The organisers of the Reed Travel Exhibitions’ IBTM Global Events portfolio (www.ibtmevents.com) have confirmed that they will be holding the 2014 edition of IBTM India (www.ibtmevents.com/ibtmindia) at the ITC Grand Chola, Chennai from September 3 – 5, 2014.

Shinu Pillai, Reed Travel Exhibitions, IBTM India Project Manager commented, “IBTM India has now established itself as a key event in the meetings industry calendar in India. The launch edition, hosted in Mumbai, was a huge success and as part of our ongoing drive and determination to develop the meetings industry market in India we have chosen to move the show to another up and coming MICE destination.”

IBTM India 2014 will assume the same exclusive table-top format as the launch event, which is a proven successful format across Reed Travel Exhibitions’ events. Limited to 100 international and Indian suppliers of product and services to the MICE industry, it is designed to facilitate pre-arranged meetings between international and Indian buyers with suppliers over a table-top environment at a 1:1 ratio.

Pillai continues, “Chennai is the fifth most populous city in India and one of the fastest growing cities in the world. According to the Confederation of Indian Industry, the city is estimated to grow to a $100–billion economy, almost 2.5 times its present size, by the year 2025. With favourable government policies, Chennai currently boasts of vast advancement in the automobile, banking and healthcare industries.”

Dinesh Sriram, Managing Director at Bharat MICE, Chennai, who exhibited at the launch event of IBTM India and plans to attend the second edition hosted in Chennai commented, “The very second we heard IBTM was coming to India, the first thought that struck us was to reserve a space immediately.

“From there on, the professional services team of IBTM including their senior management ensured that no stone was left unturned and we were provided with a seamless customer experience throughout the registration process. IBTM India’s progressive thinking and innovative business model has enabled us to position ourselves to a global market and get our message across to our potential buyers.”

Verena Jandak, CMP, Marketing Manager (USA, Canada, Australia, India),Vienna Convention Bureau, Vienna Tourist Board who also exhibited at IBTM India and plans to attend the 2014 edition commented, “Chennai as a MICE destination has great potential and it has not yet been used much for any other meetings industry events, that is why I consider this a smart move!

“Attending IBTM India 2013 as an exhibitor was very successful in all respects for us. The quality of the buyers was very good, as well as the concept and the organisation of the event! We are very much looking forward to the 2014 edition where we plan to meet new clients and reinforce existing relationships with others. IBTM India, hosted in Chennai will provide us with a great and qualitative platform for us to do so.”