Mumbai. The importance of the outbound MICE market from India, among the fastest growing economies globally, is reflected in the number of suppliers heading to Mumbai for Reed Travel Exhibition’s inaugural IBTM India which takes place from 12-14 September 2013 at the Grand Hyatt Mumbai. IBTM India will reflect the core values of the IBTM global portfolio of meeting events providing business, education and networking but in a new tabletop format.
The first event of its kind, IBTM India will match international exhibitors through a pre-scheduled appointment system with qualified hosted buyers from India who have guaranteed international business to place. They will be alongside domestic suppliers from the Indian market who will be meeting with international buyers.
“The statistics speak for themselves. A recent survey showed that nearly 1.8 million people travelled outbound for meetings and conventions in 2012 with the major sectors being pharma, FMCG, IT and financial services the highest contributors. Europe is one of the most popular destinations but so is Czech Republic and Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Thailand. Whilst there is a limited number of tabletops available, we expect those who want a piece of this lucrative market will be there,” said Shinu Pillai, IBTM India Project Manager.
Participants from around the world who will be joining the first event include; Barcelona Convention Bureau (Spain), ICEE Travel (Turkey), Vienna Convention Bureau (Austria), ATY Events (Turkey), Cvent (USA), Tourespana (Spain), Tourism Toronto (Canada), Tourism New Zealand, Kuoni Private Safari (South Africa),Switzerland Convention Bureau, Cyprus Tourism Organisation, Regal Hotels (Hong Kong), Gran Melia Don Pepe – Marbella (Spain) and Munich Convention Bureau (Germany).
Dorothy John, Travel Manager, India Symantec Corporation explained why she will be attending IBTM India. “ The reasons are that it provides an opportunity to meet with major players of the industry, keep up to date with the latest news and the most important is that it serves as a platform to meet and discuss the best return on Investment, and discuss both regional and global issues on T & E management trends.”
The first IBTM India will comprise 100 MICE and Business Travel suppliers from international and Indian hotels and venues, national/ state convention bureaus, travel/ destination management companies, event management and entertainment suppliers, professional conference organisers, airlines and technology providers. Exhibitors will have an online diary of pre-scheduled appointments generated through an online mutual matching system.
A proportionate number of top-level decision makers, 50 international and 50 from India, will be hosted as buyers, all of whom will be pre-qualified to ensure they are planning to place international business. Buyers will be from key associations, corporations and agencies.
