ABU DHABI The fourth edition of the Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM) was held from March 29 to 31 at the Abu Dhabi National Convention Centre (ADNEC).

There were more than 220 exhibitors, including representation from 12 new countries. 

Peter Brokenshire, general manager of Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, said: “As GIBTM is the only event in the Gulf region dedicated to the meeting industry, we found the exposure and response to be very encouraging. We have participated in GIBTM since 2007 and it has been an invaluable experience.”

Buyer numbers were also up, with 280 hosted buyers from 27 countries, and pre-scheduled appointments topped 7,000. The programme also involved a strong line-up of professional education sessions.

Organiser Reed Exhibitions is pleased with the show’s development, but believes “there is still more to do”.

“We believe that education is required to identify those who work within the sector but are still unaware they are part of a global industry,” said Graeme Barnett, exhibition director of GIBTM. “There are still many products and services that are yet to be involved in GIBTM and many who could even qualify through the hosted buyer programme.” 

GIBTM 2011 will be held at ADNEC from March 28 to 30.