We've been talking with Céline from IBTM America to discover all the novelties of the show and know more about this meetings and events industry event.
Dear Céline, did you work for IBTM before the transformation?
Yes, I have worked on the show for the past 2.5 years, and am a 9-year veteran of Reed Exhibitions. I have also worked on several of Reed Exhibitions’ large-scale events in the US including the National Hardware Show, PGA Shows, JCK Shows, ReedPOP group and ISC (Security Shows) among others.
For those who don't know what is ibtm global events, can you make us a short brief?
ibtm events, part of Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) is the world’s leading showcase for the meetings and events industry (also known as MICE) with a portfolio of 8 global and regional events providing business solutions on 6 continents. They include ibtm world, ibtm arabia, ibtm africa, ibtm america, ibtm china, ibtm india, ICOMEX, AIME and “a taste of ibtm” at WTM Latin America.
Tell us a little about how the Fair changed along the last editions (understanding the transformation from AIBTM to ibtm america).
In consultation with the industry, and members of the US Advisory Board, who identified the need for trade shows to prioritise the time given to meetings with premium buyers and in the most cost effective way, we have created ibtm america to be a brand new trade show experience that achieves these objectives.
It’s exclusive and private with a unique meeting pod design, which essentially is a private meeting space that gives each participating supplier branding opportunities. Exhibitors have a complete turnkey solution, that gives both buyers and sellers a focused face-to-face meeting space which you can see in the picture below.
This new solution offers a stress-free, turnkey operation allowing exhibitors to focus strictly on their business meetings, not the details related to onsite logistics. Simple, efficient, cost-effective - one price covers all. No booth costs, no freight costs, no set-up or tear down costs, no drayage costs - a hassle-free way to exhibit.
What's new for the next edition?
There is a lot that is new for ibtm america 2015 including:
Show layout – all exhibitors will be provided with an identical meeting pod space.
The 8ft x 8ft turnkey exhibit pod will be ready for the arrival of the exhibitor. There will be no more additional costs associated with set up or tear down, no freight or drayage giving a hassle-free way to exhibit. All exhibitors will be on a level playing field – each pod is the same, everything is included in the price. Exhibitors and Buyers will take part in a mutual match system for their appointment diary. This means both parties choose whom they wish to do business with.
Hosted Buyers will be rigorously pre-qualified as usual, but this time they will be personally invited by the aibtm Hosted Buyer teams in both the US and internationally, ensuring that the most senior decision makers with guaranteed purchasing power attend.
Each Hosted Buyer will have 30 pre-scheduled appointments giving exhibitors a similar schedule of meetings over the course of the event.
Building further connections, the community of ibtm america will join together for bespoke networking events, and the inspirational ibtm america professional Knowledge Forum, part of Discovery Day.
What is the exhibitor's profile?
The exhibitors will be from all sectors of the MICE market and will be split 60% US and 40% international.
If I was an exhibitor that is thinking about attending a trade show, could you give me 3 reasons about why do I have to exhibit there?
Exclusive event - 250 key industry suppliers + 250 strategically chosen Hosted Buyers = more opportunities to make meaningful business connections.
It’s a two way street - ibtm America offers a true mutual match. Exhibitors choose Hosted Buyers with whom they’d like to meet. They’ll do the same with suppliers.
Networking opportunities - From morning to night exhibitors can engage with existing clients and new prospects through a number of functions and activities. Breaks, meals and receptions are programmed at the same time for all attendees.
What is the attendance profile?
There are no trade visitors – only Hosted Buyers. The qualification criteria will match the best buyers with the best suppliers. Planners will be hand-picked based on their purchasing power, experience, future business and decision-making ability. The mix of buyers will be 80% U.S. and 20% International. All planners will need to have US business and US planners will also have international business to place. Planners will be from the corporate, association, government and third party sectors.
And on the same way, can you give me 3 reasons of why should I choose to visit this trade show?
Hosted Buyers receive a range of benefits including:
A diary of up to 30 pre-scheduled appointments with highly relevant meetings and events industry suppliers, a fully hosted programme from beginning to end that includes flights and accommodation.
Access to a variety of networking functions including evening events hosted by Choose Chicago, allowing you to build meaningful connections Participation in 'Discovery Day' on day 1, which includes access to our inspirational CEU accredited Knowledge Forum and quality business appointments
The opportunity to apply for a pre or post-event tour which will allow you to experience a fabulous destination or hotel property.
What is the top 5 trade shows of this sector in US? And around the world?
Reed Travel Exhibitions organizes the top industry events as part of the ibtm events portfolio with ibtm world (Barcelona), ibtm arabia (Abu Dhabi) ibtm africa (Cape Town), ibtm china (Beijing), ibtm india.
How have you adapted ibtm america to the social networks and digital media irruption?
ibtm america is actively engaging in all social media platforms i.e. twitter, facebook and LinkedIn. Our social media strategy moving into 2015 is to actively engage the MICE community by putting out surveys and posting relevant questions on industry hot topics. We’re also trying to add a personal touch to social media, putting more faces to our brand. Watch our social media space to “meet the ibtm america” team and see what’s new in the world of ibtm events.