Current sales figures for EIBTM 2006 show a marked growth in re-bookings and requests for increased stand space, with over 85 per cent already re-booked within only three months of the end of the last event.

Research conducted during EIBTM 2005 indicated that 93 per cent of exhibitors were likely to return to EIBTM in 2006 and sales trends strongly suggest that even this high figure will be exceeded.
 
Greece has more than doubled its stand size while Holland’s stand will be 25 per cent larger and Slovakia and Russia are also expanding.

Austria, Poland and the Canary Islands have increased their stands for EIBTM 2006 as have Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Egypt, India, Greater Boston CVB, Starwood Hotels, Turisme de Cataluna, Sol Melia, Accor, Consorcio Turistica de Madrid, AC Hotels, and Hoteles Silken amongst others.
 
Morocco has taken a larger percentage of the North African section to accommodate an increased number of stand partners while Latin America will be even more strongly represented with Paraguay participating for the first time this year and Brazil sustaining its strong presence taking over 300 square metres. Argentina is increasing its presence by over 60 per cent as will the Central American states.
 
In line with the growth in exhibitors, this year will see an additional rise in Hosted Buyers from both the key European markets as well as areas such as Canada, Scandinavia and the US.

The Hosted Buyer Programme at EIBTM 2006 will include new partnerships with pan-global companies and the development of post-event tour programmes for Hosted Buyers to a larger selection of European destinations.
 
Hosted Buyers will be able to choose between a number of niche programmes specifically tailored for their sector combining education with networking. The upgraded education will provide something for everyone with exhibitor focused sessions such as the Emerging Markets Symposium as well as drop in seminars and the second meeting of the highly successful CEO Summit.
 
Mandy Torrens, EIBTM Event Manager, said: “These early definitive signs reflect the key attributes of EIBTM - to be the best for business, networking and education. EIBTM is clearly seen as an important business vehicle for the meetings and incentives industry and an integral part of our exhibitor’s strategic marketing plans. Over the coming months we will be launching many new initiatives and features to complement what has now become the industry forum for the global meetings and incentives sector.” 

EIBTM 2006 will take place from 28-30th November 2006, at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona.