EIBTM 2008 have released details of its Hosted Buyer Programme available in Barcelona this year, which will see an increase with over 300 groups of Hosted Buyers, extended education programmes and 15 different Post Event Tours offered.

Increased numbers of Hosted Buyers from all the key European markets are expected with total attendance likely to be approximately 3,500 of the leading industry decision makers. EIBTM leads the way in independently auditing its Hosted Buyer and Trade Visitor numbers, providing a qualified approach to achieving the events objectives in delivering a truly global audience.

Hosted Buyers from India, China, Brazil, Russia and Poland are already being recruited as well as additional groups from the US, Canada and Middle East.

New group coordinators include: Barcelo Hotels, Global Cynergies, LLC, Meetme, Starcite USA, Tourisme Montral and Uniqueworld.

Increased numbers of multiple day rotations are being offered to maximise Hosted Buyers time on the exhibition floor and Reed Travel Exhibitions are expecting that over 43,000 Pre-Scheduled Appointments will be organised between Hosted Buyers and Exhibitors.

Benefits for Hosted Buyers at EIBTM 2008, which will take place from 2nd 4th December at the Fira Gran Via include dedicated Association, Corporate and Agency educational programmes, increased networking opportunities and once again use of the three Hosted Buyer Lounges on-site. For the second year in a row, a complimentary buffet lunch will be available for all buyers every day in the third Hosted Buyer lounge provided by GastroFira, the in-house catering department of Fira de Barcelona.

 UK and French Hosted Buyers can take advantage of the exclusive charter flight service, providing VIP flights to and from the show with champagne breakfast and dedicated check in.

The strength and quality of the EIBTM Hosted Buyer programme has also led to 15 destinations offering to host the Post Event Tours. New tours include Alcala de Henares, Costa del Sol/Malaga, Gran Canaria, Leon and Tarragona. European cities including London, Madrid, Amsterdam, Lisbon, Venice, Bilbao, Costa Daurada, Sitges, San Sebastian and Valencia are also available.

Mandy Torrens, Exhibition Director for EIBTM comments: We were delighted with both the numbers and feedback from Hosted Buyers at last years event and hope to increase both again this year, however our focus is always on quality of buyers rather than simply quantity. We want to deliver an excellent experience for Hosted Buyers who are taking time out of their busy schedules to attend EIBTM by providing ROI on their time at the show

June Clark, Manager for Hosted Programmes - EIBTM added: Not everyone on the Hosted Buyer programme has to be part of a group and for 2008 we are also looking to attract meeting professionals who apply to be qualified individually and yet enjoy the same benefits.  These people could be the organiser of an event or conference, perhaps influences or make budgetary decisions for international business travel, meetings, incentive travel, international conventions, product launches, or staff training.  All the details for how to qualify can be found on.....

EIBTM is the leading exhibition for the conference, incentives, events, business travel and meetings industry. It delivers proven attendance figures ABC audited - providing a business forum that brings together exhibitors with senior Hosted Buyers looking to discover new innovative products and services. With a buyer driven appointment system, EIBTM also runs a leading edge professional education programme and networking events.