EIBTM data suggests 'impressive' results

By Mark Armsden LONDON Early results from EIBTM have indicated it was the most effective ever held for the global meetings and incentive industry, with a ratio of 1.54 exhibitors to every hosted buyer, said organisers Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE). This compares with 1.74 exhibitors to every hosted buyer in the same period last year. EIBTM exhibition director Ms Debbie Jackson said the amount of serious business conducted had been "impressive and phenomenal". A total of 66% of the 2,125 hosted buyers visiting EIBTM during the first two days had not been hosted last year and half of the 124 association buyers visiting had not been hosted by EIBTM in 2002. More than 60% of hosted buyers visiting during the two days had purchasing authority of more than US$500,000. RTE chairman Mr Tom Nutley said the combined effects of global economic downturn, competition and other issues facing the industry such as regional conflict, terrorism and the effects of the SARS outbreak had led to exhibitors sending 3,048 stand personnel, a drop of 2,000 compared with previous years. He confirmed that 1,850 exhibitors from 100 countries were present covering nearly 10,000sqm of exhibition space at Geneva Palexpo. "The quality of business has been extremely high with the event exceeding the majority of exhibitor's expectations," added Mr Nutley. "I am delighted at the commitment from this year's exhibitors and other companies and organisations to participate in EIBTM 2004 in Barce-lona between November 30 and December 2. "Barcelona 2004 is the start of a new era for the global industry and EIBTM. That's not just my view - but the opinion of virtually everyone in the international industry that we have talked to face to face or via independent research. He said it was important the final figures for EIBTM 2003 were independently audited and transparent for total confidence and industry analysis.