ABU DHABI

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MICEtalk Transformation of the former annual GIBTM show, IBTM Arabia is the new name for the event with a new location, The St Regis Hotel Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi with new dates, from Feb 10-12, 2015

IBTM Arabia, an exclusive event designed for meeting professionals, where Hosted Buyers and exhibitors are carefully selected using a quality-over-quantity approach. The change in name also provides synergy with the other shows within the IBTM Global Events portfolio. “The unique concept for the Middle East’s leading MICE event is now similar to IBTM America, IBTM India and IBTM Africa, although the latter two are table top events, the content and concept is virtually the same,” mentioned Lois Wilcox, Exhibition Manager, IBTM Arabia. “Foremost in this transformation is that IBTM Arabia will be an all-inclusive solution where an innovative meeting pod design customised with the exhibitor’s corporate branding will give privacy to meetings between Hosted Buyers and exhibitors.” “Exhibitors only pay one price and their meeting pod will be ready upon their arrival so that they can go straight into business meetings. Everything is included in the price, no additional stand costs, freight, or building costs,” added Wilcox. In all, up to 200 Hosted Buyers will come from Middle East, Europe, Asia Pacific, North America, South America and Africa. All arequalified under strict criteria including their purchasing authority, their annual Middle East and international MICE business, confirmation of their annual budget and future business to place at IBTM Arabia. In addition, each of these Hosted Buyers did not attend GIBTM 2014. Some 30 appointments will be provided to each exhibitor and Hosted Buyer on a one-on-one ratio over the duration of the event. IBTM Arabia is held with the support of Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau - a dedicated entity of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) charged with stimulating the meetings industry in the emirate. “Given that this alteration has been achieved in association with the industry it serves - both exhibitors and Hosted Buyers. We believe IBTM Arabia has significant potential for growth and look forward to it helping to stimulate the global, regional and local meetings industry,” informed Mubarak Al Shamisi, Director, Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau. “We are confident that our commitment to IBTM Arabia will bring significant benefit to our growing MICE sector, expanding awareness of our luxury, competitive destination to global industry players. As the premier partner for this year’s inaugural event, we will demonstrate a commitment to supporting our public and private sector partners, ensure Abu Dhabi remains topof-mind as a leading regional MICE destination,” he asserted. According to participants, IBTM Arabia will bring a fresh new format with quality meetings and an exclusive one-on-one closed community experience for elite exhibitors and Hosted Buyers. The event will play a major role for MICE business and overall travel trade. It will open more doors for business in MICE and the travel trade industry where decision makers meet global business players. The biggest advantage of IBTM Arabia will be the quality of exhibitors and participants. It is a more personalised way of doing business and building relationships.