Buyers and exhibitors predict business at AIBTM

With a few weeks until the opening of AIBTM, the first event of its kind in the US and part of Americas Meetings Week, both buyers and suppliers have been discussing their agendas, thoughts and what they are looking forward to. With over 700 exhibiting companies and a buying community focused on placing US and International events, meetings and incentives, the buzz is all about doing business.

“I am very excited to attend my first AIBTM meeting and engaging with vendors that I have not worked with in the past,” said Nancy DeBrosse, VP of association strategic account management, Experient. “The opportunity to meet with so many exhibitors in one location who offer new and creative solutions to the meetings industry is one of my main reasons for going to Baltimore. I am also looking forward to spending a few days networking with my fellow industry peers.”

With the concept of a Hosted Buyer program and individual diaries of pre-scheduled appointments being introduced at AIBTM, many buyers and suppliers will be experiencing this new business expo platform for the first time.

“I am most interested in participating in the exhibitor appointments that have been set up for exclusive time to discuss products, services, or venues,” said Lynn Smith, VP of Meetings Association of Fundraising Professionals. “This focused one-on-one opportunity should provide me with information that is specific, if not customized, to our meeting needs. I’m looking forward to learning how these appointments will provide me better tools and information for our fundraising meetings than the normal way of attending exhibits.”

Suppliers heading to Baltimore and doing so on the back of their successful attendance at other events in the global IBTM portfolio of events, are counting the days.

“I am delighted to represent Dublin at this year’s AIBTM,” said Miriam Kennedy, business tourism manager, Dublin Tourism. “I have high hopes for AIBTM given Reed’s track record and it’s good to see the inclusion of the online diary which we all value as exhibitors. I’m very confident Dublin Convention Bureau’s attendance at this event will deliver for Dublin. I’m excited to be in Baltimore at the same time as one of Dublin’s best exports – U2.”