Following a hiatus in 2009, the Middle East edition of the show is back on the block.
The Middle East installment of the Business Travel Show is back for 2010 following a break in 2009.
This year marks a fresh start for the show with new event director, Paul Grinnall, claiming prospects for the event were “positive for a number of reasons”.
“There is clearly a need for this event — it has worked well in the past and we know that when times are tough, it is important for businesses to continue to travel,” he told ATN.
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“Companies will continue to manage their travel spend and therefore the show will remain an important place for them to go to see the leading suppliers.”
Grinnall said a number of suppliers were already on board for the 2010 show, which takes place at the Madinat Arena from October 25-26, including Emaar, ADAC, Premier Inn, Virgin Atlantic and Kanoo Travel.
Although the 2007 and 2008 installments were a success, Centaur has conceded that there were two issues that needed solving.
Firstly, the show needed to attract a wider geographic spread of buyers plus the educational programme needed to be free of charge to draw in the crowds. But these crinkles look set to be ironed out in 2010.
“First off we have changed the name to reflect the wider reach of the show to The Business Travel Show Middle East, plus our visitor campaigns will be bespoke, addressing a number of markets,” explained Grinnall.
“Second, we are introducing a Hosted Buyers programme and thirdly, we are significantly expanding the educational programme within the event and this will be free to all buyers.”
The programme would be wide-reaching with topics selected to appeal to new and experienced buyers, he said.
WHO SHOULD EXHIBIT?
Airlines, hotels, TMCs and any firm supplying products and services to business travel buyers, such as ground handlers, serviced apartments, private jet hire companies, technology firms and many more.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Anyone who buys inbound or outbound travel for their organisation. While traditionally this is a ‘Travel Manager’ role, there are other job functions within travel procurement that should come to the show.
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