Hosted Buyer applications are now being accepted for ibtm arabia 2016, the leading event for the Arabian meetings, incentives, conferences and events industry, taking place at the exclusive 5-star Jumeirah at Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi from 9 – 11 February.
Successful meetings and event planner applicants will receive a diary of up to 30 pre-scheduled, mutually matched 1-to-1 appointments with leading Middle East and international hotels, venues, destinations, technology and event service providers. Hosted Buyers will be provided free accommodation at the 5-star Jumeirah at Etihad Towers and for those that live outside the UAE, return travel will be offered. Invitations to 9 exclusive networking events are also included, immersing them in the ibtm arabia community for three days.
The ibtm arabia experience will also include a 'Discovery Day', combining a dedicated Knowledge Forum with networking and activities around Abu Dhabi which will invite buyers to discover the Middle East and specifically the region’s leading MICE products and services.
Last year’s programme was well received with 100% of Hosted Buyers satisfied with both the quality of exhibitors and their overall event experience.
Debert Cook CMP, President, Event Planners Plus who attended the 2015 show commented: “ibtm arabia was very informative and beneficial to me as a buyer for meeting and conference products and services. I greatly enjoyed the opportunity to gain a better perspective of Abu Dhabi and its meeting venues and attractions, and I was able to connect with several terrific suppliers for help with our upcoming destination programmes.”
Meetings professionals who apply to attend this event as Hosted Buyers will be selected on their business influence and buying power, both in the region and globally. Successful applicants will be senior decision makers from the Middle East, Europe, Americas, Asia Pacific and Africa, therefore representing a cross-section of the most senior meeting planners in the industry. International Hosted Buyers will need to have definite business to place in the Middle East and Middle East Hosted Buyers definite business to place outside of their emirate.
Those attending ibtm arabia will include meeting and conference planners from the insurance, medical, oil and gas, healthcare, finance and IT industries, high-level representatives from government, Fortune 500 company planners, large incentive buyers, major association planners and third party agencies.
ibtm arabia is run with the support of Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau and Etihad Airways.
