IBTM Arabia, in its new avatar, featured a fixed space tabletop format, welcoming select hosted buyers and media. The new format gave the buyers and exhibitioners a more organised platform, with meetings pre-scheduled online and networking dinners provided a great opportunity to build relations.
“We re-branded the portfolio three months ago, and renamed it IBTM World in a bid to position it as a global show vis a vis other shows other shows that are regional. We took feedback from the market and adapted the format accordingly. The focus was to understand what works well in each market, and for Arabia we believed this was the right format,” said Sallie Coventry, Portfolio Directory – IBTM Events.
According to Lois Wilcox, Exhibition Manager – IBTM Arabia, IBTM Events, when feedback was collected at the end of the eighth edition of GIBTM, the general consensus was the power of meetings and networking v/s constructing attractive stands. For MICE especially, they observed, the number of quality meetings was a priority. Hence the new format was designed.
“Based on feedback this year we will grow the available exhibition space and buyer portfolio. This year we had to restrict entry because we wanted the show to be very focused. In fact, till the last day, we were turning people away. However, having to turn people away has shown an interest in the format and promise for next year,” she added.
The event welcomed 104 hosted buyers from 36 countries, including 10 buyers from India, specifically from Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai. The event saw 98 exhibitors, including five new countries: Canada, Mexico, Japan, Scotland and India, markets that have shown a growing interest in Europe and the Middle East. According to Wilcox, the exhibitors that came on board were quizzed about the regions and facets of their interest, and buyers were invited to the show accordingly. The show recorded 3,000 business meetings this year on the pre-scheduled appointment system.
IBTM Events is emulating this show’s model in the US as well in their Chicago edition to be held in June, Coventry revealed.
Discovery Day
An initiative highly appreciated by the IBTM Arabia participants was the Discovery Day organised by TCA Abu Dhabi. The Authority arranged for everyone to visit the Emirate’s main attractions – Ferrari World, Yas Marina Circuit and Sheikh Zayed Mosque, and even experience the activities at the first two venues. The experiences were rounded off with a Dhow Cruise Lunch with Mubarak Al Shamsi, Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau Director.
Discovery Day also featured knowledge sessions by Phil Bedford, Referral Institute Executive Circle on the power of networking and Adrian Hayes, Adventurer, Speaker and Business Coach on overcoming challenges in business.
In addition, IBTM Arabia hosted very successful networking nights in St. Regis Saadiyat Island, also the venue for the IBTM Arabia show, and the Yas Viceroy.
