IBTM China gears up for 13th edition

IBTM China, one of the region’s foremost events within the MICE industry, opens 12-13 September in Beijing for its 13^th edition, with organisers promising 6,500 appointments set up between hosted buyers and exhibitors. In response to feedback from customers asking for an increased focus on bringing corporate event planners to the event, organisers claim an increase in the share of these buyers from 24% in 2017 to 30% this year. Buyers are coming from Hong Kong, Singapore, Macau, Russia, South Korea and Europe, as well as a large proportion of domestic Chinese buyers. A total of 280 hosted buyers are expected, including from brands such as AVIAGE SYSTEMS, Danone Nutricia, ALE Co. Ltd, IKEA, DBS Bank, Mary Kay China, Carrefour China, Lenovo, NTUC Income, Philips, Novo Nordisk, Ping An Bank, Infinitus China, Sanofi, World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies, HelmsBriscoe and Provident Capital Group Inc. Organisers report 230 exhibitors have taken stands, including international exhibitors Russia CVB, Astana CVB, GL Events, Corinthia Hotels, Royal Caribbean Cruises Services (China) Company Limited and Meliá Serengeti Lodge, as well as San Francisco Travel Association, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau and South African Tourism. IBTM China’s Knowledge Programme will this year explore topics across 10 key areas. New to the programme is a panel discussion on how to capitalise on the growth of the customised tour. Other key presentations include an exploration into designing engaging events based on different personality traits, a study into how to attract and retain the best talent to build a high-performance workplace, and insight into the latest global industry trends report. Nicole Ci, event manager, IBTM China, says: “The MICE market in China continues to develop and we’re committed to ensuring we continue to evolve our event to meet the needs of this maturing market, both in terms of breadth and quality of exhibitors and event planners in attendance, and with our education sessions.” Destination presentations will take place regularly in the Community Hub and will include talks by Macao, Dongcheng Tourism Bureau, Russia Convention Bureau and San Francisco Travel Association. There will be a full programme of networking opportunities.