The 23rd European meetings and events tradeshow (EIBTM), organised by Reed Travel Exhibitions, has opened its doors in Barcelona.
The meetings and events industry trade show, at the Fira de Barcelona, claims the highest number of hosted buyers ever qualified for the show, 4,156, which represents a three per cent rise on last year.
At an opening press conference EIBTM’s Exhibition Director Graeme Barnett said there were over 3,000 exhibitors and 7,348 pre-registered visitors expected at the show. The visitor figure, subject to audit, is an 11 per cent increase on 2010’s event.
Barnett told CN: “We expect to see a vibrant dynamic show, in what has been a challenging year for the economy.
“In 2008’s recession exhibitors reported an atmosphere of business determination, which we expect to be echoed this year.”
Organisers said 65,000 pre-scheduled appointments had been made for the show, which features an on-site TV channel, EIBTM TV and other digital innovations such as a show app and QR codes, enabling visitors to download information direct to mobile devices.
Barnett admitted a small number of no-shows and cancellations due to the UK public sector strike affecting air traffic, but said many had opted to extend or to adjust flight plans to work around the likely disruption 30 November.
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