This year’s China Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (CIBTM), held September 7–9 at the China National Convention Centre in Beijing, grew 35 percent over the 2007 show, attracting 324 exhibitors from around the world along with 285 hosted buyers from the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and China. This year, for the first time, Reed Travel Exhibitions partnered with the Beijing Tourism Administration to co-host the event, a relationship that will continue through 2013.

Spurred by the growth of the meetings and incentives sector in China, CIBTM announced a week of educational and networking activities for industry professionals across China next year. Graeme Barnett, exhibition director for CIBTM, said of the project, “CIBTM’s initiative to have a week entirely dedicated to the meetings and incentives industry will help China realize its potential. Attracting large-scale international corporate and association events with improved venues and facilities, access, accommodation, and service standards must be underpinned by a professional skilled workforce, so developing people is critical.”

Industry associations including Meeting Professionals International, the International Congress and Convention Association, and Site will be involved in creating educational programs for Meetings Week China.

CIBTM 2010 will take place September 7–9 at the CNCC in Beijing. Visit the CIBTM Web site for more.