DEADLINE FOR EIBTM'S 2001 WORLDWIDE WATCH

Search for Latest Cutting Edge Technology

Companies and organisations involved in the cutting edge of technology for the meetings, incentive, exhibitions and business travel industry have until the end of March to submit papers on their latest products and services for the scrutiny of EIBTM's independent judging panel for Worldwide Watch.

The initiative, launched for the first time last year at EIBTM, the leading global event for the industry, identifies the newest - and most exciting - technology products, revolutionising the way that business is conducted.

A WW presentation of what is independently thought to be the most significant technological breakthrough in the industry will take place at EIBTM 2001 at Palexpo, Geneva, Switzerland, at 11.00 am on Wednesday 30 May on the central stage area.

The panel, which this year will be chaired by Tom Hulton, chief executive officer of ICCA, the international meetings association, is seeking the latest significant breakthrough which has recently, or is expected to hit the MICE market in the coming year. Deadline for papers is Friday 30 March, 2001.

" This is not a competition, but a major international promotional and public relations opportunity for specialist technology companies and other companies or organisations that have recently been involved in developing a new technology product or service for the industry", said Mr. Hulton.

"Many of these companies may be small and highly specialist and Worldwide Watch turns the spotlight on the kind of cutting edge work that is being tailored to help the industry continue to grow and be successful."

Christophe de Landtsheer, chief executive officer of Belgian-based technology company, TourWeb, who last year was invited to make the highly prestrigious WW presentation to visitors, exhibitors and media will also be joining the panel this year. TwinFind, his revolutionary hi-tech palm-held event navigator system for use at meetings, conferences and exhibitions, received considerable acclaim.

He and Tom Hulton will be joined by Steve Nunan, sales director, Marriott Hotels, David Garner, director of sales, Bass Hotels & Resorts and Graham Hill, advertising manager, Bradman's Business Guides. Debbie Jackson, exhibition director of EIBTM, who will also be present at the selection process, said:" WW stimulated a large amount of interest last year. We are looking for technical solutions for the industry that are both innovative and cost effective. "Papers can be submitted by specialist technology companies and other companies or organisations involved in the industry, such as convention centres, hotels, airlines, cruise companies and car rental who have developed a new technology product or service."

HOW TO SUBMIT PAPERS FOR WW

Papers from technology and information companies will be accepted on new and newly launched products for the MICE market until Friday 30 March, 2001.

They should contain:

* A short summary of the product and its capabilities in all or part of the MICE industry

* A short case history of the product

* Associated literature to help the judges final selection

Please send to EIBTM ( Worldwide Watch), c\o Jane Larcombe Communications, Orchard Cottage, Tidebrook, East Sussex TN5 6PQ. Telephone enquiries and further assistance about WW can be made by contacting the WW co-ordinator, Karsalie Hervey on +44 (0) 1580 201178. Entries without back ground literature can be faxed to EIBTM Independent Technology Panel on +44 (0) 01580 201869. Further information or assistance on WW can be obtained by e-mailing Karsalie Hervey on Karsalie.Hervey@btinternet.com