Hosted Buyer registration open for GIBTM, the Gulf’s leading event dedicated to the meetings, incentive, events and business travel industryGIBTM (www.gibtm.com), the leading exhibition dedicated to the meetings, incentive, events and business travel industry – also known as MICE – in the Gulf and Middle East has opened registration for meeting planners, incentives buyers and decision makers to apply for VIP Hosted Buyer status.
The three-day event takes place from 29 – 31 March 2010 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Convention Centre (ADNEC) and is set to welcome the largest ever gathering of meeting professionals in the Gulf.
Driven by a quality Hosted Buyer Programme – a trademark of each event within the Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) global meetings portfolio – the programme provides exclusive VIP business meeting opportunities for senior level buyers and decision makers who are looking for new inspiration for their meetings, incentives, events and conferences.
Graeme Barnett, GIBTM’s Exhibition Director said: “Now in its fourth year, we are looking to offer more Hosted Buyer places to those working in the Gulf region’s meetings, incentives, event and business travel industry; one that has, and continues to see significant growth. I urge those within the industry to apply for Hosted Buyer status at www.gibtm.com/hostedbuyers. Attending this year’s GIBTM is a real opportunity to develop and expand business.”
VIP benefits as a Hosted Buyer include:
Return flight with GIBTM’s exclusive airline partner Etihad Airways
Two to four nights accommodation at a 4 or 5* hotel
Complimentary transfers
Priority appointments with exhibitors via Buyer driven appointment system and access to a personalised online diary
Attendance at GIBTM networking functions including Icebreaking event at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Hotel on Monday 29 March and Gala Evening on Yas Island on Tuesday 30 March
Three day education programme with ability to choose sessions prior to appointment matching
Buyer/Seller session on Monday 29 March
Exclusive entry to Hosted Buyer VIP lounge with complementary refreshments
Access to dedicated team of Hosted Buyer Managers
Opportunity to apply for pre and post Abu Dhabi/Gulf tours, including ADTA sponsored ‘Abu Dhabi Day’
‘Abu Dhabi Day’, jointly organised with Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), is open to international Hosted Buyers on a first come first serve basis. It includes visits to the Sheik Zayed Mosque and Dhow area, Emirates Palace and Saadiyat Island Exhibition as well as an early evening cocktail reception at the Intercontinental Abu Dhabi.
To enjoy the benefits of the Hosted Buyer programme, those applying must meet the set qualification levels based on:
Potential for future international business
Evidence of past/future business in the Gulf region
Number of international events held annually
Purchasing authority and annual budget
Amount of business conducted internationally
GITBM has seen substantial growth of 56% since its launch in 2007, attracting last year 1,693 visitors and Hosted Buyers – up nearly 15% on 2008.
To apply for free Hosted Buyer status log onto www.gibtm.com/hostedbuyers. Alternatively contact a member of the GIBTM Hosted Buyer team at gibtm-hosted@reedexpo.co.uk or phone +44 20 8910 7804
