Hosted Buyer registration open for GIBTM – the Gulf’s leading event dedicated to the meetings, incentive, events and business travel industry
GIBTM – the Gulf Incentives, Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition – has opened registration for meeting planners, incentives buyers and decision makers to apply for Hosted Buyer status at the event to be held in Abu Dhabi at the National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from the 28th to 30th March 2011.
The Hosted Buyer Programme, at what is the largest gathering of meeting professionals in the Gulf, provides exclusive business meeting opportunities for over 300 international and regional senior level buyers and decision makers who are looking for new ideas and venues for their meetings, incentive programmes, events and conferences.
To assist in the recruitment of senior-level buyers, GIBTM is working together with Group Coordinators from associations, agencies, publications and hotel groups from around the world who commit to bring 10 or more buyers to the show. Serving as the main point of contact, Group Coordinators are responsible for recruiting Hosted Buyers and coordinating travel and other event-related details. A number of Hosted Buyer Group Coordinators have already confirmed their participation including; The DMC Group, Expert Avis, Fore Representations & Travels Pvt Ltd, HelmsBriscoe, HPN Global, Intercontinental Hotel Group, MeetMe, Moulden Marketing and TTN.
Lloyd Kenyon, Exhibition Manager of GIBTM, explained that attending as a Hosted Buyer includes a number of VIP benefits. “Attending as a Hosted Buyer provides the best opportunity to meet and conduct real business with over 300 international and regional industry suppliers. They come from a diverse range of organisations including Airlines & Air Charters, Cruise Lines, Destinations and Destination Management Companies, Event Management Companies, Hotels & Serviced Apartments, Incentive Specialists, Convention & Visitor Bureaux, Travel Management Companies, Trade Associations and, of course, the Media.
“Hosted Buyers receive complimentary return economy flights on Etihad Airways (if required and route permitting) and accommodation in a 4 or 5 star Abu Dhabi hotel. There are also free transfers from the airport and official hotels to the venue, as well as access to the exclusive Hosted Buyer Lounge onsite.
“In addition,” Kenyon continued, “they get priority appointments with exhibitors via our buyer-driven pre-scheduled appointment system allowing up to ten one-on-one meetings with suppliers per day, as well as access to a personalised online diary. Our Group Coordinators also benefit greatly from the program, as they too have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with top clients, receive VIP treatment and enjoy complimentary travel and accommodation when bringing a qualified group of ten or more.”
Buyers can also take part in GIBTM’s extensive education programme covering a variety of industry-related hot topics and global trends which are presented and debated by key industry leaders and experts.
To add extra interest to our overseas buyers, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority will be hosting an ‘Abu Dhabi Day’ prior to the exhibition offering an opportunity to explore the city of Abu Dhabi. Some of the highlights of the tour include the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Heritage Village and Al Meena Port, Yas Island with its world-class motor sports race track, the Emirates Palace Hotel, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club with the Arabian Gulf’s first ‘ocean’ 18-hole championship course designed by golfing legend Gary Player, and a visit to Manarat Al Saadiyat – the purpose-built visitor centre. ‘Abu Dhabi Day’ jointly organised with Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), is open to Hosted Buyers on a first come, first served basis.
“Anyone who organises, influences or makes budgetary decisions for international meetings, conferences, incentive travel, business travel, conventions, product launches, staff training or events could be eligible to attend GIBTM as a Hosted Buyer. And now they can apply online at www.gibtm.com/hostedbuyers, ” Kenyon concluded.
More information on the exhibitors, networking opportunities and the seminars being given can be found on the GIBTM website at www.gibtm.com.
Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, ADNEC, Etihad and The Vision are all exclusive partners for GIBTM 2011. Meetme, published by NPI, is a global media partner and publisher of the Official Show Daily publication.
