CIBTM 2013 education programme supports rapidly developing meetings industry in Asia

BEIJING - CIBTM, China's leading meetings, incentives and business travel exhibition, which took place in the China National Convention Centre (CNCC), Beijing, has confirmed a 113% increase in attendance for their education programme, CIBTM Knowledge.

The significant increase in attendance, supported by participant feedback, has confirmed the positive impact the education programme has had on driving the meetings industry forward in that region.

Claudia Du, Director of Marketing and Communications Assistant Director of Sales and Marketing, PanGu 7 Star Hotel Beijing, who attended CIBTM Knowledge commented, “I have attended CIBTM for many years.  It is obvious that the education programme this year has improved a lot in terms of quantity and quality. All sessions I attended provided me with valuable industry insights and inspiration for my job”.

“The session where the Chinese Buyer Report was released was the best session I’ve ever attended. It not only reveals the preference of the buyers in terms of venues they chose for their events, but also teaches us how to better approach clients and in the ways they prefer. What I have learnt from this report is key to winning business. I am really looking forward to attending the next Buyer Report session”. 

The 2013 IBTM Meetings Industry Report for Asia, launched at CIBTM 2013 stated that ‘the rapid development of many new cities in China and increasing outbound event business make it unsurprising that 73% predict the increasing use of new destinations. Despite lower levels of government spending, the marketplace for meetings & events in China and Asia is enjoying rapid levels of growth that exceed other regions of the world’. 

Jacqui Timmins, Reed Travel Exhibitions, Exhibitions Director, AIME and CIBTM commented, “The findings identified in this research signify the importance of education and research as tools which not only help meetings industry planners make better informed decisions, but also allow them to keep abreast of marketplace trends. The impact of CIBTM Knowledge has been profound and we will continue to work to deliver fresh content which will support the massive boom in meetings industry activity across the region.”

Helen Zhao, Dalian BIT World Travel Service, Inc. who also attended CIBTM Knowledge commented, “The education programme is open to everyone and it is a fantastic way for attendees to develop their careers and expand their knowledge on the latest hot topics, research and market trends”.

Yang Fen, Manager, Hunan Sincere International Travel Service Co. Ltd commented, “This was my first time at CITBM.  The exhibition met all of my expectations.  Compared with other travel exhibitions, CITBM has a high quantity and quality of both exhibitors and buyers. I was pretty impressed by the professional education sessions and I always believe that it's the best way to maximise our business in local and international markets. Both international and local speakers were excellent, and I was surprised that CIBTM introduced such a high number of Chinese speakers who brought us more local knowledge, and the international sessions were excellent as usual.  The show floor was well organised and well planned.  I will return to CIBTM in 2014”.

The programme featured a number of diverse speakers through partnerships with some of the world’s leading industry associations including MPI, SITE, ASAE, ICCA and IAEE.

Sourced: TravelDailyNews