Barcelona. The 19th EIBTM from 28 to 30 November 2006 in the halls of Fira Gran Via is going to be the biggest EIBTM. Two months before the opening, rented space is already up ten per cent (2005: 14,300 sqm), registered trade visitors up 25 per cent (5,698) and hosted buyers up ten per cent (2,505). Around 50 new destinations, including Arizona, Serbia and Chile have announced their coming and 60 stands have expanded; including those of Germany and New York City. In total, the last fair attracted 2,733 exhibitors.
“Size is not by any means the most important factor in an event as complex as EIBTM,” says Paul Kennedy. Director of Reed Exhibitions. “What is much more important is to get the content right. I have no doubt this is a combination of, and correct balance between, business to business exchange, professional education and business networking. I believe we have got the balance right, enhanced by truly excellent logistics.” Judy Henrich of HelmsBriscoe appreciates these efforts: “We are very pleased to be working in close cooperation with EIBTM to bring a large group of our associates to the show. We have seen attendance at EIBTM grow year over year. This show affords us the opportunity to meet with key suppliers and conduct our business quickly and efficiently.”
The EIBTM team definitely wants no repetition of the start-up difficulties of 2004. In addition, it is working on the educational nature of the show, and on special (networking) programmes for planners from agencies, companies and associations. Clustering suppliers in “villages” is to improve the organisational structure of the fair just like the geographical grouping of destinations. “Our objective to ensure that the event remains the best for business, professional education and networking, has clearly resulted in a huge demand from the industry sector. Our new initiatives and features have also generated growing interest from exhibitors, and the Events Service Village which made its debut in 2005 has already sold out, as has the MPI Technology Village @ EIBTM,” says EIBTM Event Manager Mandy Torrens.
