New location and revised format adds to appeal of EIBTM’s 2004 Association Programme

Reed Travel Exhibitions, organisers of the EIBTM, has confirmed that more than 50% of all places on this year 's Association Programme are already booked. This year’s agenda incorporates experts talking on a range of subjects including: security issues, training and development, event marketing, negotiating with airlines and ways of generating extra revenue from an event. Other subjects covered include negotiating with hotels and convention centres, volunteer leadership, and an examination of new technologies in the market.

Debbie Jackson, Exhibition Director of EIBTM said: “EIBTM’s move to Barcelona coupled with this year’s revised programme is proving to be very popular. The 2004 Association Programme, has been tailored and upgraded to reflect the changes in the industry, whilst providing visitors with the opportunity to meet and learn from the experts. The agenda offers something for everyone, whether they are a Professional Conference Organiser dealing with associations, an association executive, CEO or a volunteer.”

The first event is ICCA’s Hot Topics and Spicy Tapas Evening. This is a networking forum being held on the eve of EIBTM’s opening on Monday 29 November, which will provide the opportunity to discuss key association topics in the “Burning Issue Zones”. Following this, each day will begin with breakfast roundtable sessions led by industry figures such as Damian Hutt, Director, Informa Event Solutions and Didier Scaillet, Director for European Operations and Global Development, MPI. These will be complimented by lunchtime panel debates, chaired by key association figures such as Martin Sirk, CEO, ICCA and Terrance Barkan, Member of the Board, ESAE. Before and after lunch will be the time when visitors and exhibitors meet via pre-arranged individual appointments or Destination Pre Scheduled Appointments which involve groups with similar interests visiting an exhibitor together.

Martin Sirk, CEO, ICCA said: “We believe this is an excellent structure to give associations a return on their investment in attending EIBTM. The Hot Topics and Spicy Tapas Evening will give the associations the chance to ask the questions they really want the answers to, as well as meeting the ICCA members who are the world’s top convention suppliers.”

A key name on the programme is Carole McKellar, Managing Director, The Association Gateway and President of MPI, UK Chapter. Carole said: "I am delighted to be working so closely with EIBTM on its 2004 Association Programme. Association Executives as we know are key for our industry and extremely important clients. EIBTM are determined to ensure a high level programme for these association executives and ensure the best quality buyers attend in Barcelona.”

EIBTM 2004’s Association Programme has been developed in consultation with industry bodies including; ASAE, ESAE, ICCA, MPI and The Association Gateway, following research with delegates to previous events. Taking place for the first time this year in Barcelona, feedback from the industry has been well received:

"I have already registered for the 2004 EIBTM Association Programme and am looking forward to the networking and educational experience. The 2003 programme was very good and I am sure this year will be even better in Barcelona ," said Royston Lambert, Director, International Securities Market Association.

The closing date to register to attend EIBTM’s Association Programme is 15 October 2004. Visitors who qualify and who are visiting from outside Europe will receive an extra nights accommodation on Wednesday 1st December and a full day at EIBTM on Thursday 2nd December.