This is due to the success of last year’s show and the improved optimism regarding the US economy and their business.
AIBTM, a leading global exhibition for the U.S. meetings and events industry, has announced that major industry players have signed up, confirming their participation at the 2014 show, which is set to take place 10-12 June at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando (Florida).
Exhibitors who have signed up to exhibit at the event for the first time this year include: Hamburg Convention Bureau, St. Kitts Tourism Authority, Busan Metropolitan City, Universal Orlando Resort, Canon USA, Boulder Convention & Visitors Bureau, Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce, Charleston South Carolina CVB, Digitell, Mobile Bay CVB, eventPower, Jumeirah Group, Loews Hotels & Resorts and many more.
Thorsten Kausch, CEO of Hamburg Convention Bureau and first time exhibitor, states: "By participating in AIBTM for the first time, our objective is to familiarise ourselves more with the United States’ meetings and events industry and also present Hamburg as a quality location for conventions and events within Germany. Beyond this, we would also like to take this opportunity to establish contacts with international event organisers, who are interested in to bring international congresses and events to the city of Hamburg."
Returning exhibitors attending AIBTM 2014 feature VisitEngland, Dominican Republic Tourism Board, Bloomington MN Convention & Visitors Bureau, Choose Chicago, Visit Florida, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, Peninsula Hotels, Philippines, Sony Premium Incentives, Travizon Corporate Travel and Worldwide Travel & Cruise.
Simon Gidman, head of business visits and events at VisitEngland and returning exhibitor, commented: "North America is the number one market for business visitor spend to England. The most recent quarterly survey conducted by Financial Executives International (FEI) suggests improved optimism regarding the U.S. economy and their businesses. We are convinced that now is a good time to target the American market, as the exchange rate of British pound against USD remains steady. Also the ability to claim refunds for VAT paid on some purchases by foreign individuals and companies offers good value for money. It is essential that England establishes a strong presence in North America and continues to raise the profile of some of our leading events destinations, particularly those with direct access, such as Manchester and Birmingham. The AIBTM tradeshow provides an excellent platform to reach buyers from across North America."
Shasha Cruz, representative Mid-Atlantic USA of Dominican Republic Tourism Board and returning exhibitor, added: "AIBTM is a fantastic opportunity to promote our destination not only nationally, but internationally through face-to face connections which is very important to doing business. Also, AIBTM is one of the most important trade events targeted to qualified meeting planners and the quality of the attendees is outstanding."
In addition to this the following returning exhibitors have increased their stand size in order to generate more brand awareness and be even more visible on the show floor: Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Hotels, Hilton Worldwide, Sofitel Luxury Hotels, Los Angeles Convention Bureau & Tourism Board, Detroit Metro CVB, Hello DMC! and Panama.
Michael Lyons, AIBTM exhibition director, concludes: "We are following the success of last year’s show where AIBTM attracted a record number of domestic and international hosted buyers (26% increase over 2012), with a high percentage who had applied to attend for the first time. Over 15,000 business meetings took place with buyers who had proven budgets of more than $9 billion. We are delighted with the response we have received this year and are following the path of last year with the primary aim of providing a platform which delivers a high level of education and a quantifiable return on investment through targeted and relevant business connections."
