Following a strong inaugural show in March 2007, Gulf Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM), organised by Reed Travel Exhibitions is unveiling its plans for the next event, taking place from 8-10 April 2008 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company Centre (ADNEC).

New elements unveiled for the event include a move to new halls and even more exhibitors on the show floor, a Technology and Event Services Village, and European Pavilion that will incorporate the very best in convention bureaus, NTOs, conference venues and convention hotels.

 

 

In line with the increase in exhibitors, GIBTM plans to recruit 30% more Hosted Buyers with 275 (215 in 2007) from the Gulf, Middle East, Europe and Asia. A rise in visitor numbers is also expected due to the high-profile marketing and PR campaign planned for the region.

More hotels have been added, bringing the number of official partners to 12, to include the new Shangri-La opening later this year, and the Intercontinental celebrating its renovation and now offering 11 meeting rooms, the largest of which has a capacity of 1,600.

GIBTM 2008 will also see more Post Event Tours scheduled following the success and demand for those introduced in 2007. Destinations that have already confirmed their participation include Sharjah, Oman and Abu Dhabi.

Graeme Barnett, event director, said: “Our second event will have many new ideas and opportunities – the scope of the venue and new developments within Abu Dhabi itself allows us added creativity for the show floor and beyond. With Thailand, Singapore, Kempinski Hotels and ADTA already reserved, we expect the autumn to be very busy for us all. In planning our 2008 event, we have worked closely with our international Advisory Board and Steering Committee of local partners, discussing how we can evolve and further integrate the brand values from our portfolio to provide enhanced business, education and networking opportunities for everyone. More details will emerge over the coming months.”

Visit www.gibtm.travel for further information.