The 14th edition of IBTM China, part of IBTM’s global portfolio of meetings, events and industry tradeshows, begins in Beijing on Aug. 28 with over 8,000 meetings (an increase of 20 percent compared to 2018) due to take place between hosted buyers and exhibitors at the event held at China National Convention Centre.
Over 350 exhibitors are set to attend this year (up 40 percent compared to 2018). They will meet with 335 hosted buyers (an increase of 18 percent compared to 2018) for an event that includes a raft of new initiatives designed to increase opportunities for connection and learning among delegates. These include the Business Travel Digital Innovation Summit, an in-depth exploration of the latest issues facing business travel managers; and an interactive and educational Technology Zone. This is in addition to over 30 new product and destination presentations taking place at the event, as well as a packed knowledge program.
IBTM China 2019 will also feature new networking and cultural activities, including a happy hour on day one in the exhibition hall. Also new this year is a post-event hosted buyer tour of China’s capital and MICE hotspot Beijing. Taking place on Aug. 30, the day-long tour of this ancient and yet modern city will include a visit to the Forbidden City World Heritage Site, an inspection of the stunning five-star PuXuan Hotel and Spa, and entertainment from Peking opera.
Hosted buyers at this year’s event include BMW, Daimler, Danone, HSBC, Geely, Johnson & Johnson, Sanofi, Lenovo, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Osram and UBS.
“IBTM China is a must attend show for Novo Nordisk each year,” says Cissy Zhao, senior manager at Novo Nordisk. “We find, not only new resources, but also ideal suppliers through this platform.”
Exhibitors include Air Canada, Okinawa Japan, Fiji Tourism, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Sydney Conference and Training Centre, Salam Management Services, Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events, Shanghai New International Expo Centre and Tourism Administration of Guangzhou Municipality. Over 3,500 trade visitors have registered to attend.
“It’s a year of firsts for IBTM China 2019,” says Nicole Ci, event manager, IBTM China. “We’ve listened to our customers and added several exciting new features that we know they are keen to see, including opportunities to experience cutting-edge technology, discuss pressing issues with peers, and more activities for social connection away from one-to-one meetings.”
She continues: “China is a buoyant and fast-maturing market, and the show is going from strength to strength. The IBTM China team has worked incredibly hard on the event over the last year and we can’t wait to experience the buzz on the show floor.”
The No. 1 event for the region’s MICE industry, IBTM China is set to gather over 4,000 global meetings industry professionals for two days full of prescheduled business meetings. The event uses IBTM’s bespoke matchmaking software to provide each hosted buyer with a prearranged schedule of meetings to ensure that buyers only meet with people with whom there’s a great chance they’ll do business. For more info, visit ibtmchina.com.
