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The China Incentive Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (CIBTM) organised by Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) is to be postponed in 2008 but will take place again in 2009 at a new Beijing venue and with new dates. Because of the impact of the Olympic Games on Beijing, it was decided not to proceed with next year’s event.
“Whilst the world is focused on one of its greatest sporting events, we have decided it was best for exhibitors and visitors alike to focus on 2009 in order not to compromise CIBTM in any way. RTE is strategically committed to China and the whole of Asia and sees Beijing as a growing hub for the meetings industry” says Paul Kennedy, Group Exhibition Director.
CIBTM 2009 will take place between the 8-10 September at Beijing’s new state of the art China National Convention Centre (CNCC) which will serve as the main international media & broadcasting centre for the Olympic Games next summer. Ideally located just 25 minutes from either the city centre or Beijing’s International Airport the venue boasts China’s biggest and newest world-class meeting and exhibition space including a 6400m2 Grand Convention Hall accommodating up to 6,000 delegates, a 24,000sqm exhibition hall and another 3,500 pax ballroom, the China National Convention Centre will create a modern backdrop for CIBTM. The 4-star, 443 room China National Convention Centre Hotel, adjacent to CNCC has also been announced as an official partner hotel.
Haiying Liu, CEO commented “CNCC is naturally delighted at the prospect of hosting the event. CIBTM will provide us with the perfect platform from which to present the new facilities to the international meetings and exhibitions industry. The venue’s world class facilities, ideal location and superb support infrastructure will offer international meeting and event planners a new and exciting experience in the heart of Beijing”.
The appointment of the new InterContinental Beijing North as CIBTM’s Headquarters Hotel, located within walking distance to the China National Convention Centre will ensure convenience for international participants.
“We are delighted to have been chosen as the official Headquarters Hotel for CIBTM 2009 and look forward to working with the Reed Travel Exhibition team to create a memorable experience for our guests” said Andreas Pfister, General Manager of InterContinental Beijing North.
“Whilst it is disappointing that CIBTM will not be held in 2008, we will continue to be involved in the education of the Meeting Professional in China during 2008. However, it is really pleasing to be in a position to announce the 2009 dates and in particular these two key partnerships that will help to create the new-look CIBTM. We will be working with all of our key partners in the region to develop a more dynamic event that meets the needs of our increasingly global customer base.” says Graeme Barnett, Exhibition Director, CIBTM.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
