“EIBTM is celebrating its inaugural success at the Fira Gran Via, Barcelona, with visitor numbers far exceeding expectations,” announced fair operator Reed. Tom Nutley proudly calculated on 30 November: We have 24,000 pre-scheduled appointments, that makes 16 per minute. Indeed, curiosity about Barcelona motivated 47 percent more visitors, a total of 6,100 including 2,503 hosted buyers. But will they come back?

“All of the participants have come to Barcelona full of expectations