IBTM China set to expand hosted buyers and visitor numbers for 2019 edition

The 14^th edition of IBTM China, part of IBTM’s global portfolio of meetings, events and industry tradeshows, begins in Beijing on 28 August, with over 8,000 meetings (an increase of 20% compared to 2018) due to take place between hosted buyers and exhibitors. The event is again held at the China National Convention Centre (CNCC), with organisers Reed Travel Exhibitions predicting over 350 exhibitors are set to attend, representing a 40% jump on numbers in 2018). The 335 expected hosted buyers also represent an increase (18%) compared to 2018. Show initiatives this year include the Business Travel Digital Innovation Summit, an exploration of the latest issues facing business travel managers, and an interactive and educational Technology Zone. The show will also see 30 new product and destination presentations, as well as a Knowledge Programme. IBTM China 2019 will also feature new networking and cultural activities, including a Happy Hour on day one in the exhibition hall. There will be a post-event hosted buyer tour of China’s capital and a visit to the Forbidden City World Heritage Site and entertainment from Peking opera. Hosted buyers lined up for this year’s event include BMW, Daimler, Danone, HSBC, Geely, Johnson & Johnson, Sanofi, Lenovo, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Osram and UBS. Nicole Ci, Event Manager, IBTM China, says: “It’s a year of firsts for IBTM China 2019. We’ve listened to our customers and added several exciting new features that we know they are keen to see, including opportunities to experience cutting-edge technology, discuss pressing issues with peers, and more activities for social connection away from one-to-one meetings.” Organisers are predicting around 4,000 attendees in total for the 2019 show.