On the first day of the biggest China Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (CIBTM) at the China National Convention Centre (CNCC) in Beijing, the organisers, Reed Travel Exhibitions announced an initiative to create the first week dedicated to the Meetings and Incentives industry in China in 2010.
This year's show, co-hosted by the Beijing Tourism Administration (BTA) is 35% larger than the previous edition, which took place in 2007 and has attracted 324 international and local exhibitors.
A 50% increase in Pre-Scheduled Appointments has been confirmed with over 5,000 already scheduled by 285 Hosted Buyers from America, Europe, Middle East, Asia-Pacific and China.
Over 6300 visitors have pre-registered for the three-day event, up 17% on the final pre-registration figure for the previous event.
The anticipated success of this year's event as well as the growth of the sector has prompted CIBTM
to acknowledge the need of industry professionals across China to have access to a week of activities offering additional business opportunities as well as a greater access to strong educational content.
Commenting on the initiative at the event's opening press conference, Graeme Barnett, CIBTM Exhibition Director said: "CIBTM's aim has always been to be a driving force behind the growth of the meetings industry throughout China. We believe that our initiative to have a week entirely dedicated to the Meetings and Incentives industry will help China realise its potential."
"Attracting large scale international corporate and association events with improved venues and facilities, access, accommodation and service standards must be underpinned by a professional skilled workforce, so developing people is critical."
Referring specifically about Beijing he continued: "There is a confidence about the capital city; its rich cultural and historical diversity offers the industry so much. Beijing has all the attributes of a world-class Meetings and Incentives destination and our role is to help realise this potential."
"We are delighted that BTA has played such an important role as co-host of the event. We are totally committed to our partnership to further enhance CIBTM and assist Beijing with its post Olympic Business Tourism strategy."
The Meetings week will see leading industry Associations such as MPI, ICCA and SITE involved in the creation of a diverse and rich programme of professional education activities.
CIBTM 2009 runs for a further two days - Wednesday 8 September and Thursday 9 September - at the CNCC in Beijing. Registration for the event is free of charge upon arrival for business professionals.
CIBTM 2010 will take place from 7th to 9th September at the CNCC in Beijing.
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