96% of exhibitors were satisfied with their overall ibtm arabia experience
Research conducted at ibtm arabia (www.ibtmarabia.com) shows that the new format meeting pod event, held for the first time in February this year, provided the connections and business that led to 96% of exhibitors questioned, so satisfied with their experience that they are likely to exhibit at ibtm arabia 2016.
At the same time, a similar number of exhibitors also said that they were satisfied with the quality of international Hosted Buyers who attended from 35 countries.
ibtm arabia delivered the maximum 30 pre-scheduled appointments per exhibitor which were further supported by the community joining 9 networking opportunities including Discovery Day, lunches, coffee breaks and evening events providing more business ROI opportunities.
Lois Wilcox, Exhibition Manager, ibtm arabia commented, “This was the first of our ibtm events to adopt the meeting pod format and we are delighted with the feedback that we have received. There was a real sense of enthusiasm about the concept and the whole experience, which resulted in the creation of a strong industry community that worked, networked and learned together. The response from our exhibitors and Hosted Buyers on the new format has been overwhelmingly positive, here’s just a snippet of what they had to say…”
Nicoletta Paphitou, Cyprus Convention Bureau commented, “I think this is one of the most effective exhibitions that I have ever participated in.”
Marwan Haddad, Director of Sales & Marketing for Marriott Doha commented, “This has worked! The appointment set up where everyone moves after 15 minutes was right. The mutual match was also perfect and we have had concrete enquiries – we will be back next year.”
Lindsay Brown, Marketing Manager, Visit Scotland commented, “I like the format with multiple touch points with buyers which helps break the ice and develop stronger initial relationships. We had serious business discussions and genuine interest in the product. As relationship building is vital in the industry, the multiple contact opportunities are a strong selling point.”
Lee Forde, Head of Operations for Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) commented, “It’s been excellent for us, we have some very strong leads and a very positive response. It’s also been great for networking, no time wasters, even with other exhibitors, we have been able to catch up on everything going on in the MICE industry in this region, I am sure we will be back.”
ibtm arabia is held in Partnership with Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau and Etihad Airways.
For further information about exhibiting, please visit www.ibtmarabia.com
