Substantiates Value of “Face to Face” Meetings in “Kinship Economy”
Keynoting this year’s theme “Defining the Future of Meetings…Together,” J. Walker Smith, principal of The Futures Company, has been chosen to kick off AIBTM’s 2013 exhibition on June 11th. He will present information and insights that demonstrate the continued value of face-to-face relationships in the current “kinship economy”…even in a digital age.
“Face-to-face meetings are the catalyst for business growth and shortened sale cycles – despite what technologists and the digital marketplace would have you believe,” said Michael Lyons, Exhibition Director of AIBTM 2013. “Business is more than ever about building relationships that will never change despite social media, online meetings software and streaming media.”
Carrying the momentum of Smith’s keynote throughout the show, AIBTM 2013 will offer a highly interactive education format to crowdsource attendees’ views on best practices, innovation and new ideas to make business meetings more effective in a challenging global landscape.
“AIBTM is the coming together of the world,” said AIBTM Advisory Board Member Roger Rickard, Partner, Chief Advocate of Revent LLC. “It is the leading showcase for one-on-one, face-to-face appointments between meeting professionals and suppliers that facilitates education and commerce. It is a must-attend event if you have a desire to be educated and to engage in direct commerce.”
AIBTM 2013 will provide many valuable and interactive sessions for attendees, including:
Interactive “fast track” education sessions and speaker showcases in the Lecture Theater on the show floor
Two Market Focus Spotlight events focused on Europe and Asia
The “Innovation Spotlight”, a place where attendees can find out about the latest cutting-edge innovations for the industry
“The Zone”, a place for attendees to network and recharge during the day
Local student “ambassadors” who will serve as guides for attendees
“I have always enjoyed the AIBTM experience and gained invaluable knowledge and new contacts by participating in this show,” said Todd Steinberg, global account director at Sonesta Collection. “Sonesta Hotels will be in attendance this year and we look forward to seeing our existing clients as well as meeting new ones.”
AIBTM 2013 will take place from 11th – 13th June, 2013. To participate as an exhibitor, apply as a Hosted Buyer or register as a Trade Visitor, visit www.aibtm.com. Join AIBTM on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube.
