More than 300 groups of hosted buyers are expected at global meetings and incentive travel show EIBTM 2008, which will take place from 2-4 December at the Fira Gran Via in Barcleona. This is an increase over last year’s figure, along with extended education programmes and 15 different post-event tours on offer.

Increased numbers of hosted buyers from all the key European markets are anticipated, with total attendance likely to be around 3,500 key industry decision makers.

Hosted buyers from India, China, Brazil, Russia and Poland are already being recruited reported organisers Reed Travel Exhibitions, as well as additional groups from the US, Canada and Middle East.

New group coordinators include Barcelo Hotels, Global Cynergies, LLC, Meetme, Starcite USA, Tourisme Montréal and Uniqueworld.

Increased numbers of multiple day rotations are being offered to maximise hosted buyers’ time on the exhibition floor and Reed is expecting that more than 43,000 pre-scheduled appointments will be organised between hosted buyers and exhibitors.

Drawing hosted buyers to EIBTM 2008 will be dedicated association, corporate and agency educational programmes, increased networking opportunities and the three hosted buyer lounges on site. For the second year in a row, a complimentary buffet lunch will be available for all buyers each day.

UK and French hosted buyers can take advantage of the exclusive charter flight service, providing VIP flights to and from the show with champagne breakfast and dedicated check in.

The strength and quality of the EIBTM Hosted Buyer programme has also led to 15 destinations offering to host the Post Event Tours. New tours include Alcala de Henares, Costa del Sol/Malaga, Gran Canaria, Leon and Tarragona.
European cities including London, Madrid, Amsterdam, Lisbon, Venice, Bilbao,
Costa Daurada, Sitges, San Sebastian and Valencia are also available.

“We were delighted with both the numbers and feedback from hosted buyers at last year’s event and hope to increase both again this year, however our focus is always on quality rather than simply quantity,” said EIBTM exhibition director Mandy Torrens. “We want to deliver an excellent experience for hosted buyers who are taking time out of their busy schedules to attend EIBTM by providing return on investment on their time at the show.”

Commenting on the opportunities for individual hosted buyers, June Clark, manager for hosted programmes – EIBTM, said: “Not everyone on the Hosted Buyer Programme has to be part of a group, and for 2008 we are also looking to attract meeting professionals who apply to be qualified individually and yet enjoy the same benefits. These people could be the organiser of an event or conference, who perhaps influence or make budgetary decisions for international business travel, meetings, incentive travel, international conventions, product launches, or staff training.”

All the details for how to qualify for EIBTM’s Hosted Buyer Programme can be found on www.eibtm.com