Results. Following on from a successful AIBTM, Reed Travel Exhibitions conducted an independent survey amongst over 6,000 buyers and suppliers within the IBTM Global Events Portfolio database to identify trends for the US as a destination for a trade show for the meetings and events marketplace.
When asked to consider the most important criteria for exhibitors to attend an event, the overwhelming majority said that quality of buyers and the reputation of the event were the priority. Those surveyed in the trade visitor category confirmed that the subject matter of the tradeshow and the quality of exhibiting companies are the two most important reasons for attending a tradeshow.
Hosted Buyers who attended AIBTM 2012 showed some of the highest satisfaction levels of the event so far, with 90% indicating they are likely to return in 2013 to Chicago. 93% of attendees expected to place business as a result of their attendance and 97% felt that the pre-scheduled appointment system (a new introduction to the US exhibition industry) matched their business requirements and is now an important factor of AIBTM.
Additional post show research undertaken to find out the reactions to AIBTM 2012 and the move of the event to Chicago identified that 80% of trade buyers are likely to attend AIBTM 2013 and 92% would recommend the event to a colleague. Satisfaction levels by exhibitors were some of the highest recorded with 90% of exhibitors happy with the event, and 88% likely to return when it moves to Chicago. 90% were satisfied with the quality of buyers from the US and the same percentage confirmed that they generated sales leads and inquiries as a result of their attendance.
AIBTM 2013 will take place at McCormick Place, Chicago from June 11th through June 13th, 2013 and will be hosted by Choose Chicago.
