For the first time in China – CIBTM (www.cibtm.com <http://www.cibtm.com> ), the country’s leading exhibition for the Meetings, Incentives and Events Industry – will be running a dedicated China Meetings Week. CIBTM is the only industry show officially backed by the national government in China – China National Tourism Administration and Beijing Municipal Government.
The initiative has also received the backing of leading industry associations – MPI, ICCA, Site – all providing input into the professional education programme that plays such a pivotal role in the event.
China Meetings Week, with CIBTM at its core, running from 30th August to 3rd September, is one of the major driving forces behind the growth of the meetings industry throughout China. It is set to help China fully realise its potential to attract large-scale international corporate and association events.
Last year’s record breaking event proved that exhibitors, Hosted Buyers and trade visitors were thirsty for knowledge of the sector and international business practices.
CIBTM’s Event Director, Jeffrey Xu said: “CIBTM and China Meetings Week provide a dedicated five day business platform focussed on the rapidly expanding and developing Chinese outbound market. Our renowned, award winning international Hosted Buyer Programme, extensive education sessions and unrivalled networking opportunities will provide the best showcase of the meetings industry in the region.”
China Meetings Week comprises:
· Site Conference – on Monday, 30th August 2010, a full day conference will take place, tackling many of the key issues of the day affecting the meetings and events professionals
· CIBTM Professional Education Programme – featuring guest speakers from MPI, ICCA, AIPC, Wild China and MICE China. Day One on Tuesday 31 August will focus on association buyers and general industry trends, including the unique findings of the CIBTM industry research; Day Two on corporate buyers focusing on Return on Investment and procurement and Day Three on agencies. The comprehensive programme will provide delegates with the latest in industry trends and developments, best practices for planning meetings and a daily technology session
· CEO Lunch – bringing together CEO’s from governmental organisations and industry associations. This will be the first industry CEO gathering for the meetings industry in China
In addition, an ICCA Forum for Young Professionals is planned for the Meetings Week – an initiative aiming to bring together 20 young industry professionals from China for debates, discussions, lectures and group challenges.
Jeffrey Xu concludes: “Last year CIBTM welcomed a record attendance of 4,978 which included more than 260 exhibitors from 28 countries, 3,238 trade visitors and 231 Hosted Buyers from 25 countries. We are confident this year we will see continued growth in the event as the Chinese government, private sector, local and regional authorities and international industry Associations recognise the massive opportunities open to China’s expanding meetings sector.
“CIBTM will be the key generator in providing professional education as well as networking events to create a week of activities to enable the meetings industry in China to continue to grow and flourish.”
