The Americas Meetings & Events Exhibitions (AIBTM) announced that the Hosted Buyer applications are now being accepted. The Hosted Buyer program is a highlight of AIBTM 2012, which takes place June 19-21, 2012 at the Baltimore Convention Center. Bringing together the world’s leading buyers and sellers in the business, AIBTM 2012’s three-day business networking event includes one full day of education and two days of exhibitions.
“AIBTM offers a priceless opportunity for Hosted Buyers, and we are thrilled to officially open the application process to top industry buyers. With key elements of AIBTM revamped for 2012, the event will be bigger, better and more engaging than ever,” said Steve Knight, AIBTM Project Director. “For AIBTM 2012, we expect to have 20,000 pre-scheduled onsite appointments and we have a 50% spike in Group Coordinators over last year. Additionally, 85% of our current exhibitors signed on are returning from 2011. Of those, 30% have increased floor space significantly for 2012.”
Qualified AIBTM Hosted Buyers will have the opportunity to pre-schedule appointments with exhibitors of their choice, receive complimentary travel and accommodation, attend exclusive Hosted Buyernetworking events, participate in pre-show and post-show city tours and enjoy other VIP benefits. AIBTM Hosted Buyer applications are reviewed and accepted based on the number and size of meetings, events, incentives and annual conferences, individual purchasing authority, annual budgets for meetings, events and incentives, amount of business conducted and potential for future business in the meetings and business travel industries.
AIBTM’s close relationships with the industry’s major associations inspired AIBTM Education Day, comprised of conferences, panels and workshops that will kick-off AIBTM 2012. “AIBTM is proud to partner with the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), the Society of Incentive Travel Executives (SITE), the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) to deliver the latest and most comprehensive education to the industry,” Knight said. “We believe these partnerships will be invaluable for Hosted Buyers.”
Multiple concurrent events ensure there are relevant educational tracks for AIBTM 2012 Hosted Buyers and all attendees. PCMA will deliver Education Powered by PCMA, Executive Edge and the State of the Industry Panel. ACTE will present an education track on the importance of face-to-face meetings in the context of business travel while utilizing new technology to best enhance the business experience. ICCA will present the ICCA Global Meetings track, consisting of roundtable sessions and clinical topics on how global destinations can penetrate the U.S. market. Additionally, SITE will deliver education tailored to the incentive market as well as host the SITE Young Leaders Program, focusing on the next generation of motivational leaders.
The Americas Meetings & Events Exhibitions (AIBTM), www.aibtm.com