Two thirds of Asia-based respondents predict their budgets will increase in 2013 to meet the demand for more, larger and longer meetings in the region. The region also dominates the list of the top ten cities based on hotel openings in 2013.
The American Express Meetings and Events, 2013 Meetings Forecast has anticipated that, “meetings in the Asia Pacific region are predicted to get larger by 5% on average”. These findings are further confirmed through the increased demand for Asian exhibitors, and validated by U.S. Hosted Buyers who have been accepted to attend AIBTM 2013 June 11-13 in Chicago.
The report continues, “Two thirds of Asia-based respondents predict their budgets will increase in 2013 to meet the demand for more, larger and longer meetings in the region. The region also dominates the list of the top ten cities based on hotel openings in 2013.”
Ms. Vichaya Soonthornsaratoon, Director of Meetings Industry, Department of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), and an exhibitor at AIBTM 2013 commented, “TCEB has been exhibiting at AIBTM for 3 consecutive years since the 1st show. The show has provided business opportunities for us to meet with potential buyers in the North American market.”
“Last year we met almost 40 prospective buyers at AIBTM, which is worth the distance we took to join this event. With the new location this year in Chicago and next year in Orlando, I’m sure AIBTM is and will always be a meaningful tradeshow that Thailand can be exposed to American clients. It drives the growth of meetings industry both in Asia and America.”
Paul Miller of HPN Global, registered to attend AIBTM 2013 as a Hosted Buyer commented, “Time is a precious resource and making the most effective use of it is critical to providing value to my clients and industry partners alike. By attending AIBTM, I am able to learn from and share information with the brightest minds in the meetings industry. Furthermore, I am able to meet face-to-face with experts in new or emerging destinations and lean more about them. Specifically for me, at this time, such destinations and regions include those in Southeast Asia.”
Michael Lyons, Reed Travel Exhibitions, AIBTM Exhibition Director commented, “We look forward to welcoming Asian exhibitors to the U.S. and giving them full support to help them achieve maximum exposure and additional business opportunities”.
The American Express Meetings and Events, 2013 Meetings Forecast also reported that the top 10 regions for meetings in Asia are Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, Beijing, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong/Macau, Taipei, Bali and Mumbai.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
