Now in its fourth year, this year’s EIBTM Association Programme is taking place from Monday 28th November – Wednesday 30th November 2005 at Fira Gran Via, Barcelona.  

Following on from last year’s programme of education roundtable sessions and networking events, EIBTM have carried out research from 2004 attendees and are working with industry associations and an association committee* to ensure that the programme continues to develop to meet association delegates’ needs.

Registration goes live on the 4th July 2005.  Association planners wishing to attend should register on the EIBTM website http://www.eibtm.com/associations.

Changes to the programme this year will mean that delegates will arrive in Barcelona earlier on the first day (Monday), to attend an educational afternoon, followed by the Association Welcome Evening. The education on the Monday allows executives more time to visit the EIBTM exhibition floor on the last day (Wednesday), and meet with exhibitors of their choice.

“These changes have been implemented as a result of research following last year’s event which showed that attendees wanted more time to spend on the show floor meeting suppliers in addition to the education and networking already provided”, commented Paul Kennedy MBE, EIBTM Exhibition Director.

In addition, EIBTM have split some of the education to allow buyers with different experience to attend sessions more relevant to them.

The EIBTM Association Programme includes flights from a European destination, two night’s accommodation in Barcelona, networking functions, the educational programme and a personal diary of appointments with exhibitors.

Day One of the programme (Monday 28th November 2005)

• “Secure Event Management” - Practical two hours of education, run by ICCA on risk management, security and safety for meetings and conferences
• EIBTM Welcome Reception and ICCA’s “No Risk Networking Evening”.

Day Two (Tuesday 29th November 2005)

• Full morning of breakfast roundtable and case study sessions.  These will be held as two separate sessions and include: Challenging case studies aimed at experienced association executives and staff wishing to develop strategic solutions on different aspects of association management. Practical roundtable discussions for new association staff and volunteers wishing to develop their association management skills and take away new ideas (eg. Membership recruitment; event planning).
• Association networking lunch
• Afternoon - EIBTM exhibition and appointments with exhibitors
• EIBTM and Barcelona Welcome Reception

Day Three (Wednesday 30th November 2005)

• Solely dedicated for delegates to attend pre-scheduled appointments with exhibitors of their choice at EIBTM.

Delegates from the USA will be hosted for an extra night in Barcelona (Wednesday 30th November) enabling them to also attend EIBTM on Thursday 1st December.  Delegates from the USA will additionally have the opportunity to attend a familiarisation trip in London, UK on behalf of Visit London (the official visitor organisation for London) on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd December, 2005 after EIBTM.

The Association Programme is run in conjunction with industry associations including, ICCA, MPI, ESAE and ASAE** to help with support and advice.