Led by some of the most influential experts in the industry, this year’s EIBTM Education Program will combine experience, research and industry knowledge to lead the way in delivering critical insight and solutions to meetings industry issues.
Dedicated to achieving business excellence, the program strives to raise industry standards and encourage learning and development. Each element has been researched and structured to ensure that providing support and improving business is at the forefront of all content.
This year’s EIBTM program, running from November 29 to the December 1 at the Fira Gran Via, Barcelona, will be comprised of a series of over 40 structured seminars, workshops and conferences that will tackle key themes and hot topics while addressing real industry issues.
“The economic significance of meetings on the national economy in enormous and as the world’s leading exhibition for the meetings and events industry, it is imperative that we support the meetings industry and move it forward in every way possible,” said Erica Keogan, Reed Travel Exhibitions Education content manager EIBTM. “We believe that be educating and inspiring these professionals – we will help to achieve this.”
The Economic Significance of Meetings on National Economies session moderated by Karen Kotowski, CIC, will bring together a panel of representatives from the U.S., Canada and Mexico, comprising of Deborah Sexton (PCMA), Bruce MacMillan (MPI), Jakub Konysz (ASAE) and Eduardo Chaillo (Mexico Tourism Bureau) to answer questions and discuss the importance of economic research and consider the meetings industry’s role in creating jobs, economic growth and revenue generation. The panel will also consider ways in which this information can be used to promote the value of face-to-face meetings.
“This year, we have really focused on getting right to the heart of issues which meetings industry professionals are faced with each day,” said Keogan. “We have focused on delivering content, which will ensure all of our attendees leave each seminar with meaningful and relevant inspirations and solutions, which they can apply in their field of work.”
EIBTM will also provide the platform for the European launch of the AIBTM and MPI Business Value of Meetings (BVOM) research. The international study has uncovered best practices, steps to avoid, expected outcomes, and practical ways to introduce the measurement and reporting of BVOM within organizations. Presented by Bill Voegeli of Association Insights, the session will enable delegates to recognize BVOM opportunities, learn practical ways to measure and report BVOM, and the mistakes to avoid when establishing BVOM measures and reports.
The results of the Association Leadership Survey by Bridle Research & Development session will also be revealed for discussion in the session, which is dedicated to considering how the economic downturn has changed the way Associations are structured and operated. Many Associations are still trying to find their future and their contribution in this rapidly changing world and the content of these sessions are aimed at providing insight and understanding around this issue.
EIBTM will also see the launch of Rob Davidson’s 2011 Industry Trends & Market Share Report. Rob’s annual research as EIBTM’s industry analyst will create insight into the global economic situation we find ourselves in, and how the meetings and events industry are responding to it. His research will also present an overview of the national economies including Brazil, Russia, India and China, the US and Europe and consider the evolving role of technology in meetings and events and the ways in which social media has witnessed a major surge in importance this year.
Reed Travel Exhibitions, organizers of EIBTM and the IBTM portfolio will additionally be launching its first IBTM Global Meetings Industry Research Study. This primary research will provide essential insight into business flows of the meetings and incentives industry globally, revealing the key performing areas, regions and sectors of business. It will give the industry essential information to shape their business strategy moving into 2012.
The general education program also features a series of Spanish seminars specifically for the local market. The sessions will examine the theory and practice of networking, the importance of social networks within a business, the ways in which events can deliver return on investment and show case various case studies of Spanish companies who have launched international events successfully. The program will directly address ways that local companies can enhance their position in the market sector.
In addition to this, EIBTM will also be running a number of technology education sessions. The now famous Technology Hour will take place everyday in the Lecture Theatre on the show floor and topics will consider the relevance and impacts of various applications ranging from social media and mobile technology to iPads and tablets. Ivan Lazarev, President and CEO, ITN International and the winner for EIBTM Technology Watch, will present the winning concept for this year. Each session has been structured to evoke a range of debates and discussions throughout.
All EIBTM general education program sessions are free to attend and open to all.
