EIBTM, The International meeting and incentive exhibition held each year at the Fira Gran Via in Barcelona, Spain, will be hoping to top its 2005 numbers — approximately 2,500 hosted buyers and 2,733 exhibiting companies — when it convenes November 28-30.

Among the new initiatives drawing attendees will be an educational track for planners from event agencies. The Agency Program will provide sessions on how the event agency model is evolving in relation to procurement and other changes in client expectations, and how agencies can stay competitive.

There will also be a new forum for independent planners, as well as a new emerging markets symposium, to go along with existing programs for association and corporate planners. The latter, established last year, will provide two days of programming on topics such as meeting formats and technologies that enhance learning, and understanding supply chain management.

All hosted buyers, whether they are from event agencies, associations, or corporations, make use of EIBTM's appointment system, which schedules 20-minute meetings with suppliers of their choice. Among the worldwide selection of exhibitors — from cruise lines to technology solutions to convention bureaus — Paraguay, El Salvador, and Uruguay will be participating in the exhibition for the first time.

To view EIBTM's full exhibitor list or to apply for the hosted buyer program (which provides complimentary travel, accommodations, education, and other benefits), go to www.eibtm.com.