Gulf Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM), organised by Reed Travel Exhibitions is encouraging meetings and incentives buyers and decision makers to apply for a Hosted Buyer place for the coming event that will take place from 8-10 April 2008 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company Centre (ADNEC).

Professionals who work in the Middle East and Gulf region as a meeting planner, in-house travel manager, conference organiser, event organiser, PA responsible for arranging meetings and finding venues and independent agencies who carry out these functions are all encouraged to apply for Hosted Buyer status.

Benefits of Hosted Buyers status include:

• Complimentary flights from selected airports (if required)
• Complimentary 4/5 star accommodation at an official GIBTM hotel in Abu Dhabi
• One-to-one diary of appointments with exhibitors, arranged prior to the event
• Invitations to evening receptions and exclusive networking functions
• Entrance to the Hosted Buyer Lounge during the exhibition
• Invitations to post event trips to discover the Gulf and the Middle East first hand  
• Complimentary access to the Professional Education Seminars

To enjoy the benefits of the Hosted Buyer programme, those applying must meet the qualification levels set:

·         Potential for future international business

·         Evidence of past / future business in the region

·         Number of international events held annually

·         Purchasing authority and annual budget

·         Amount of business conducted internationally

Graeme Barnett, Event Director said: “For our second event, we are looking to offer more Hosted Buyer places to those working in this industry throughout the Gulf region. We are encouraging those engaged in the planning and staging of meetings, incentives, event, and business travel throughout the region to contact us and secure their place. The meetings industry in the Gulf and the Middle East is developing at a face pace and professionals in the industry should not miss on attending the industry’s annual platform.”

GIBTM will unite international and local meetings and incentives venues, destinations, suppliers and partners, with meeting planners, incentive travel buyers and business travel decision makers, for three days of networking and business.

Buyers can find out more and register their interest on the enquiry link on the website. Registration will be live from October 2007.