Following on from a successful AIBTM (www.aibtm.com), Reed Travel Exhibitions conducted an independent survey amongst over 6,000 buyers and suppliers within the IBTM Global Events Portfolio database to identify trends for the US as a destination for a trade show for the meetings and events marketplace.When asked to consider the most important criteria for exhibitors to attend an event, the overwhelming majority said that quality of buyers and the reputation of the event were the priority. Those surveyed in the trade visitor category confirmed that the subject matter of the tradeshow and the quality of exhibiting companies are the two most important reasons for attending a tradeshow.
Hosted Buyers who attended AIBTM 2012 showed some of the highest satisfaction levels of the event so far, with 90% indicating they are likely to return in 2013 to Chicago. 93% of attendees expected to place business as a result of their attendance and 97% felt that the pre-scheduled appointment system (a new introduction to the US exhibition industry) matched their business requirements and is now an important factor of AIBTM.
Craig Moyes, Portfolio Director, IBTM Global Events Portfolio, Reed Travel Exhibitions commented, “as the world’s leading event organizer for this industry, our core brand values are based on our reputation in delivering quality Hosted Buyers and this remains the key to our success. Equally to ensure there is total transparency, we also have our events independently audited so that our stakeholders can see exactly how many Hosted Buyers attended rather than rely on an organizer claiming the numbers”.
Additional post show research undertaken to find out the reactions to AIBTM 2012 and the move of the event to Chicago identified that 80% of trade buyers are likely to attend AIBTM 2013 and 92% would recommend the event to a colleague. Satisfaction levels by exhibitors were some of the highest recorded with 90% of exhibitors happy with the event, and 88% likely to return when it moves to Chicago. 90% were satisfied with the quality of buyers from the US and the same percentage confirmed that they generated sales leads and inquiries as a result of their attendance.
Michael Tarr, CMP, Vice President, Convention Sales, Choose Chicago comments on the new location for AIBTM in 2013, “We are confident that Chicago’s premier convention facility, in conjunction with the city’s unparalleled dining scene, exceptional cultural attractions, shopping and endless nightlife options will ensure AIBTM’s success next year and in years to come”.
Over 50 exhibitors re-booked onsite and immediately after the show including Puerto Rico Convention Bureau, Philadelphia CVB, Jamaica Tourist Board, Visit Orlando, AMResorts, Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau & Sports Commission, Hello USA!, Sonesta Collection, IHG-InterContinental Hotels Group, Greater Boston CVB, Marriott International, Cvent, Experient, Dominican Republic Tourism Board, Moscow Exhibition and Convention Agency and more.
AIBTM 2013 will take place at McCormick Place, Chicago from June 11th through June 13th, 2013 and will be hosted by Choose Chicago. Companies interested in exhibiting at AIBTM 2013 should contact Nancy Walker, Sales Director for AIBTM. Please email nwalker@reedexpo.com or call 203 840 5862.
