Two of the nation's most influential meetings industry groups, the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) and the Convention Industry Council (CIC), have confirmed the co-location of major events at the first annual AIBTM show, its organizer, Reed Travel Exhibitions, announced this week.

Expected to attract approximately 3,000 meeting planner attendees and 300 exhibitors, the inaugural AIBTM is scheduled for June 21-23 in Baltimore. During the same period, and in the same location, PCMA will host its bi-annual education conference, PCMA President and CEO Deborah Sexton announced Tuesday at PCMA's Education Conference in Montreal.

"We already work very closely with Reed Travel Exhibitions' international portfolio of shows on their educational programs, so this link up is a natural and welcome fit," Sexton said in a statement. "Additionally, June 2011 provides the ideal timing for the association and its members, as does the location in Baltimore. Our members will not only benefit from our conference, but from doing business with leading U.S. and international suppliers at AIBTM. It is a win-win situation."

Also taking place during AIBTM, according to Reed, will be CIC's 2011 Hall of Leaders Gala, during which CIC presents its annual meetings industry honors.

"I am so pleased that CIC will be holding its 2011 Hall of Leaders Gala in conjunction with AIBTM in Baltimore next June," said CIC CEO Karen Kotowski. "Both Reed Travel Exhibitions and Visit Baltimore will be excellent partners in this prestigious event. The Reed family of shows has a history of bringing together leaders from the global meetings, association and travel industry, and therefore we expect our attendance at the dinner to far exceed the record we set this year."

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