If you're considering an overseas program for '02 or '03, the best place to research international destinations, hotels, and venues is EIBTM, being held this year May 21 to 23 at the Palexpo Exhibition Centre in Geneva, Switzerland. On average, 75 percent of visitors are from Europe (including 17 percent from Switzerland and 17 percent from the UK) and 64 percent of exhibitors are from Europe.
It not only provides an opportunity to talk to some 3,000 suppliers, but it allows networking with your European counterparts and a free educational program. One session will focus on trends in the group travel industry since 9/11, another will focus on the Apex (Accepted Practices Exchange) Initiative, spearheaded by the Convention Industry Council and Meeting Professionals International (focusing on post-event reports, RFPs, and contract language).
The Society of Incentive Travel Executives offers a full day educational program on the Monday before the show opens. Hours of the expo are 9:30 to 5:30 daily. For more information, registration, and discount information, visit Reed Expo's Web site, at travel.reedexpo.com.
