Sydney bureau chief criticises lack of clarity

BOTH EIBTM and its competitor trade show to the conference and incentive travel markets, IMEX, are failing to sufficiently inform potential exhibitors as to their key points of difference. This was the view of managing director of the Sydney Convention & Visitors Bureau Mr Jon Hutchison at EIBTM in Geneva, at the last outing of EIBTM before IMEX next April in Frankfurt. "EIBTM still hasn't announced where it is going to be held long term and we don't have a lot of information about how IMEX will meet the needs of exhibitors," he said. "Both shows are seeking early commitments and we are going to have to make our decisions in the next few weeks," Mr Hutchison said many convention bureaus were indicating they would attend both shows in 2003 and then make their decisions. While there was no official confirmation at EIBTM, it is reliably understood Mr Tom Hulton, outgoing executive director of the International Congress and Conference Association will be involved with the future of IMEX as a consultant after he departs the association later this year.