Following Reed Travel Exhibitions’ (RTE) decision to move its Stateside meetings industry tradeshow AIBTM from Baltimore to Chicago in 2013, the organiser says it is expecting to run a hosted buyer programme for at least 1,000 invitees.
A statement from RTE claims “a significant number of new and returning exhibitors are signing up early to secure their place”.
New exhibitors announced for 2013 include: Experience Grand Rapids, Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission, Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Orient-Express, Visit Anchorage, United Airlines, Travizon, Dayton/Montgomery County CVB, Snowmass Tourism, Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau, Bloomington MN CVB and Sonesta Collection.
“AIBTM is an important show for Sonesta Hotels to reach national meeting planners as we continue to expand our presence in the US market,” says Carol Bullock, Vice-President of Sales for Sonesta.
“The format of the show aligns with our desire to maximise our visibility and exposure and many planners have shared with us that this is a marketplace where business will get done,” Sonesta adds.
Michael Lyons, AIBTM’s recently appointed Exhibition Director, says he is “delighted” to have joined the team.
“Chicago is one of the world’s top destinations for meetings, incentives, conventions, and events and we are pleased to be bringing together over 3,500 meetings industry professionals from across the globe for three days of intensive business, world class educational sessions and numerous opportunities for networking,” he notes.
AIBTM has also partnered with hotels in the city including Hilton Palmer House, InterContinental Chicago, Renaissance Blackstone, W Chicago – Lakeshore, Hyatt Regency Chicago and Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile. These hotels will provide 4/5 star accommodation for those attending as part of the 2013 Hosted Buyer Programme.
AIBTM 2013 takes place at McCormick Place, Chicago from 11-13 June, 2013, and will be hosted by Choose Chicago.
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