IBTM Americas reports strong exhibitor sales

IBTM Americas has reported strong exhibitor sales, both domestic and international ahead of its 2019 edition which takes place from 29 – 30 May at Centre Citibanamex, in Mexico City.

To date more than 80 domestic and international exhibitors are confirmed, with a strong mix of returning and new customers which include international exhibitors Thomas Cook, tour operator Lepis Tour – Incoming Italy, Hilton, Melia Hotels International, Las Vegas and Radisson Hotel Group and Latin American exhibitors Hard Rock Hotels (RCD HotelS), Visit Jamaica, Buro de Convencieones y Visitantes Lima – Peru, Hyatt Hotels and Guatemala, Corazón del Mundo Maya.

David Hidalgo, Show Director, IBTM Americas, said: “We have ambitious targets to grow the event this year, so we’re delighted to be performing so well against our targets, especially in light of the strategic change in dates for the event which effectively shortened this year’s timeline by over three months. We’re particularly focused this year on growing our international exhibitor base, and we already have an increase in the number of Asia Pac exhibitors this year, and some North American exhibitors extending their stand size. We are looking forward to welcoming all our customers to what is renowned for being an extremely productive and, importantly, fun event set against the colourful backdrop of Mexico City.”

Commenting on his time exhibiting at the 2018 event, Darren K Green, Senior Vice President of Sales, LA Tourism, said: “The day has been extremely busy, with some really good appointments. It’s been very productive”. IBTM Americas has been going really well. Today has been outstanding”, said Don Caldwell, SLS Las Vegas.

As well as two days of pre-arranged one-to-one business meetings, visitors can enjoy a range of networking events and targeted education sessions, including MPI academic day; a specialized program to show the latest innovations applied to the meetings, incentives, conferences, events and business travel industry, as well as trends to inspire future events; an event production forum; an event marketing congress; a wedding congress; a pharma congress and a sustainable events interactive forum, amongst others.

At 2018’s event, which took place from 5 – 6 September, over 12,500 pre-planned meetings took place, with over 400 exhibitors taking stands at the show – a 50 per cent increase on the previous year. International exhibitors made up 54 per cent of the total.

A high-quality group of over 785 Hosted Buyers attended from across North America, Latin America and Europe, 45 per cent up on 2017, from organizations including Nokia, Interamerican Development Bank and AXA Insurance.

The event featured over 50 tailored knowledge sessions accredited by the Event Industry Council. The sessions were aimed at event planners and buyers looking to stay ahead of trends and learn about the industry’s hottest topics in the emerging South, Central and North American meetings and events market.

www.ibtmamericas.com