GIBTM 2008: Program

GIBTM 08: The show will offer receptions and FAM Trip oportunities as it did in 2007 edition. The programme has been developed to create added value for Hosted Buyers, enabling them to achieve greater benefit from their time out of the office. Participants will gain valuable first hand experience of a destination and its meetings and incentive products whilst networking with colleagues.

GIBTM Receptions:

An Icebreaker reception for Hosted Buyers will be held on the evening prior to the show opening, hosted and sponsored by the Hilton Abu Dhabi. On the 8th April there will be an evening reception sponsored by ADNEC and on the 9th April there will be the Gala Evening sponsored by ADTA and Al Raha Beach Hotel.  On Thursday evening Hosted Buyers may also be invited to cocktail receptions at the official hotels.

FAM Trips:

Following the success of the Hosted Buyer Fam Trip opportunities provided in 2007 a further expanded programme will once again be available for 2008. Destinations will include:  Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi who have already created exciting programmes for buyers to experience and learn more about the potential of each country.
Running for 3 days from Friday 11th April to Sunday 13h April, the fam trips who will be offered to GIBTM Hosted Buyers when they register online for the Hosted Buyer Programme.
Spain, UK and the USA. Each Hosted Buyer will be required to undertake a minimum of 8 appointments per day, will have access to a full professional education programme of workshops and seminars, and will also benefit from a number of networking opportunities included hosted evening parties and receptions at locations around the city and resort areas. Shuttle buses will be provided between all official hotels and the venue. Onsite there will be an exclusive Hosted Buyer lounge.

Hosted Buyer Programme:

We are expecting to receive over 275 Hosted Buyers during GIBTM, all of whom will have to meet strict qualifying criteria and prove their purchasing / decision making authority in order to be accepted onto the programme. Quality of the buyers attending is essential; this is key to the success of GIBTM as the exhibitors will not accept anything less.
Over 700 Hosted Buyers from 68 different countries have already registered for the event.  Under the strict qualifying process (also used for EIBTM) each of them will have to apply officially through www.gibtm.travel and through the 7 Hosted Buyer Co-ordinators who are working around the world. 
1/3 of Hosted Buyers will be from the Middle East region, 1/3 from Asia and 1/3 European.  We also expect approximately 1500 trade visitors from the Middle East region.  Trade visitors and Hosted Buyers will include Corporate buyers, agency buyers, Professional Conference Organisers, Meetings Planners, business travel and incentive travel buyers and agency buyers.