Pre-show buzz for AIBTM 2013, The Americas Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (www.aibtm.com), is building faster than ever before, as exhibitors are signing up as group coordinators (GCOs) at a record pace. Participation from both exhibitors and GCOs has surpassed last January’s show numbers – with GCO signups showing an increase by 40 per cent.

“Our years of experience in hosting exhibitions tell us that exhibitors also want to invite their network of buyers to join them at the show,” said Michael Lyons Exhibition Director of AIBTM.  “Our GCO program lets them host their planners on AIBTM’s behalf.  It’s a huge benefit for our exhibitors and they are thrilled to take advantage of this added value.”

Among the new exhibitors already confirmed are a number of top names in the meetings and events industry including United Airlines, Monaco Government Tourist & Convention Authority, Sustainable Travel/Namibia Tourism, Visit Anchorage, Orient-Express, Sonesta Collection, Serbia, Savoya and many others from across the globe.

Confirmed GCOs include business travel and meetings & incentives brands including United Airlines, Worldwide Cruise Associates, Certain Inc., Marriott International Inc., Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, Hilton, Wyndham Hotels, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, Dolce International, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), Kuoni Destination Management, Global Cynergies, Melia Hotels International, HelmsBriscoe, Positively Cleveland and many others.

“We’re really looking forward to our third AIBTM show,” said Gina Isaacs, Product Marketing Coordinator of Certain, Inc. and AIBTM GCO. “The one-to-one meetings program in a relationship-driven business world adds measurable value and ensures that we will meet with highly-qualified individuals looking for solutions to deliver great meetings and events.”

AIBTM expects to pre-schedule over 15,000 appointments between exhibitors and Hosted Buyers on the show floor during the June exhibition. These appointments guarantee that Hosted Buyers, whose combined annual budget is over $10.7B, will get the most out of their time by meeting with exhibitors in their areas of interest.