Meeting professionals and corporate meeting planners attending GIBTM 2013 will be provided with information on future industry trends and innovations through the event’s education program.
“The high-quality content presented by experienced industry leaders ensures our delegates understand future trends and innovations, allowing them to better plan and execute their meetings and business strategies and adapt to the fast-paced world in which we live,” said Lois Hall, exhibition manager, GIBTM.
Education sessions provided by the GIBTM Knowledge Hub will look as far ahead as 2030, providing delegates with information to help them plan creative, forward-thinking strategies for their meetings and events.
Education session highlights include “Flash Forward 2030: The Value of Connection,” which is an interactive session presented by Michelle Lanham, lecturer in the U.K. Centre for Events Management at Leeds Metropolitan University. Dr. Emma Wood, reader in festivals and events marketing in the U.K. Centre for Events Management at Leeds Metropolitan University, will lead a look at key trends identified by MPI research and their implications for business practices.
“The research is poignant because it highlights increasing competitiveness in the meetings market with a growing number of new destinations and venues making their mark, particularly in emerging economies,” said Wood. “It also identifies a very clear need for professionals in all markets to use online communications more effectively to develop an understanding of their target audiences and enhance relationship contact with participants post meeting. The presentation is aimed at enabling delegates to learn effective social media strategies, and unveils several next-generation technology trends and innovations.”
The use of technology and its impact on meetings is a primary focus of the GIBTM education program. This will be incorporated by Event Camp-Middle East, who have been invited to attend the show for the first time and will run as a hybrid event.
Event Camp’s hybrid education sessions include: “Entering the World of Augmented Reality,” presented by Tom Wood, commercial director and co-owner, Kudan; “The Event Camp Model: events around the world and their nuances,” led by Mike McAllen, senior meeting planner and Event Camp founder; “Hybrid Events,” featuring Paul Cook; and “Tech-Obsessed: driven by results and attention to every branding detail,” presented by Liz King of Liz King Events.
Another new education session will be the GIBTM 20×20 Challenge, powered by Pecha Kucha. The challenge will invite industry professionals to present using the Pecha Kucha method – 20 slides shown for exactly 20 second per slide. GIBTM delegates will be invited to vote for the best presentation. The winning presenter will be awarded with a two-night stay at a Dead Sea Hotel, sponsored by the Jordan Tourism Board. The GIBTM 20×20 Challenge will take place on March 27.
Additional education sessions scheduled include the launch of the GIBTM Research 2013, “The Middle East Going Green” session in partnership with ICCA, and Association of Corporate Travel Executives sessions on Business Travel.
GIBTM 2013 is scheduled to take place on March 25–27. To register to attend GIBTM 2013 or find out more about the education sessions, please visit www.gibtm.com
