Although it's still four months away, the Americas Meetings & Events Exhibition (AIBTM) already has secured more than 50 hosted buyer group coordinators for its 2012 event — which is significantly higher than the total amount of hosted buyer group coordinators it had in 2011, its organizer, Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE), announced last week.
"The hosted buyer group coordinator response for AIBTM 2012 is overwhelming, especially at this early stage," said AIBTM Project Director Steve Knight. "We already have 25 percent more group coordinators signed than for the whole of last year, and we're still in our pre-registration phase for the hosted buyer program."
According to Knight, each AIBTM exhibitor is eligible to apply to be a group coordinator. "The program empowers exhibitors to ensure that the prospects they want to see are at AIBTM," he continued. "Group coordinators receive the same VIP treatment as hosted buyers. They have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with top clients through AIBTM's online pre-scheduled appointment system, and they enjoy complimentary travel and accommodations when bringing a qualified group of 10 or more."
Among the AIBTM hosted buyer group coordinators confirmed for AIBTM 2012 are hoteliers like Hilton, Hyatt, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), Marriott, Melia Hotels International, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Sofitel Luxury Hotels and Choice Hotels International, as well as major U.S. CVBs, including the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau, Meet Washington State (formerly Seattle CVB) and Visit Orlando.
Additionally, AIBTM's strategic partner, the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), has committed to bringing 500 hosted buyers while the Society of Incentive Travel Executives (SITE) has committed to bringing 100.
AIBTM 2012 is taking place June 19-21, 2012, in Baltimore. For more information, visit www.aibtm.com.