Table-top format. The second edition of IBTM India, which took place last week from 3 – 5 September at the five-star ITC Grand Chola Hotel in Chennai, ended successfully. The one-to-one pre-scheduled appointment system guaranteed some 2,000 appointments over the course of two days, which meant an average of 36 per exhibitor. Hosted Buyers represented 17 countries and also came from 13 key cities in India. Exhibitors represented 19 countries.
The event opened with the half-day IBTM India Forum attended by all Indian and international delegates and featured a keynote session by Simerjeet Singh, who shared strategic tools which enables individuals to accelerate their personal and organisational growth. Participants discovered what has changed in the current business scenario, how to remain competitive and the mindset adaptation required to succeed in the ever-changing environment. The session was followed by the launch of the India Meetings and Events Industry Report, carried out and presented by CAT Publications. The research revealed that India’s meetings and events market is growing dramatically where 51 per cent of respondents reported an increase in the number of events they have organised in the last 12 months (to July 2014) and 73 per cent expecting the number of events they organise to increase in the next 12 months.
Mr. Prashant Yadav, Managing Director of Liberty International India, commented: “IBTM India is one of India’s few highly structured events which concentrates on high quality buyers as well as exhibitors and unique keynote speakers. Having exhibited in both editions, the quality and professionalism are consistent. The IBTM Team is highly motivated and interactive. The fact that this is a table-top format, the time spent with each interaction is limited and precise, which allow you to have more meaningful interaction during the various breaks.”
Mr. S. Balasubramanian, Senior Director of Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), commented: “BIEC was exhibiting for the first time at the IBTM India and it has been a wonderful experience, the format makes it extremely easy to meet with all buyers who are attending. Our aim was to increase the awareness of our conference and convention centre and its capabilities as well as services and the event met our expectations. We look forward to participating in the future editions of IBTM India.”
Lemuel Berry Jr. Executive Director, National Association of African American Studies & Affiliates, commented: “IBTM India provided me as a Hosted Buyer a perfect opportunity to source venues and services from India and across the globe. Furthermore, the programme gave me a great insight what to consider when planning international meetings in India. Lastly, the exclusive networking functions allowed me to connect with a lot of national as well as international attendees and resulted beneficial business conversations.”
Sanjeev Metha, General Manager of Lahmeyer International India Ltd, said: “Attending as a Hosted Buyer it was a wonderful experience to meet professionals from all sectors and having in-depth discussions. I really enjoyed attending IBTM India 2014 and I left with a lasting impression.”
Shinu Pillai, Exhibition Manager IBTM India and IBTM Africa, Reed Travel Exhibitions, concluded: “IBTM India has been a great success for all who participated in the event and we are delighted with the level of business which was achieved this year. We have had a great deal of positive feedback from first time and returning exhibitors as well as Indian and international Hosted Buyers. This feedback gives us a true indication of just how effective the table-top format is in India by generating business and valuable business relationships for buyers and exhibitors from India and across the globe.”
