Since AIBTM’s Hosted Buyer registration opened, 1,000 top decision-makers are in the process of being qualified, representing 50% of the anticipated 2,000 Hosted Buyers who will attend AIBTM this June. As predicted, applications are coming in from group coordinators, media partners and by individuals who are applying via the website www.aibtm.com.
Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) has a successful proven track record with their Hosted Buyer formula, considered the ‘gold standard’ for the meetings industry, across its global portfolio of events on five continents.
Hand-picked, those attending AIBTM 2011 will be the major decision-makers for meetings, incentives, conventions and business travel. The event will deliver 3,000 US and international meeting professionals, 2,000 of which are individually qualified Hosted Buyers, who are the top influencers for domestic and international business.
Mike Fegley, Vice President of IHG Americas Sales comments: “We’re confident that Reed’s Hosted Buyer programme will revitalise and re-energise the events and meetings industry trade shows in the United States. Reed’s model guarantees qualified buyers, making AIBTM attractive to IHG and our hotel partners, allowing us to bring in our top account’s meeting planners from the US, as well as internationally.”
Elisabeth Shipman, AIBTM’s Hosted Buyer Manager explains, “Our Hosted Buyers are the top decision makers in the industry and they realise our programme is the most effective use of their time. Over 700 global exhibitors are available at their disposal for one-to-one meetings. Hosted Buyers choose which suppliers they want to meet with based on their business objectives, they then select eight pre-scheduled appointments per day. This focused approach guarantees that time is maximised and their business goals achieved.”
All Hosted Buyers receive complimentary travel and/or hotel accommodations, local transfers from airports, train stations and hotels, as well as, exclusive access to the onsite Hosted Buyer Lounge. Networking is recognised as a key ingredient and all Buyers are invited to attend the exclusive Hosted Buyer Ice Breaker Reception, the Visit Baltimore Welcome Reception and qualify to enter a drawing for tickets to attend the 360˚ tour U2 concert being held during AIBTM in Baltimore.
Hosted Buyers are encouraged to take part in AIBTM’s extensive Education Programme offering a variety of industry-related hot topics and global trends presented and debated by key industry leaders and experts. AIBTM Education Day is scheduled for 21st June one day in advance of the exhibition in order to allow for maximum meeting time between Hosted Buyers and suppliers during the exhibition which runs from 22nd June and continues on 23rd June.
Steve Knight, Project Manager for AIBTM comments, “The response we’ve received has exceeded our original expectations. Applications being processed are greater than expected mainly due to Group Coordinators including The DMC Group, Global Cynergies, Helms Brisco, HPN, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Experient, IHG – InterContinental Hotel Groups and several chapters of MPI.”
Full details on how to apply as a Hosted Buyer can be found on www.aibtm.com
Trade registration will open online at www.aibtm.com within the coming weeks.
