IBTM Arabia, part of IBTM events’ global portfolio of meetings and events industry trade shows, has announced a new one-day attendance option for buyers from the United Arab Emirates attending the 2018 event.

The event takes place at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi from February 5-7.

The initiative will see an additional 30 UAE-based corporate and agency event planners attending on the final day of the event. The aim is to help them consolidate their meetings and focus on building connections and doing business with international exhibitors, allowing them to maximise the value of their time spent at the event.

 The group will be able to connect with an exciting mix of international suppliers, organisations already confirmed to attend include the United Nations Conference Centre, Interprefy, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Events-Case, the Georgian National Tourism and Tourvest IME (Incentives, Meetings & Events).

Marco Balia, head of Buyer Programmes – IBTM events, said: “Following feedback from Hosted Buyers and suppliers, we are delighted to introduce this new attendance option for UAE buyers, to allow more flexibility for their diaries and connect them to suppliers during ten one-to-one business appointments. They will also gain invaluable insights during the day’s Knowledge Programme, delivered over lunch, as well as network with suppliers and peers from across the globe at the event’s closing reception.”

 IBTM Arabia, the number one event for the Middle East’s MICE industry, provides all Hosted Buyers with a personalised schedule of one-to-one meetings with a hand-picked selection of leading suppliers. The event’s innovative and exclusive ‘pod’ format, combined with IBTM events’ bespoke ‘matchmaking’ software, creates a diary of mutually matched, pre-scheduled appointments for each Hosted Buyer.

More than 2,100 pre-planned meetings took place during the three-day event in 2017.

This year also sees the rollout of an enhanced Hosted Buyer programme across the IBTM portfolio. The IBTM events team now pre-selects and qualifies Hosted Buyers, allowing them to be fast-tracked through the process. This enables IBTM events to be even more targeted in ensuring only the highest calibre of Hosted Buyers are present.

The format of IBTM Arabia has been designed to embrace the importance of networking and relationship building ahead of doing business, with 12 networking events held over the three-day-long show. For those attending the full duration of the event, it will kick off with ‘Discovery Day’, introducing Hosted Buyers and exhibitors to some of the highlights of Abu Dhabi, whilst giving them the opportunity to network with other attendees and key media.

This year, Discovery Day will incorporate a trip to the new Louvre Abu Dhabi and the opportunity to experience some of the delights of Yas Island. Additionally, the networking programme will include the renowned White Party at Rotana Beach and a cocktail reception on the final evening. – TradeArabia News Service