Record Numbers expected at this week's EIBTM in Barcelona

Barcelona will once again be a magnet for business, education and networking this week with EIBTM ready to deliver an unprecedented number of business meetings with Hosted Buyers and trade visitors registered from every corner of the world.

All early indications are positive with over 10,000 visitor pre-registrations to date, more than 40,000 appointments already pre-scheduled and a full Hosted Buyer Programme.

Inspired by many new features, a record number of exhibitors, a focused education programme and a host of networking functions, EIBTM 2007 is set to perform once again as a leading forum for the industry.

Mandy Torrens, Exhibition Director for EIBTM said, “We are witnessing unprecedented interest on all fronts for this year’s event and the exhibitor list is a testament to the growing number of unique and unusual venues, destinations, suppliers and technology advances. EIBTM will really provide something for everyone this year. As organisers, our responsibility to the industry is to not only ensure that we continue to deliver, but to challenge everyone’s expectations – all the signs show that 2007 should meet these objectives.”

Featuring again in 2007 is the Ask the Experts Centre, an informal drop-in zone for visitors to meet up with a team of influential figures in the meetings industry who have a wealth of knowledge on all aspects of meetings, conferences and live events. The team comprises of:

- Mike Lyon - Consultant specialising in Venue Finding and Destination Research
- Rohit Talwar - UK based global futurist, strategist, innovator and change agent
- Rob Davidson – Senior Lecturer in Business Travel and Tourism, University of Westminster and writer of the EIBTM Industry Trends & Market Share Report.
- Corbin Ball - International speaker, consultant and writer in Meetings Technology
- Kevin Cottam - Inspirational coach and trainer
- Elling Hamso - Managing Partner of the European Event ROI Institute
- Bernhard Aggeler - Managing Partner of the European Event ROI Institute
- Fiona Pelham - Director, Organise This - creative meetings & sustainable event management
- Paul Bridle - Leadership Methodologist, Professional Speaker
- Mike Southon - Author, Entrepreneur and inspirational speaker, co-founder of Beermat.biz

Participants at the show will also be able to benefit from helpful advice on relaxation and wellbeing from a team of expert masseurs and therapists from Wellness by Lefterow. Amidst all the meetings taking place the Spa and Wellbeing area will offer visitors the perfect opportunity to relax and re-energise. Participants will be able to find out how Wellness by Lefterow could fit into their next conference, event or incentive programme.

For visitors who are concerned about taking time out of the office, a free Internet Café, sponsored by Egypt, open throughout the event, will allow them to keep up-to-date with their emails whilst doing business at EIBTM.

Along with the Agency, Corporate and Association education for Hosted Buyers, this year's seminar programme features over 20 sessions including 7 conducted in Spanish plus the new daily technology hour and CSR Symposium held on Wednesday afternoon. Seminars are open to everyone and places do not need to be  booked in advance.

In addition to all of this, EIBTM also provides unique networking opportunities for all. Participants are invited to mix, mingle and taste a bit of the local fare at the EIBTM welcome reception on Tuesday 27th November from 6pm. This year’s theme is “Mercats de Barcelona” (Barcelona Markets). And for all those who enjoy putting on their dancing shoes, they should head to the popular EIBTM Club Night, sponsored by Port Aventura, at Barcelona's trendy Club Catwalk on Wednesday 28th November from 10pm onwards. The Club Night is open to EIBTM attendees only and an EIBTM badge must be shown for free entry.

EIBTM will take place from 27th-29th November 2007 at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona.

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