Mobile World Capital to life.”

The selection of the Mobile World Capital was based on many criteria and took into consideration all aspects of what a city can offer. The GSMA undertook a thorough and complex evaluation process, starting with 30 cities, narrowing it down to six cities, reducing it to a short list of four finalists, and then finally, selecting Barcelona as the Mobile World Capital.

Monacrh: Up to 11 flights per week from Gatwick to Barcelona

Up to 11 flights per week from Gatwick to Barcelona to launch this October -

Monarch, the scheduled leisure airline, has launched new scheduled flights to Spain’s most cosmopolitan city, Barcelona. The flights, which start from £36 one way including all taxes and charges (£57 return), are available to book from today via www.monarch.co.uk.

Monarch’s new scheduled flights between Gatwick and Barcelona will operate daily from 21 October 2011, increasing to 11 flights per week from 30 October 2011 and brings the total number of scheduled destinations served by the airline from Gatwick to 13.

Commenting on the launch of this new route, Managing Director of Monarch Airlines, Kevin George said, “Barcelona is one of the UK’s most popular short break destinations and we are delighted to be adding this to our route network from Gatwick in addition to our existing flights from Manchester.

“Barcelona attracts a broad mix of visitors for business, city breaks and leisure for beach goers. During the winter season it is a fantastic gateway to the ski slopes of the Pyrenees. All of these customers will appreciate the convenience and flexibility of up to 11 flights per week in addition to Monarch’s fantastic value fares and innovative ‘build your own class’ service, which offers customers the ability to tailor their flight package to their exact requirements including extra legroom seating and pre-ordered meals.”

Monarch’s scheduled flights are available to book until October 2012. Customers now booking flights will also benefit from zero debit card charge fees and a fixed fee for all credit card bookings, regardless of the transaction value or number of people travelling.

Flight times are as follows (all times are local):

Between 21 – 29 October 2011:
Daily:
Gatwick – Barcelona departs 06:20, arrives 09:30/ Barcelona – Gatwick departs 10:15, arrives 11:35

From 30 October 2011:
Daily:
Gatwick – Barcelona departs 06:50, arrives 10:05/ Barcelona – Gatwick departs 11:05, arrives 12:30

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (in addition to daily times above):
Gatwick – Barcelona departs 15:30, arrives 18:45/ Barcelona – Gatwick departs 19:45, arrives 21:10

Sundays (in addition to daily times above):
Gatwick – Barcelona departs 15:30, arrives 18:40/ Barcelona – Gatwick departs 19:25, arrives 20:55

“DINNER FOR CHAMPIONS AT THE HOME OF THE CHAMPIONS!”

In FC Barcelona’s old stadium the grandstands were so basic that they were open at the back and on match days the rear view of the stands was a sea of overhanging bottoms (or in Spanish “culos”)! From this image comes the nickname of Barça’s fans which is the “culés” and this last week they have had plenty to celebrate. Not only have the team won the Spanish League for the third time in a row but their stylish win in the Champions League final has provoked debate as to whether they should be considered amongst the best teams of all time. In these photos we see our office director Maite cheering the boys on at Wembley, Stuart in his newly decorated office and the rest of our staff with the bus in which team toured the city during its victory parade.

Now there are more ways to celebrate your events in Barça’s Camp Nou – the largest stadium in Europe.

Outside the months of the football season a huge platform has been erected over the seats of the main grandstand where dinners and cocktail parties of up to 300 people can be arranged overlooking the whole stadium whilst for smaller groups of up to 50 people it is possible to have tables set up pitch-side and have a player’s view of Camp Nou.

For more information, contact Cititravel’s very own champion team in Barcelona
bcn@cititravel.es

ACCOMMODATION AND FLIGHT DETAILS ANNOUNCED FOR EIBTM 2011

COMPETITIVE RATES FOR EXHIBITORS AND VISITORS

Shortly after ICCA’s announcement that Barcelona has been ranked as the 2nd most popular city destination for hosting international association meetings – EIBTM has successfully secured competitive rates with 47 partner hotels for this year’s exhibition and announced that once again its international airline partner this year will be Lufthansa.

This year there are 41 official (4* and 5*) partnering hotels in Barcelona located near to the Fira Gran Via, the venue for EIBTM 2011. There are also a further 6 non-official partnering (4* status) hotels. A free shuttle bus service will operate between all official hotels, the airport and the venue.

Mercedes Garcia, Marketing Manager for Barcelona Convention Bureau commented: “These partnerships are a great example of the value that Barcelona can offer as a meetings destination. By working with local hotels and facilities on the run up to the show it ensures that meetings planners will be guaranteed the best value for money and receive the best possible experience when they visit EIBTM”.

Graeme Barnett, EIBTM Event Director added: “We have worked closely with Barcelona Hotels Association to coordinate our Official Hotel Programme. As a result of this partnership we are very pleased to confirm extremely competitive rates ranging from as low as 135 Euros for the Fira Congress adjacent to the venue and up to 339 Euros for the Hotel Arts. These reducedprices are limited to a first come, first served basis and we would advise all of our exhibitors and visitors to book early in order to take advantage of them.”

Additional supporters to EIBTM – the German airline; Lufthansa will once again provide competitive fares to all pre-registered trade visitors and exhibiting personnel. Lufthansa offers a comprehensive global route network linking Barcelona, Spain with multiple major cities around the world.

Reed Travel Exhibitionsindependently audits attendance figures for each of its 5 portfolio events around the world. ABC is a not for profit, independent industry body that audits exhibitions and our primary function is to offer you, the exhibitor, peace of mind by providing independent verification of the attendance figures for the exhibition you are buying into.

EIBTM 2011 takes places 29th November – 1st December 2011, Barcelona. To find out more about how to secure EIBTM 2011 early bird rates please contact Ultramar Travel Management Company (Email: eibtm2011accommodation@ultramarevents.com or Tel: +34 93 482 7163)

Join EIBTM on Linked in, Twitter and Facebook.

Business Opportunities to increase at EIBTM 2011

Research confirms Hosted Buyer appointments could head for 10% increase on 2010

Research following the success of EIBTM 2010 (www.eibtm.com) has shown that both buyers and suppliers want the organisers Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) to find ways of achieving even more opportunities to do business during the event. 65% of Hosted Buyers did or will do between €50,000 and €1m of business as a result of their attendance at EIBTM according to the research.

RTE is now set to make changes to its Pre-Scheduled Appointment system and has announced that it will increase the number of matched appointments from 6 to 7 per day of attendance for all buyers. This will result in an approximate increase of 10% more PSA’s for 2011 with some 60,000 meetings expected to take place over the three days of EIBTM.

The EIBTM PSA system allows Buyers to select their exhibitor preferences in order of priority. This additional appointment will create a fuller diary, enabling the buyers to plan their time more efficiently as more of their choices will be matched by the system, and for exhibitors it will also mean more opportunities to do business during show time.

Says Graeme Barnett, EIBTM Event Director: “The return on investment for buyers and suppliers attending EIBTM is top of our agenda and as their satisfaction is part measured by the business achieved onsite, we want to create more opportunities to satisfy the demand.

“Our Hosted Buyer PSA system programmes the majority of buyers’ preferences, however over 62% of buyers still schedule additional appointments through their diaries. By increasing the number to be matched and re-scheduling some of the Hosted Buyer education programme, we are facilitating more appointments each day. So, this small increase of just one PSA per day of attendance may mean that the overall increase could be as high as 10% or over 60,000 meetings during the 3 day event. At the same time, exhibitors will have fuller diaries to also add to their ROI for the event.”

Barnett concludes: “The potential value of all these meetings for future business is staggering. We are continually looking to enhance our existing methods of bringing buyer and sellers together and where possible developing new ways to facilitate additional business opportunities.”

EIBTM 2011 takes places 29th November – 1st December 2011, Barcelona.

Join EIBTM on Linked in, Twitter and Facebook.

Red Bull Music Academy completes its SonarDôme line-up

2011 sees the seventh year of collaboration between Sonar and Red Bull Music Academy, which is undoubtedly one of the world’s most important trackers of global talent.

And for the third consecutive year, the Red Bull Music Academy is responsible for curating the SonarDôme stage, at Sonar by Day, which completes its line-up with the inclusion of 12 new artists, in addition to the 14 announced previously.

A total of 26 shows by artists coming from 13 countries over 3 days (16, 17 and 18 June) in a unique mix of live music, global rhythms and a controlled chaos of melodies and acts with very different origins and and styles.

The headlining shows by Katy B, The Brandt Brauer Frick Ensemble, Zinc andDiscodeine, are joined now by these new additions such as the young North American beatmaker 00Genesis; the Romanian hitek house producer Cosmin TRG; the legendary British reggae dj David Rodigan; the Spanish beatmakers Niño and Debilorithmicos, and one of Spain’s best djs Carlos Hollers; the New Zealand band Electric Wire Hustle; the dreamy house of Japan’s Hiroaki Oba; the danceable rhythms of San Soda; the native hip-hop of Matador Rockers and Pai Mei, the new leading lights in the Del Palo collective.

This is the definitive line-up presented by Red Bull Music Academy at SonarDôme:

00Genesis (Rxlngr/US)
AEIOU (Universal/MX)
B. Bravo (Frite Nite/US)
Carlos Hollers (Goad Rec/ES)
Cosmin TRG (Rush Hour/RO)
Daisuke Tanabe (Circulations/JP)
David Rodigan (Kiss FM/UK)
Debilorithmicos (Molts Records/ES)
Discodeine (Dirty/FR)
Electric Wire Hustle (BBE/NZ)
Hiroaki Oba (BITB/JP)
Illum Sphere (Hoya:Hoya/UK)
Jullian Gomes (G. Family/ZA)
Katy B (UK)
kidkanevil (First Word/UK)
Matador Rockers (Del Palo/ES)
Niño (Donky Pitch/ES)
Pai Mei (Del Palo/ES)
Poirier feat. Boogat (Ninja Tune/CA)
San Soda (We Play House/BE)
Star Eyes (Trouble & Bass/US)
Teebs (Brainfeeder/US)
The Brandt Brauer Frick Ensemble (!K7/DE)
Tiger & Woods (Running Back/Outerspace)
Venice (Gomma/IT)
Zinc (Bingo Beats/UK)

Red Bull Music Academy is one of the main trackers of musical talent in the entire world, and one of the cultural institutions that comes closest to the Sonar philosophy. For over 13 years, the Red Bull Music Academy has been selecting young producers and artists from all over the world in order to stimulate their creativity and facilitate their learning by means of a travelling musical academy, which was based in Barcelona in 2008 and will take place in Madrid, at the multi-disciplinary arts complex Matadero Madrid, from the 23rd of October until the 25th of November 2011.

SÓNAR: Barcelona’s International Festival of Advanced Music and Multimedia

SÓNAR is Barcelona’s wildly popular International Festival of Advanced Music and Multimedia. Music lovers descend on the Catalonian capital to see exhibitions at the MACBA and CCCB by day, and rave at dance parties in Calle Botánica by night.

SÓNAR started in 1993 and is a highlight on the calendar of dance music conferences, the perfect place for industry professionals to meet, greet and party. No soggy tents, no muddy fields, no portable toilets – SÓNAR is a thoroughly urban festival.

Sónar by Day is held in the Centre of Contemporary Culture, CCCB, and the Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA). A plethora of concerts, audio-visual screenings, exhibitions and conferences include SonarVillage, SonarLab, SonarComplex and Sonarama – showcases from the worlds of electro, hip-hop, electronic pop, post rock, digital concretism and experimental jazz music.

Sónar by Night is when the party really gets going, in the event’s pub, club and park, all situated in Calle Botánica. As dawn breaks over the city, with the last of the evening’s anthems ringing in your ears, head for the beach, where little groups of tired-but-happy clubbers wind down as the sun comes up, before heading home for a few hours’ sleep.

The H1898 becomes a member of the Great Hotels of the World Collection (GHO)

Placed in the heart of Barcelona, the hotel offers 169 rooms, several meetings facilities, two restaurants, a spa, and a spectacular terrace with a pool with 360º views over the city

Barcelona, 28 April 2011.- The H1898 Hotel is delighted to announce that it has recently been accepted as a member of Great Hotels of the World – Premium Collection. Chosen for its exceptional Meetings and Incentives facilities, Hotel 1898 will be featured in the next issue of the Great Hotels of the World Meetings, Incentive & Corporate Travel Collection Directory.

Headquartered in the UK, Great Hotels of the World provides global hotel reservation, sales and marketing services for
an exclusive portfolio of primarily independent hotels and resorts worldwide in specific niche market sectors.
Membership of Great Hotels of the World is by invitation only and is limited to exceptional hotels within recognised niche
lifestyle markets. Glossy, coffee table style directories are published for each year. Beautifully illustrated with colour
photography, each hotel entry features detailed information on the facilities and activities available.
A trip to colonial times
Set on Barcelona’s symbolic La Rambla, the H1898 blends its strong historical character and architectural heritage as a former 20th-century Philippine Tobacco Company with the modernity of the 21st-century. Beautiful decor, a perfectly finished colonial-style interior and a unique warmth make the H1898 an ideal for guests interested in art and who appreciate the details and feelings that evoke history.
The H1898 hotel offers a total of 169 guestrooms of 6 different types to choose from, including 1 junior suite and 3 colonial suites with private terrace and pool. Colonial décor and fine chestnut parquet floors will transport you to a magical 19th century setting in the warm villas of the Philippines. Egyptian cotton sheets, designed exclusively for Hotel 1898, add the final touch to an absolutely unique and luxurious stay.
The hotel also offers seven period ballrooms, five meeting rooms, a café/bar, restaurant and terrace chill-out zone, library, Business Center, and free high-speed wireless internet access. Guests also have access to a fully equipped fitness center, outdoor pool with solarium, and high-end Spa facility.

LateRooms.com – Open de Espana returns to Barcelona

Prize : €2 million (£1.7 million).

Barcelona will welcome back the Open de Espana in May.

It has been more than a decade since Barcelona’s Real Club de Golf El Prat hosted the Open de Espana.

The competition will make its triumphant return to the Catalan course on May 5th, with many of the top golfing professionals from the European Tour expected to star.

As well as the chance to boost their rankings, players are also competing for a prize pot of €2 million (£1.7 million).

The Open de Espana has previously been won by illustrious names such as Sergio Garcia, Padraig Harrington, Colin Montgomerie and Seve Ballesteros.

It is one of the oldest tournaments on the continent, having staged its first competition in 1912.

Current champion Alvaro Quiros won a European Tour event in Dubai in February to show his rivals that he may take some beating.

The competition ends on May 8th, but players will not have to go far for their next PGA event, since the Iberdrola Open runs from May 12th to 15th in Majorca.

Single-day tickets for the Open de Espana cost €10.80 (£9.60) in advance or €12 at the gate.

Golf fans can find all sorts of cheap hotels in Barcelona on LateRooms.com

EIBTM RESEARCH PROVES BUSINESS RESULTS

96% of Exhibitors Agree EIBTM is Vital to Their Business

95% of Hosted Buyers Were Satisfied with Their Visit to EIBTM

EIBTM (www.eibtm.com) announces research findings that reveal EIBTM 2010 successfully delivered valuable business opportunities for exhibitors, Hosted Buyers and trade visitors.

The EIBTM 2010 onsite and post-show research indicated that 96% of exhibitors agree that EIBTM is important to their business and 94% of exhibitors agreed that EIBTM is a must attend industry event.

Jordi Camps, Co-founder and CEO of China a la Carta said: “EIBTM provided us with the opportunity of meeting real buyers and creating powerful new networks. The event exceeded our expectations in terms of the number of quality meetings we had. EIBTM 2010 will clearly translate into a significant amount of business for 2011. We will be returning next year due to this year’s success.”

“The ‘World of DMC’s’ stand at EIBTM 2010 provided a successful platform for creating new business relationships with MICE partners from around the globe. With over 800 appointments in total, the stand allowed for plenty of networking, connecting with EIBTM visitors and sharing valuable industry relations with fellow DMC partners”, says Steffi Kordy, Director of Marketing and Sales for GMS Chicago, member of the World of DMC’s.

The findings indicated that 98.5% of Hosted Buyers were satisfied with EIBTM 2010, and 89% confirmed they will place future orders as a direct result of the show. A very strong majority of Hosted Buyers, 99%, believed that EIBTM 2010 allowed them to meet current suppliers and gave them the opportunity talk to product experts.

“EIBTM 2010 was, as always, a tremendously beneficial event. I made a number of great new contacts and was able to flesh out several new agreements as a direct result of my time in Barcelona” says Jim Walker, President, Crossing Boundaries.

Jan Čurda, Sales Manager, Marriott International Czech Republic said: “EIBTM’s Hosted Buyer Programme was fantastic, as it allowed me to network with many new and existing contacts… and I achieved a number of promising leads.”

97.5% of trade visitors at EIBTM 2010 were satisfied with the event and the same percentage of visitors is planning on returning in 2011. The research also revealed that 54% of EIBTM’s trade visitors did not attend any other industry show during 2010.

Barnett concludes: “In addition to helping us meet our clients’ business objectives, our research also serves as a valuable tool for helping identify gaps in the market and also budding trends. For example, the findings illustrated that incentive travel is making a comeback. Last year’s figures for the number of incentive travel events organised nearly doubled compared to the previous year. Knowing this is crucial, in order that our team can devise and tailor programmes, such as our industry renowned professional Education Programme, to best support our stakeholders.”

For more information about EIBTM, visit www.eibtm.com. EIBTM 2011 takes places 29th November – 1st December 2011, Barcelona.

Join EIBTM on Linked in, Twitter and Facebook.

EIBTM LAUNCHES EDUCATION ON DEMAND

EIBTM (www.eibtm.com) is set to release a selection of key educational seminars available to watch online via EIBTM TV. The project is part of EIBTM’s ongoing commitment to providing valuable education and support to meetings professionals on the run up to EIBTM 2011.

Over the next three weeks EIBTM will deliver 13 thought provoking seminars focusing on key industry topics. All seminars are free and instant to access and create an opportunity for those who missed the EIBTM 2010 education programme or were not able to attend EIBTM – to view each seminar at their leisure.

The first five seminars to be released will include The EIBTM 2010 Industry Trends & Market Share Report, delivered by Rob Davidson, providing the latest research findings into the conference and incentive industry.

Additional seminars will uncover insider strategies to bringing meetings to the United States; observe a panel discussion on Meeting Architecture, debating factors that contribute to learning and motivation; and much more. Each seminar is dedicated to expanding the scope of EIBTM beyond the show floor and engaging with the Meetings and Events Industry.

EIBTM TV will also show a series of education seminars delivered in Spanish and dedicated to the local Meetings and Events community in Spain. The topics addressed in this portfolio will be: Technology within Your Reach to do More with Less; Creativity in Events, in association with MPI Spanish Chapter; and Creative Catering: The Magic of Events.

Graeme Barnett, EIBTM Exhibition Director comments: “Ensuring the EIBTM brand extends beyond the formal three day experience in Barcelona is vital to sustain and build our engagement with the global meetings industry. By using online TV, we have been able to capture and distribute key educational content to meetings industry professionals worldwide. Releasing this content free and online gives meeting professionals the opportunity to learn in a flexible environment of their own choice.

EIBTM has a reputation for delivering the industry’s best professional education – it’s one of the core brand values of our global portfolio of meetings events – and we see it as being integral in driving the development of Meetings and Events industry forward”.

To view the first five seminars and additional information on how to access the next available seminar online please visit: www.eibtm.com/onlineeducation.

EIBTM 2011 takes places 29th November – 1st December 2011, Barcelona.

Join EIBTM on Linked in, Twitter and Facebook.

INDEPENDENT ABC AUDIT VERIFIES EIBTM 2010 SHOW ATTENDANCE

A New EIBTM Visitor Attendance Record

EIBTM (www.eibtm.com) confirms the official information about its December 2010 event, with the results of an independent audit carried out by ABC, confirming a new EIBTM record for visitor attendance.

The event’s Total Unique Attendance*, which includes exhibiting personnel, was 14,241, a 3.7% increase on 2009.  This figure can be split into Visitor and Exhibitor Attendance, allowing clear clarification:

• Visitor Attendance including Hosted Buyers was recorded as 8,376, the highest ever total number of visitors at EIBTM, marking a 2.5% increase on 2009.
• Exhibitor personnel increased 5.5% on 2009 figures, reaching 5,865 at EIBTM 2010.

Graeme Barnett, EIBTM Exhibition Director, comments: “We recognise how important it is to provide all our stakeholders with independently verified statistics. This allows them to evaluate their own ROI and can be a reliable method for evaluating and analysing the success of EIBTM as it evolves.”

Barnett continues: “Attracting strong visitor numbers is key, however, as the leading global event for the meetings and incentive industry, EIBTM is not just about driving attendees. It’s also about delivering quality audiences that include top level decision-makers and senior level buyers.”

The EIBTM 2010 audit was carried out by ABC, an independent industry body that audits exhibitions, providing independent verification of exhibition attendance figures.

Alden Arnold from ABC, comments: “When deciding whether to take a stand at an event, exhibitors need accurate, unbiased information about the show. The success of an exhibition is measured by the quantity and quality of the attendees.  Exhibitors often accept the word of the organiser on attendance figures – an ABC certificate gives credibility and written evidence to support these claims.”

For more information about EIBTM and to view the official ABC Certificate of Attendance visit www.eibtm.com. EIBTM 2011 takes places 29th November – 1st December 2011, Barcelona.

Join EIBTM on Linked in, Twitter and Facebook.

EIBTM 2011 ALREADY SHAPING UP TO BE THE INDUSTRY EVENT OF THE YEAR

Success of 2010 Event Driving New and Returning Exhibitors

Priority Booking Available until 28th February

Building on the success of EIBTM 2010 – this year’s Global Meetings and Events Exhibition, EIBTM 2011 (www.eibtm.com), taking place from 29th November to 1st December in Barcelona – has already received an unprecedented level of re-bookings and requests for space from new participants.

The positive response from current exhibitors is a direct reflection of the success of last year’s event – confirming the quality and range of buyers who attend, the buyer driven, pre-scheduled appointment system and ultimately the business that it drives for both exhibitors and Hosted Buyers.

Reed Travel Exhibitions are encouraging 2010 exhibitors and new exhibitors for 2011 to take advantage of the opportunities available at this three day dynamic business event and confirm their participation early, securing the priority booking rate which is only be available until 28th February 2011.

Exhibitors already confirmed include NH Hotels, Sol Melia, Turismo de Canarias, Greek National Tourism Organisation, Madrid Convention Bureau, Agencia Catalana de Turisme, Monaco Government Tourist & Convention Authority, Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau, Hong Kong Tourism Board, Norway Convention Bureau, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau, Kingdom of Bahrain, and Visit Scotland and Barcelona Convention Bureau.

Amanda Henderson, Marketing Manager – Europe, Business Tourism Unit, Visit Scotland comments: “EIBTM continues to go from strength to strength. At last year’s show, in spite of the weather, the value of enquiry levels for Visit Scotland was up 50%. It’s a key show for us and we fully intend to return in 2011 with a strong party of Scottish suppliers.”

Exhibitors that have increased their stand space requirements for EIBTM 2011, include Hungarian National Tourist Office, Finland Convention Bureau, World of DMCs, Silversea, Laico Hotels and Resorts, Lago Maggiore, Moscow Exhibition & Convention Agency and Moroccan National Tourism Office.

Graeme Barnett, EIBTM Exhibition Director, comments: “EIBTM 2010 was a great success with a 2.5% increase in total visitor attendance from the previous year. We’re thrilled with the response we’ve had so far from the industry – it’s is a clear reflection of how positively the industry views EIBTM and further endorsement of the importance of face to face communication.”

“We really value the strong industry relationships we have built as they play a fundamental role in the success of our IBTM portfolio. Our primary aim is to ensure high levels of return on investment for all attendees as it is a vital factor in the development of our shows”, concludes Barnett.

Companies interested in exhibiting at EIBTM 2011 should contact the sales team at eibtm@reedexpo.co.uk or on +44 (0) 20 8910 7711 before Monday 28th February 2011.

For more information on EIBTM 2011 (29th November – 1st December 2011), visit www.eibtm.com.

Join EIBTM on Linked in, Twitter and Facebook.

What about the idea of having dinner in a Souvenir shop or a Dry Cleaners?

By Cititravel DMC

No, we are not joking! An enterprising company has made these concept restaurants a reality.

From outside there is absolutely no clue that the “front” conceals two of Barcelona’s trendiest restaurants but those in the know can tell the shopkeeper the secret code to be allowed to pass through the concealed entrance into a world of designer décor and exquisite cuisine. With capacities of between 60 and 80 people respectively both restaurants can be taken on an exclusive basis to give your group an unforgettable experience.

Publicity about these restaurants isn’t that easy to come by but for more information just contact our Barcelona team who have all of the clandestine contacts you will need!

+34 932 256 767
bcn@cititravel.es

CCIB ENDS 2010 WITH A POSITIVE BALANCE SHEET

GSMA Announces Nominees for the 16th Annual Global Mobile Awards

British TV and Radio Presenter Jonathan Ross to Host the Mobile Industry’s Premier Awards in Barcelona; Acclaimed Canadian Indie Rock Band Metric Added to Party Line-Up

The GSMA today announced the nominees for the 16th Annual Global Mobile Awards. The winners will be announced during an afternoon awards ceremony and evening party to be hosted by the British TV and radio presenter Jonathan Ross on Tuesday 15th February 2011 at the GSMA Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. The full list of categories and nominees for the 2011 Global Mobile Awards is available at: www.globalmobileawards.com/nominees

“The GSMA warmly congratulates all the nominees in this year’s Global Mobile Awards,” said Michael O’Hara, chief marketing officer at the GSMA. “Our judging panel once again faced a daunting challenge in determining the nominees this year, selecting just 115 nominees across 10 categories from more than 470 entries. To have been shortlisted in such a highly competitive and innovative field is a tremendous achievement and we look forward to recognising the winners and celebrating their success at Mobile World Congress next month.”

The Global Mobile Awards categories to be presented in the 15th February afternoon awards ceremony include the brand-new ‘Global Mobile App Awards’, plus categories for ‘Best Mobile Advertising and Marketing’, ‘Mobile Innovation, Social and Economic Development’, ‘Best Technology’, ‘Best Use of Mobile for Business and Enterprise’ and the ‘Green Mobile Awards’. At the Congress Party and Awards Celebration later the same evening at the National Palace in Barcelona, three high-profile awards will be presented, including ‘Best Mobile App’, ‘Best Mobile Device’ and ‘Device Manufacturer of the Year’. The evening party will also be hosted by Jonathan Ross and will culminate with musical performances by Grammy and Brit Award-winning music star Duffy, as well as internationally acclaimed indie rock band Metric.

Jonathan Ross is a stalwart of British television. He presented over 200 episodes of his iconic BBC1 show, “Friday Night with Jonathan Ross” which won 5 BAFTA Awards. He also hosted BBC1′s Red Nose Day for Comic Relief and the ITV British Comedy Awards for more than 20 years. This year sees Jonathan hosting the all-new British Comedy Awards for Channel 4 which will air live in January from London’s O2 Indigo, and he will also host his fifth British Academy Film and Television Awards (BAFTAs) live from the Royal Opera House (London) which will be screened on BBC1 in February. In the autumn, he will return with his all-new prime-time chat show for ITV1.

Empowered by their innovative use of digital and mobile technologies, Metric self-released their last album “Fantasies” on 5 continents without the benefit of a label and went on to become a Platinum-selling artist, earning themselves multiple #1 hits around the world. The band finished 2010 with the release of two major Hollywood films including “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World” and “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse”, the latter of which’s soundtrack has been nominated for a Grammy Award and landed Metric on the short list for an Academy Award nomination in 2011.

The afternoon awards ceremony, which will be held in the main conference auditorium, is open to all Global Mobile Awards nominees, Mobile World Congress Platinum and Gold Pass conference attendees as well as Congress Party and Awards Celebration ticket holders, and all accredited press attending Mobile World Congress. Tickets for the evening Congress Party and Awards Celebration are on sale now at the online registration point for the Mobile World Congress, at www.mobileworldcongress.com/registration.

Global Mobile Award sponsors include the QTel Group (Congress Party and Awards Celebration Sponsor); Huawei (Platinum Awards Sponsor); the Government of Catalonia (Global Mobile App Awards Sponsor and Host Sponsor); and Myriad (Best Mobile Device Category Sponsor & After Awards Party Sponsor). More information on the Global Mobile Awards can be found at www.globalmobileawards.com.

Best places for New Year partying

Barcelona has been voted the best party city for New Year and Iceland is also popular, the latest poll from Skyscanner can reveal.

Over 1000 people voted in the poll which asked which city people would most like to spend New Year. With 12% of the vote, Barcelona topped the chart.

The Spanish city is well known for its lively New Year celebrations and the ‘eating of the grapes’ tradition; when the clock strikes midnight, locals eat one grape per chime, each one symbolising a month of good luck. With direct flights to Barcelona offered from fourteen airports across the UK, it’s also one of the most accessible cities to see in 2011.

Iceland’s Reykjavik was a surprise entry, being voted fourth most desirable place to spend New Year, winning 9% of the votes. The Icelandic capital has long been known as a party town and New Year is no different.  The evening begins with locals meeting in their neighbourhoods around large bonfires to watch the numerous firework displays over the city, before heading downtown to party till at least 5am. The other bonus of visiting Reykjavik is the chance to see the stunning Northern Lights.

However, Reykjavik was beaten by Edinburgh which came in second with 11.5% of the votes and London which came in third with 9.5%. The Scottish capital is famed for its Hogmanay celebrations which include a street party, live music and an extravagant fireworks display. Offering one of the biggest New Year parties in the UK, the city will be packed with revellers who jump on trains and flights to Edinburgh to join the fun.

London hosts thousands of New Year parties in bars and pubs but the highlight is the London Eye fireworks which light up the sky and can be viewed from rooftops and high balconies across the city.

In fifth place with 8% was Paris; regarded as one of the most colourful and exciting places to say “Bonne Annee!”, the Champs-Elysees is the place where Parisians flock, and offers great views of the Eiffel Tower which explodes with a firework display at the stroke of midnight.

Most Popular New Year Party Places

1. Barcelona
2. Edinburgh
3. London
4. Reykjavik
5. Paris
6. Amsterdam
7. Berlin
8. Venice
9. Prague
10. Rome

London Hotels: Guaranteed Low Rates