With under one month to go before EIBTM (December 1-3, Barcelona – www.eibtm.com ) opens its doors to the international meetings industry, over 50,000 business appointments are set to take place as EIBTM plays host to more than 3,700 hosted buyers, all recognizing the importance the event plays in delivering business and return on investment.

As of November 10, pre-scheduled appointments were up 10 percent from the same time last year.

Over 255 international association buyers have been accepted onto the hosted buyer program, a substantial increase on association buyers in attendance last year, and all signs are predicting an increase in numbers attending the 30+ education sessions targeted at corporates, associations, agencies, and suppliers.

June Clark, EIBTM’s hosted buyer program manager commented: “We are absolutely delighted with these pre-show figures, proving why EIBTM continues to attract hosted buyers from all over the world who are eager to do business.

“This year we have seen particular interest from Belgium, Hungary, Italy, Poland, and Russia, as well as long-haul destinations such as Argentina, Brazil, China, India, and North America.

“It is clear that, in challenging times for the industry, top international buyers recognize the value and return on investment of attending EIBTM. Our buyer-driven, pre-scheduled appointment system ensures that we bring the right people together in an environment that is conducive to doing business.”

EIBTM 2009 is set for another outstanding year, with over 3,000 exhibitors from 90+ countries showcasing their venues, product,s and services. These include 28 new main standholders from leading hotel brands Tiara Hotels and Oberoi Hotels; destinations such as Mozambique, Senegal, and Venezuela; and cities such as Bonn.

For further information on EIBTM’s hosted buyer program and how to apply, log onto www.eibtm.com .

For general visitor pre-registration, which is free of charge and will save the onsite entry fee of €20, please log onto www.eibtm.com/register .

WHAT TO TAKE AWAY FROM THIS ARTICLE:

Over 255 international association buyers have been accepted onto the hosted buyer program, a substantial increase on association buyers in attendance last year, and all signs are predicting an increase in numbers attending the 30+ education sessions targeted at corporates, associations, agencies, and suppliers.
Com ) opens its doors to the international meetings industry, over 50,000 business appointments are set to take place as EIBTM plays host to more than 3,700 hosted buyers, all recognizing the importance the event plays in delivering business and return on investment.
“It is clear that, in challenging times for the industry, top international buyers recognize the value and return on investment of attending EIBTM.