Kempinsky, a participant in the event, has accommodations worldwide including this one in Belek

A global meetings and incentives event taking place in Abu Dhabi in April is a not-to-miss opportunity for those in that industry, its organisers have said.

The Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM) takes place from April 8 to 10 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company Centre (Adnec).
GIBTM is part of the Reed Travel Exhibitions portfolio of meetings and incentives events, and this event provides a forum for the industry to meet in the Gulf - a fast growing destination for the meetings industry.
“This exhibition and seminar programme will provide a wealth of information, ideas, education and the opportunity to meet with other industry experts - it’s a first for the Gulf region,” a spokesman for the organisers said.
 Some 250 exhibitors are expected to participate in the show which should inspire new ideas from hotels to destinations and airlines to suppliers of event services.
“GIBTM is a business environment that will give you all you need to organise your next event,” the spokesman said.
An education programme of seminars available free of charge will answer questions and give valuable advice throughout the three days. There is even a networking programme of events open to all visitors giving time to socialise and network with colleagues.
The aim of the event is to provide a business platform in the Gulf and Middle East region for venues, hotels, destinations and suppliers to meet with meeting planners, incentive travel buyers and those involved in the meetings and incentives industry.
The event includes a high-level hosted buyer programme featuring 275 senior level buyers and meeting planners from the Middle East, Asia and Europe, augmented by over 1,000 regional and local trade visitors.
Hosted buyers and buyers can take advantage of a new exclusive initiative which includes a pre-show Abu Dhabi tour entitled Experience the Magic taking place on April 7. The event is sponsored by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority. On the same evening, hosted buyers will also be invited to the pre-event ice breaker networking reception sponsored by and taking place at the Hilton Abu Dhabi.
The hosted buyer programme is open to professionals who work as senior-level meeting planners, in-house travel managers, conference organisers,  independent agencies such as event and conference organisers, incentive houses and business travel agencies who carry out these functions.
The programme is designed to give participants the opportunity to experience a complementary business, networking and educational experience in Abu Dhabi. Participants on the programme will gain an enhanced knowledge of the  meetings and incentives industry and essential business contacts achieved  through one-to-one appointments with key suppliers, the best education delivered by industry experts and unrivalled networking opportunities.
The event, according to the organisers, has already attracted key industry players. Major meeting destinations, venues and suppliers from the Gulf, the Middle East and across the globe have confirmed their attendance. These include leading hotels of the world  Jumeirah, Kempinski Hotels and Starwood  Hotels and Resorts.
Asia is represented by Anantara Resorts and Spas, who are situated throughout the region. Returning following their success at the inaugural GIBTM will be the Singapore Tourism Board, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau and Sri Lanka Convention Bureau.
The new Technology and Event Services Village at GIBTM is said to have already attracted a very positive response from various international exhibitors keen to sell their services to the region.
For 2008 GIBTM has partnered with Meetings Professionals International (MPI) for the inaugural Gulf Meetings and Events Conference. Both events will, for the first time, create a week dedicated to providing a focus for the industry sector by delivering an educational, business and networking opportunity for the Gulf region.