IBTM providing right impetus for MICE
The first IBTM India will take place at the Grand Hyatt in the financial hub of Mumbai from 12-14 September 2013. It will provide an integrated platform for MICE and Business Travel sectors to come together and transact business, share knowledge and netwo
What are your plans for IBTM India 2013? This event has been launched as a direct result of the buyer and supplier demand that we have witnessed in the region. The key brand values and objectives for IBTM India are the same as those across all of our events – to provide the best business opportunities, best networking and best education for all attendees. This ensures solid return on investment for all our exhibitors and buyers.
Where IBTM India differs from the other shows in the IBTM portfolio is the way in which buyers and exhibitors are matched. We are introducing a mutualmatch making strategy in order to achieve meetings, which are mutually beneficial to both parties. In addition to this, both buyers and exhibitors will have an opportunity to choose who they would like to meet with. We believe that this format will benefit both buyers and exhibitors, promoting valuable and profitable business meetings. How large do you think the event will be? The first edition of the show will include 100 meetings for industry and Business Travel suppliers from international and Indian hotels and venues, national/state convention bureaus, travel/destination management companies, event management and entertainment suppliers, professional conference organisers, airlines and technology providers. To find out more about IBTM India or to register to attend as an Exhibitor, please visit www.ibtmevents.com/ibtmindia or email shinu.pillai@reedexpo.ae
Exhibitors will be matched by a proportionate number of top-level buyers – 50 international and 50 from India. Are you expecting people from around the world?
Yes, we are expecting people from all over the world to attend the first edition of IBTM India. The Hosted Buyers will be split into 50 international and 50 from India, ensuring that the show represents the host nation, whilst still remaining international. It is important that we have a strong representation of Indian Hosted Buyers as many of our exhibitors view the show as a gateway into the lucrative Indian market.
In terms of international attendance, exhibitors who have already signed up from around the world include; Barcelona Convention Bureau (Spain), ICEE Travel (Turkey), Vienna Convention Bureau (Austria),
ATY Events (Turkey), Cvent (USA), Tourespana
(Spain), Tourism Toronto (Canada), Tourism New
Zealand (New Zealand), Kuoni Private Safari (South Africa), Switzerland Convention Bureau (Switzerland), Cyprus Tourism Organisation (Cyprus), Regal Hotels (Hong Kong), Gran Melia Don Pepe – Marbella (Spain) and Munich Convention Bureau (Germany). How did Reed plan to come to India? The IBTM Events Portfolio is the world’s leading showcase for the meetings and events industry, and a number of factors were considered when choosing India as our next MICE destination. India’s MICE industry is still very much in its growth stage, and we are witnessing the emergence of new destinations within the country. We are also seeing second tier cities developing quickly, attracting MICE business from major cities such as Mumbai and Delhi.
Mumbai, where IBTM India will be hosted, is the commercial and financial capital of India. The city houses India’s major corporates and multi-national companies thus offering a great buyer-base for the show. Mumbai sets the perfect stage for IBTM India with its vibrant culture – it’s the perfect place to begin your Indian experience. What kind of support are you getting from the Ministry of Tourism? We have been working closely with the India Ministry of Tourism to ensure that the first edition of IBTM India is as successful as possible.
The Ministry has a strategic plan of commitment in place for the development of new convention centres and a significant number of global hotel chains, and is focussing on developing new facilities and venues to support the growth of the MICE industry in the region. This really is an exciting time for us at Reed Travel Exhibitions to be expanding into India. Do you think India is on the right track to become a MICE destination?
Yes, India holds enormous potential for the MICE industry with a projected GDP growth of over 8 per cent in the next 5 years. As the world’s third largest economy, India is also showing an increase
IBTM India will be a closed-door event, bringing together 100 buyers and 100 suppliers from India and across the world for an exclusive
table-top event
in outbound business, estimated in 2010 to be worth some US$600m for the sector, with projections of a 13 per cent increase in the coming years.
Global MICE industry associations such as Site, ICCA and ACTE are very active in this market. We work closely with each of these organisations to bring together every aspect of the MICE industry through IBTM India; we are committed to integrate, educate and elevate the standards of India’s meetings industry.