BEIJING The 2009 edition of the China Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition (CIBTM) has concluded with organisers claiming a 35% increase on the previous edition of CIBTM, held in 2007. 

CIBTM was held at the newly opened China National Conference Centre (CNCC), which is a former Olympic Games venue located next to the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube. CIBTM 2009 attracted 321 exhibitors, 280 hosted buyers and 3,500 trade visitors. 

Show organiser Reed Travel Exhibitions also announced it will launch a new initiative for 2010 with a week dedicated to the Meetings, Events and Incentives (BT MICE) industry in China. This will be co-hosted and supported by the Beijing Tourism Administration (BTA).

CIBTM event director, Graeme Barnett, said: “CIBTM’s aim is to be the driving force behind the growth of the meetings industry throughout China. This latest edition has shown that both exhibitors, hosted buyers and trade visitors are thirsty for knowledge of the sector and international business practices.

“By introducing a week of events surrounding CIBTM 2010 we can help China fully realise its potential to attract large-scale international corporate and association events.”

Vice-director of Beijing Tourism Administration, Li Xuemin, said: “CIBTM 2009 was very successful. I am looking forward to the success of 2010 China Meetings Week.”