IBTM Arabia introduces enhanced Hosted Buyer Programme

IBTM Arabia 2018, the leading event for the Middle East MICE industry, has seen an influx of high-profile international Hosted Buyers already confirmed to attend, following the introduction of its enhanced Hosted Buyer programme, adopted across IBTM’s portfolio. The programme sees the IBTM team pre-selecting and qualifying Hosted Buyers, allowing them to be fast-tracked through the process. This also enables IBTM to be even more targeted in ensuring only the highest calibre of Hosted Buyers are present at the event.

Hosted Buyers already confirmed to attend IBTM Arabia include representatives from international organisations such as AIM Group International, ALJ – Toyota, American Express Travel Services, Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Continental AG, Danone, Firmenich, GSK and United Spirits Ltd.

IBTM Arabia, part of leading global exhibition organiser, IBTM, provides Hosted Buyers with a personalised schedule of one-to-one meetings with a hand-picked selection of leading suppliers. The event’s exclusive ‘pod’ format, combined with IBTM’s bespoke ‘matchmaking’ software, creates a diary of mutually matched, pre-scheduled appointments for both Hosted Buyers and suppliers, giving them full control over their appointment diaries.

Shinu Pillai, Exhibition Manager, IBTM Arabia, comments: “Testament to the event’s importance and the weight it carries in the Middle East MICE market, IBTM Arabia attracts overseas suppliers from across the globe. Streamlining the Hosted Buyer process means added value for exhibitors, by targeting buyers matched according to exhibitor needs, as well as ensuring we make our Hosted Buyers’ time as productive as possible at the event, by helping them meet with people with whom they are most likely to do business.”

Adam Wing, International Marketing Manager, Bibby Financial Service, who attended as a Hosted Buyer in 2017, commented: “IBTM Arabia was a fantastically immersive event that combined business meetings with a city experience, and generated some great connections who I will definitely work with in the future.”

IBTM Arabia’s market-leading Knowledge Programme allows attendees to take tangible learnings back to the workplace and ensure their finger is on the pulse of the latest industry talking points and developments. This year, the programme will be headlined by keynote speaker, Rohit Talwar, global futurist, author and CEO of foresight firm, Fast Future, who will provide invaluable insight on how the MICE industry can anticipate, respond and benefit from an emerging future and in a world of constant chance. The programme will also include a panel session led by ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) on destination competitiveness.

On the final day of the event, attendees will take away learnings from a session by Albert Dias, Chief Technology Officer and co-founder of the UAE’s first full-service OTA – Musafir.com. Dias will explore how TMCs will need to bank on intelligence, rather than the outdated mainstay of service, to remain relevant in an era of constant change. The format of IBTM Arabia has been designed to embrace the importance of networking and relationship building ahead of doing business, with 12 networking events held over the three-day-long show. The networking programme will include the renowned White Party at Rotana Beach and a cocktail reception on the final evening.

The event will kick off with ‘Discovery Day’, introducing Hosted Buyers and suppliers to some of the highlights of Abu Dhabi, whilst giving them the opportunity to network with each other and key media. This year, Discovery Day will include a trip to the new Louvre Abu Dhabi and the opportunity to experience some of the delights of Yas Island.

IBTM Arabia attracts elite attendees from more than 30 countries each year, with more than 2,100 pre-planned meetings happening during the 2017 event. IBTM Arabia will take place at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from 5-7 February.

www.ibtmarabia.com