IBTM Arabia is the new name spearheading a transformation of the former annual GIBTM (Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings) show in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The event, running from February 10 to 12, 2015 will also have a new location at the 5-star, The St Regis Hotel Saadiyat Island Resort.

The key features of IBTM Arabia 2015 include a new exclusive, closed door event format based on mutually matched business appointments, providing more touch points for exhibitors and buyers. In addition to an all- inclusive pricing structure, the new event will also accommodate a one-to-one ratio of Hosted Buyers and exhibitors.

“The new concept is a result of the commentary fed back to us from key industry stakeholders including those from the private and public sectors, as well as other professional MICE organisations,” said 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 build costs,” added Wilcox.

Organised by Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE), a leading provider of exhibitions in the travel and tourism industry, IBTM Arabia will feature up to 200 exhibitors, who will be able to meet with the same number of prestigious planners representing the regional and global MICE industry - 50 per cent regional and 50 per cent international, from Asia Pacific, Europe, North America and South America.

RTE’s recent research has revealed that the market wanted to prioritise the time given to meetings with premium buyers but in the most cost-effective fashion.

All exhibitors and Hosted Buyers can select online whom they would like to schedule a meeting with, and a sophisticated software system will match the appointments, based on the preferences of both buyers and exhibitors, said Wilcox.

“That results in up to 30 highly relevant appointments for each exhibitor, 6,000 in total across the event,” added Wilcox.

The name change 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,” Wilcox explained.

“One of the integral changes is that we have now effectively levelled the playing field. All exhibitors now have an equivalent amount of floor space and their meeting pod is exactly the same price, size and design, with the exception of their respective corporate branding. We will also have networking functions and a Knowledge Forum for all attendees, creating a community, providing as many business opportunities as possible and maximising return on investment.”

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 transformation has been achieved in association with the industry it serves – both exhibitors and 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,” said Mubarak Al Shamisi, director, Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau. – TradeArabia News Service