Hosted Buyer applications have opened for ibtm arabia 2017. The event, part of leading global exhibition organiser, ibtm events’ portfolio, will take place in Abu Dhabi, UAE, from 7 – 9 February.
ibtm arabia is the number one event for the Middle East’s MICE industry, providing Hosted Buyers with a personalised schedule of one-to-one meetings with a hand-picked selection of Exhibitors. Testament to this is the fact that, in 2016, ibtm arabia achieved a 100% satisfaction rating from Hosted Buyers.
The event’s innovative ‘pod’ format, combined with ibtm events’ bespoke ‘matchmaking’ software, creates a personalised diary of mutually matched pre-scheduled appointments for each Hosted Buyer. As a result, ibtm arabia provides arguably the most effective atmosphere and environment for successful meetings and business negotiations.
Shinu Pillai, Exhibition Manager – ibtm arabia, comments: “With just 260 spaces available, 130 for Hosted Buyers and 130 for Exhibitors, ibtm arabia consistently attracts elite attendees from over 30 countries. Our innovative, market-leading event is renowned as being the most effective and best value for money when it comes to ROI. With each hosted buyer having an average annual budget of $5.1million and almost 4,000 meetings taking place during the show, $multi-millions of business is placed each year as a direct result of meetings at ibtm arabia.”
The format of the event has been designed to embrace and celebrate regional nuances when it comes to the importance of networking and relationship building ahead of doing business, with nine networking events held over the three-day-long show.
The first item on the agenda is ‘Discovery Day,’ which allows Hosted Buyers and Exhibitors to get to know each other whilst exploring the local culture in an informal environment before meetings commence. Discovery Day commences with a keynote educational session which acts as a forum for attendees to debate and discuss key industry issues, innovations and themes.
Sallie Coventry, Portfolio Director, ibtm events, commented: “At ibtm events, connections are at the heart of everything we do. From working with our partners to ensure our events continue to provide the best environment in which to forge great connections that add value to their business, to being the platform for our clients to renew old connections and forge new ones all over the world; we are committed to creating truly unmissable events.
“We purposefully designed the format of ibtm arabia to be reflective of the importance placed regionally on building a relationship ahead of having formal meetings, in order to offer the most effective environment for networking and doing great business. As a result, we have consistently excellent feedback from attendees who deem it a “must attend” event.”
Benjamin Castro from Gratur, who attended as a Hosted Buyer in 2016, commented: “The format, the hotel and the facilities mean that everything about ibtm arabia runs perfectly. It is the best opportunity in which to develop new relationships and partnerships. The event was absolutely great – practical, useful and functional which is unique and rare.”
Hosted Buyers at ibtm arabia are accommodated in a 5-star luxury seafront resort for 3 days whilst they meet with their matched suppliers. Applicants will need to demonstrate proven budget and business to place in the Middle East and Internationally.
For more information and to apply to become a Hosted Buyer in 2017, visit http://www.ibtmarabia.com/en/Hosted-Buyers/
@IBTMArabiaevent
