Hosted Buyer applications open for IBTM India 2014

Hosted Buyer applications have gone live for IBTM India, and key meetings industry suppliers from across the country as well as those from overseas are part of the growing list of exhibitors who will be attending IBTM India’s second edition, which will take place from 3-5 September 2014 at the ITC Grand Chola luxury five-star hotel, in the top rated business destination of Chennai.

Based on last year’s success, IBTM India has established itself as a key event in the meetings industry calendar in India and will assume the same exclusive table-top event, which is proven to be a successful format across Reed Travel Exhibitions’ shows. The exclusive event is limited to 100 Indian and international suppliers of products and services to the MICE industry, it is designed to facilitate pre-arranged meetings between Indian and international buyers with exhibitors over a table-top environment at a 1:1 ratio. Additionally, there will be the IBTM India Forum to facilitate knowledge and debate about key industry trends and topics relevant to the Indian MICE market. Exclusive networking opportunities round up this year’s high-end programme.

Daniel J Strassberg, Executive Director, Quest Australia & New Zealand and Quest Asia, who will attend IBTM India as an Association Hosted Buyer commented, “This could be the most important event for 2014 for our members. India, Asia and the Middle East are the fastest and newest market for our members. This is a chance to meet the mainstream, boutique and different venues and hotels, and to explore different ideas and concepts and see things that you would not ordinarily think about. Destination presentations are also very beneficial; having a person talk about their city or country offers a different perspective to any new place. I am looking for a modern unique conference that will bring the wow factor to our event.”

Shinu Pillai, IBTM India Project Manager, Reed Travel Exhibitions commented, “The launch edition, hosted in Mumbai, was a huge success. 99% of the Hosted Buyers said that they were satisfied with the show, which is the result of our ongoing drive and determination to develop the meetings industry market in India and therefore we decided to move the show to Chennai. The city is listed as number 26 in The New York Times ‘52 places to go in 2014’ ranking, just ahead of the Seychelles.”

“With an international and domestic airport, Chennai has excellent transport links and is well connected globally. The city is also known for its top rated hotels, which all were further reasons why Chennai is the ideal destination to host the 2nd edition of IBTM India,” Pillai continued.

Successful applicants will be able to take advantage of a number of exclusive benefits including a personal diary of approximately 36 pre-scheduled appointments to meet with their choice of up to 100 leading MICE exhibitors from the region and abroad, complimentary flights to Chennai, 5* accommodation and transfers, access to the IBTM India Forum and a number of exclusive networking events.

Exhibitors already confirmed to attend the second IBTM India include: Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau, Gran Melia Don Pepe – Marbella, Vienna Convention Bureau, IDEE Travel, Liberty International, Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre, Fairmont and Raffles Hotels & Resorts, Distant Frontiers, Hyderabad International Convention Centre.

Greg Pilkington, Executive Officer, World Customs Organization, a Hosted Buyer from IBTM India 2013 added, “I enjoyed attending IBTM India and was really impressed by the show and the number of quality exhibitors. It gave me a great opportunity to meet new people and learn about new destinations, hotels, venues and services.”

Hosted Buyer applications are reviewed and accepted based on the number and size of meetings, events, incentives and annual conferences, individual purchasing authority, annual budgets for meetings, events and incentives, amount of business conducted and potential for future business in the meetings and business travel industries.

Sourced: TravelDailyNews