Ibtm events, part of Reed Travel Exhibitions, today announced that it is integrating ibtm latin america and ibtm america to create ibtm americas.

The event will take place in Mexico City from September 5-6,2018.

The decision enables ibtm americas to capitalise on the growing success of ibtm latin america and the rapid development of the market in that region, while allowing for growth in the North America market.

Kerry Prince, portfolio director, ibtm events, said: “It’s no secret that the potential for growth in Latin America is huge and that the region is increasingly being recognised as a major player in the industry. We believe that our event in Mexico, already highly successful, has real scope to further support the market to become a prime date in the global events industry calendar, therefore combining the event to incorporate the North American market to create ibtm americas feels like a very natural evolution of the portfolio.”

Herve Sedky, president, Reed Exhibitions Americas continued: “We are looking forward to combining the experience of our Mexico team, our ibtm america team and the wider Reed Travel Exhibitions team and bring that to ibtm americas. Ultimately by merging the two events we can offer bigger opportunities and a richer experience to our exhibitors, Hosted Buyers and visitors.”

Ibtm latin america has been growing exponentially year on year; in 2016 the event saw a significant increase in international exhibitors – up 100 per cent, with the event set to grow by over 40 per cent in 2017.

The expanded ibtm americas will also see an increase in Hosted Buyers from North America of 800 per cent, as well as continuing to attract senior level decision makers from latin, central and south America.  Currently ibtm latin america attracts 12 per cent of its exhibiting companies from North America and this will continue to increase as the new show expands and develops.   

David Hidalgo, show director, ibtm americas said: “We have developed an excellent working relationship with our partners in Mexico City and we are looking forward to continuing to build on that as we work together to deliver what I am confident will be an incredibly successful event with real longevity. Our customers mean everything to us, there really is nothing more important than them and I firmly believe the changes we are making will ensure we’re delivering the very best value and opportunities to them for the long term.”

The wider portfolio remains unchanged following the merger. Flagship show ibtm world continues to be held annually in Barcelona, with the landmark 30th edition of the event taking place this year from 28-30 November. Ibtm china 2017 takes place from August 23-24, in Beijing; ibtm arabia will take place February 5-7, 2018 in Abu Dhabi and ibtm africa from April 19-20, 2018 in Cape Town. Ibtm events will produce its final edition of AIME 2018, from February 20-21, in conjunction with Melbourne Convention Bureau. - TradeArabia News Service