Ibtm arabia, the region's leading one-to-one business event for the Mice industry, is expecting to expand its event in 2016 as the rapid pace of change continues to have an impact on the growth of the sector.

The expansion is driven by renewed economic confidence and regional exhibitors will be matched with top international meeting planners as well as those from the Middle East.

Next year’s event will once again focus on maintaining the unique profile matching to ensure quality of appointments for both buyers and suppliers.  

All exhibitors will be able to discuss their objectives with the organising team to ensure that they meet with the buyers who are the right profile and who are equally looking to do business with them.

Dinesh Saggar, GE Head of Europe and APAC, Cognizant, UK attending ibtm arabia as a Hosted Buyer said: “Our organisation is growing in the Middle East and APAC region, and therefore I need to align myself to the region more to be able to help my team execute high level events seamless with a positive return on investment (ROI).

“Attending ibtm arabia will allow me to get an idea of the landscape of the region in terms of venues, destination management companies (DMCs) and other suppliers from a price point perspective. I am also looking to learn more about the cultural nuances of the region and best practices for doing business.”

Ekaterina Nogaeva, P&S marketing manager, Peugeot Citroen Russia who is also attending the event as a Hosted Buyer said: “Our company is looking to organise some incentive trips to the UAE and for that reason we have chosen to attend ibtm arabia. The event will allow us to meet with high-quality Destination Marketing Services (DMS) partners and source some reliable and cost oriented suppliers.”

Meeting and conference planners confirmed to attend ibtm arabia this year will represent companies including AW Europe, Peugeot Citroen Russia, Korea Railroad Research Institute, Abbott, Cognizant, Kuoni MICE & Special Groups and Exclusive Services Group sarl.

Last year’s programme was well received with 100 per cent of Hosted Buyers satisfied with both the quality of exhibitors and their overall event experience.

Ibtm arabia, which is run with the support of Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau and Etihad Airways, will take place at the exclusive five-star Jumeirah at Etihad Towers from February 9 to 11, 2016. –TradeArabia News Service