Abu Dhabi. As the Gulf Incentive Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM) opened its doors on Monday 29 March in Abu Dhabi, the largest annual gathering of meetings professionals in the Gulf were in the mood to do business. This year’s GIBTM attracted 277 senior level Hosted Buyers from 40 countries – up 19% on 2009 – and organised over 7,500 pre-scheduled appointments, up 17% on last year. Graeme Barnett, GIBTM Exhibition Director: “In just four years, GIBTM has firmly established itself as the region’s premier event for the meetings industry. Through a dedicated Gulf Meetings Industry Week, working closely with key industry players and associations, it has become the driving force in shaping the future of the meetings industry in the region.”
Reflecting the regional and international expansion of the show, exhibitors represent all aspects of the meetings industry from destinations, convention centres, hotel groups and airlines to cruise companies, DMCs and technology suppliers. Over 220 exhibitors have recognised the importance GIBTM plays to their business development. “At the heart of the event’s success is its manageable size, focus on developing business and delivering return on investment,” said Graeme Barnett.
