Ibtm world pre-matched appointments reach new high ahead of 30th anniversary edition

Ibtm world has announced it has scheduled the highest number of matched appointments in the last four years, with over 51,000 matched appointments set to take place at the 30th anniversary edition of the event, which takes place in Barcelona, from 28-30 November. Appointment numbers are up 23% compared with 2016, with 36% of the appointments for this year’s show mutually matched - another increase on 2016’s figures. ibtm is also expecting an additional 20,000 plus appointments to be pre-scheduled before the event takes place later this month.

Enhanced Hosted Buyer programme

Also this year, following the introduction of an enhanced Hosted Buyer programme, the event has seen a 41% increase in planners from North America and an 18% increase in long haul buyers. 43% of Hosted Buyers have never attended an ibtm event before and there has been a 16% increase in corporate buyers from brands including L’Oreal Active Cosmetics, Montblanc, Mars Incorporated as well as from Associations including International Stereoscopic Union (Germany) and European Health Management Association (Belgium).

More effective diary

Marco Balia, head of Buyer Programmes, ibtm events, commented: “We’ve worked really hard this year to deliver an even more effective and beneficial diary of appointments, as well as to ensure we secure the very highest calibre of Hosted Buyers from around the globe. I’m thrilled that we’ve gone above and beyond for the 30th anniversary edition of the show, and doubled our target for the number of pre-scheduled appointments, creating more business opportunities for all our customers, and attracting top level decision makers from big name brands such as Gucci and Microsoft. “Ultimately, our goal is to create the very best possible backdrop for doing business across the globe. With this in mind, it’s great to see that we are on track once again to deliver an outstanding event.”

Unmissable event

Geetha Arekal, Head of procurement for Mobility Services at Siemens Ltd., said: “Ibtm world is an unmissable event in the industry calendar. We’ve been so impressed with the high standards met every year by the team, providing us with a calendar of appointments that puts us in a position to make great connections, resulting in very good business.” As always, a huge part of the appeal of the event is the amazing breadth of exhibitors in attendance, with some 3,000 exhibiting companies representing over 150 countries expected at ibtm world 2017. New exhibitors confirmed to attend this year include Visit Wales, Synergy International Italy, Fiesta Hotel Group, Meet Puerto Rico, Titanic Hotels and many more. Ibtm world is the industry’s leading showcase of meetings, incentives, conferences and events and attracts over 15,000 elite international and domestic MICE delegates. Exhibitors range from destinations and conference centres to technology companies and suppliers from across the industry, and over 70,000 pre-scheduled meetings are set to take place over the three-day event.