US destinations, Convention Bureaux and Hoteliers are making AIBTM (21 – 23 June 2011, Baltimore MD, USA) a top priority, marking it in their 2011 event calendars as the industry show at which to exhibit. With over nine months to go until AIBTM opens its doors, 50% of the show floor has already been sold. With over 60 main stand holders contracted for booths up to 2,500 square feet (230 square metres), sales are gathering momentum.
This early in the sales cycle, we have signed contracts from Convention Bureaux Telluride, St. Louis, Seattle, Visit Florida, Denver, Chicago, Fort Worth, Houston, Boston, Miami, Las Vegas, New York City, Phoenix, Denver, Atlantic City and Orlando/Orange County.
According to Steve Knight, AIBTM’s Project Manager: “The response from exhibitors has been phenomenal. In addition to American exhibitors, we have strong international representation with companies from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and South America. Exhibitors recognise the massive business potential that exists in talking directly to over 2,000 global Hosted Buyers coming from all sectors of the industry including corporate, agency, incentive and association backgrounds, plus an additional 1,000 event and meeting planners will be joining us from all over the US.”
Over and above the US bookings, booth space has also been contracted for international hotel groups, cruise lines and a multitude of European destinations. Global hotel chains such as Fairmont-Raffles-Swisshotel and Resorts, Intercontinental Hotels Group and Carlson Hotel Group are joining Royal Caribbean International, Silversea Cruises, Sol Melia and Sofitel Luxury Hotels. International destinations include Austria, Ireland, Hong Kong, Meet Taiwan, Argentina, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Panama, Austria, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Belgium.
Jorge Franz, VP of International Group Sales, Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau comments: “Houston has been actively targeting international MICE in Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America. AIBTM will definitely be a good addition to our global portfolio to capitalise on unique opportunities that are emerging from the new business cycle.”
Steve Knight continues: “The feedback that we are receiving has highlighted the need for a US-centric meetings event that puts business and education at its core. With Reed Travel Exhibitions’ reputation of organising the industry’s leading international events, EIBTM in Barcelona, as well as CIBTM in Beijing and GIBTM in Abu Dhabi, exhibitors are guaranteed to meet buyers and planners that are eager to do business.”
“The [EIBTM] hosted buyer program is invaluable… With scheduled appointments, networking and educational components that truly define the purpose of our profession, the importance of hosting and organising face-to-face conferences. Expanding the program into the US will increase participation and upgrade the professionalism of the industry by increasing the perspective of a much broader and diverse audience”, comments Thomas Morano, Vice President, Meetings & Conferences, American Financial Services Association.
Mike Fegley, Vice President of InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) said: “The EIBTM show in Europe has held an excellent reputation for many years and we are confident that AIBTM in the US will be a stellar industry event, as well.”
For further information please visit www.aibtm.com.
