Barcelona. Registration for the EIBTM Association Hosted Buyer Programme is now open and this year, the show expects over 300 Association meeting planners to attend EIBTM in Barcelona. 2013, the show will launch EIBTM Association Knowledge, which will comprise two full days of education, dedicated towards enlightening Association Meeting planners. The new knowledge brand offers even more insight and a new programme themed to the collective needs of the Association Community. Erica Keogan, Associations and Education Manager, Meetings & Events Portfolio, Reed Travel Exhibitions commented, “This year’s theme will focus on community building – looking at how associations can create more effective communities both internally and externally through social networks, engagement and marketing strategies.” The show organisers have confirmed support from leading meetings industry associations including the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), the European Society of Association Executives (ESAE), the Center for Association Leadership (ASAE) and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).

Association Buyers attending EIBTM will receive a personalised diary of appointments and gain access to a network of over 3,100 international. The programme will also provide exclusive invites to a number of Association networking opportunities including the Association Breakfast, the Associations lunch and the ICCA Personal Connections networking event, which will be in addition to the EIBTM Welcome Reception, the Networking Hour and EIBTM Club Night. Successful registrants will also receive a number of VIP benefits including complimentary return flights, 4/5* accommodation, access to VIP lounges at the exhibition and a personalised diary of appointments with exhibitors of their choice.  

EIBTM 2013 will take place from 19th – 21st November, a week earlier than in previous years. The EIBTM Forum will take place the day before the exhibition on 18th November.

www.eibtm.com/association