Hosted Buyer registration is now live on www.gibtm.travel/hostedbuyers for the second edition of the Gulf Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM) taking place from 8-10 April 2008 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company Centre (ADNEC).

A new initiative, exclusive to Hosted Buyers, includes a pre show Abu Dhabi tour titled “Experience the Magic” taking place on 7^th April organised by ADTA.

On the same evening, Hosted Buyers will also be invited to the pre-event Ice Breaker networking reception sponsored by and taking place at the Hilton Abu Dhabi.

Confirmed Post Event Fam Trips so far include Dubai with other Gulf and Middle East destinations to be unveiled soon.

The Hosted Buyer Programme is open to professionals who work as senior level meeting planners, in-house travel managers, conference organisers, event organisers, independent agencies such as event and conference organisers, incentive houses and business travel agencies who carry out these functions, also PAs responsible for arranging meetings and finding venues. Professionals wishing to apply for the Hosted Buyer programme should visit www.gibtm.travel/hostedbuyers

The GIBTM Hosted Buyer Programme is designed to give participants the opportunity to experience a complimentary business, networking and educational experience in Abu Dhabi. 

Participants on the programme will gain an enhanced knowledge of the meetings and incentives industry and essential business contacts, achieved through one-to-one appointments with key suppliers, the best education delivered by industry experts and unrivalled networking opportunities.

The GIBTM Hosted Buyer Team will organise all aspects of each participant’s visit. Hosted Buyers will receive:

• Complimentary flights and transfers (if required)
• Complimentary accommodation at the official 4/5 star Abu Dhabi hotels
• Personal diary of appointments with exhibitors of the buyer’s choice
• Access to the professional education programme
• Entrance to networking events and exclusive opportunities.
• Entrance to the private Hosted Buyer lounge.
• Invitations to post and pre event familiarisation trips.

To enjoy the benefits of the Hosted Buyer programme, those applying must meet the qualification levels set to ensure that all participating are genuinely interested and qualified to do business. 

Kevin Mead, President, IGAF Worldwide, a Hosted Buyer at GIBTM 2007 commented “I wanted to thank you for an outstanding event, as a result of the contacts made at the event I have site visits arranged and will be making a booking decision in about 6 - 8 weeks. Your event enabled me to ‘cover a lot of ground’ in a short time and was very valuable.”

GIBTM is currently looking for Group Co-ordinators to help recruit senior-level buyers from the Middle East and Asia. Group Co-ordinators will have to commit to bring 10 or more buyers from these regions to the event and receive many benefits in return, including complimentary flight and accommodation, as well as the chance to meet face-to-face with clients.

Co-ordinators from associations, agencies, publications and hotel groups from around the world are welcomed.

To apply as a Group Co-ordinator, please contact nancy.power@reedexpo.co.uk