The Americas Meetings & Events Exhibition (AIBTM), Reed Travel Exhibitions’ provider for the U.S. meetings and events industry, has announced that it has more than 50 Hosted Buyer Group Coordinators committed to AIBTM in Baltimore, June 19-21, 2012. AIBTM 2012 is a three-day event, with one full day of education and two days of exhibitions.
“The Hosted Buyer Group Coordinator response for AIBTM 2012 is overwhelming, especially at this early stage,” said Steve Knight, Reed Travel Exhibitions AIBTM project director. “We already have 25 percent more Group Coordinators signed than for the whole of last year, and we’re still in our pre-registration phase for the Hosted Buyer Program.”
Among the AIBTM Hosted Buyer Group Coordinators confirmed for AIBTM 2012 include key hoteliers like Hilton, Hyatt, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), Marriott, Melia Hotels International, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Sofitel Luxury Hotels and Choice Hotels International. Major U.S. market CVBs, such as the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau, Meet Washington State (formerly Seattle CVB) and Visit Orlando will also be bringing hosted buyers.
“Each AIBTM exhibitor is eligible to apply to be a Group Coordinator. The program empowers exhibitors to ensure that the prospects they want to see are at AIBTM,” said Knight. “Group Coordinators receive the same VIP treatment as Hosted Buyers. They have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with top clients through AIBTM’s online Pre-Scheduled Appointment system, and they enjoy complimentary travel and accommodations when bringing a qualified group of 10 or more.”
Additionally, AIBTM’s strategic partner, the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), has committed to bringing 500 Hosted Buyers to the event in June. AIBTM is pleased at the support and interest of PCMA and other industry associations, like the Society of Incentive Travel Executives (SITE), which has committed to bringing 100 Incentive buyers.
“AIBTM proved to be a successful show for Starwood,” said Megan Cargile, associate director, Meetings & Events for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. “Our hotel exhibitors will once again benefit from being able to meet with many qualified hosted buyers in pre scheduled appointments, which have a significant value.”
