GIBTM 2007: Inaugural event sets industry standards in the Gulf

Biggest gathering of industry in the region First industry research launched

The inaugural GIBTM (Gulf Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition) opened by HH Sheik Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan has been pronounced a major success by organisers Reed Travel Exhibitions and will now provide the Gulf region with its own annual industry meeting point for the future.  Delivering both education, business and networking opportunities throughout the 3 days, the statistics justify the decision to launch a dedicated Meetings event. Over 200 participating companies, including 55 main stand holders, combined with 215 international Hosted Buyers confirmed 3,500 pre-scheduled appointments before the event opened. GIBTM 2007 covered some 3900 sqm of exhibition space at the new state of the art ADNEC in Abu Dhabi and was one of the first events to take place in the new halls.

Awaiting an independent ABC Audit of attendance numbers to provide official statistics, the first signs show that the event welcomed an additional 1,000 trade buyers to complement the Hosted Buyers from Europe, Middle East, Asia and Australia.

Highlights of the event included the first international research study into demand and supply trends for the meetings industry in the Gulf and wider Middle East; a comprehensive seminar programme focusing on education and supported by the leading industry associations; a CEO Summit – an initiative created by Reed Travel Exhibitions – that is a unique forum for the world’s senior industry business leaders to meet bi-annually to discuss the major issues facing the industry today; and an exciting schedule of post event fam trip destinations that followed the event.

Both buyers and exhibitors provided their own positive feedback.
Charles Drewe of Charles Drewe and Associates who promoted South Africa at the show commented: “The quality of buyers has been excellent. I had to fly in a second member of staff at the last minute to attend GIBTM due to the large number of pre-scheduled appointments we had. We achieved all of the business objectives that we set for the show. I have already booked for next year and have increased the stand size by 30%. Moreover, the Welcome Reception was fantastic and provided the perfect networking platform in a relaxed environment while the Abu Dhabi reception was breathtaking.”
Daniela Grendene from Qatar Tourism Authority was equally pleased. “It has been a very good show. I was not only impressed by the number, but more importantly, the quality of buyers. Thanks to Reed Travel Exhibitions and Abu Dhabi Tourism for creating such a successful platform in the Middle East at the right time.”

Hosted Buyers also positively commented about their time at GIBTM and in Abu Dhabi:

“My company is bringing a group of 50 Argentineans on an incentive trip to Abu Dhabi in September. GIBTM is a good opportunity to learn about new products as we are just starting off in the Middle East Market.” Claudio Fernandez, president, Leisure Express SA, Argentina.

“The quality of meetings has been good and up to my expectations. The information provided by the buyers has been useful and I think it has been a good show. I am looking forward to seeing more of Abu Dhabi after the show.” Stefan Genz, Managing Director, ProfiTours Incentives of Thomas Cook AG, Germany.

“I think it is very good that there is a dedicated show for the meetings and incentive industry. My experience has so far been satisfactory and I have been able to make some very good contacts.” Roger Siriboonyasuk, General Manager, CBS Travel Asia Ltd, Thailand.

Graeme Barnett, Event Director said: “We really are delighted with the outcome of the event. However it is from our customers’ satisfaction that we measure the success of the event and so far feedback from exhibitors, Hosted Buyers and trade visitors has been overwhelmingly positive. We see ourselves at the very heart of the meetings industry and not just sellers of stand space. GIBTM is pivotal for the development of the meetings sector in the Middle East and we believe our first event has created a real buzz of excitement and interest from within the region and amongst the global meetings community. There is already a sense of anticipation about GIBTM 2008.”

ADNEC in Abu Dhabi will be home to GIBTM from 8th – 10th April 2008.
For more information on GIBTM visit www.gibtm.travel