IBTM Americas Will Head to Music City in 2016
July 28, 2015
Reed Travel Exhibitions’ IBTM Americas spent this year in Chicago and will head to Nashville, aptly named “Music City”, June 15-17 next year.
ibtm america 2015 featured more than 5,200 pre-scheduled appointments with mutually matched suppliers and buyers in a closed show environment that mixed business with networking and education.
Exhibitors averaged 29 appointments during the course of 2.5 days, according to ibtm officials.
“The excitement behind delivering our event in different key convention cities in the US adds variety and new experiences for all our attendees,” said Jaime McAuley, event director, ibtm america.
McAuley added, “Nashville is one of the hottest convention cities in America right now and whilst its very roots are in music (the Country Music Hall of Fame) there is also history, the arts, food – the city recently was nominated in the top 10 best BBQ cities in the US – and of course a variety of venues to benefit this industry. We will be there in one of its best months (June) and no doubt the town will be buzzing.”
The event will be held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, the flagship property of Gaylord Hotels.
The Gaylord Opryland has 2,882 guest rooms onsite, 6 ballrooms, more than 100 conference and breakout rooms, approximately 600,000 square feet of meeting, convention and exhibit function space.
“There is no doubt that ibtm america will deliver not only another successful business event, but it will also deliver a real experience for all of our attendees,” McAuley said. “We fully expect many will want to either arrive early or stay on to make the most of the facilities, whether it’s to spend more time in downtown Nashville or at the Gaylord as this resort is certainly one of a kind in the USA.”
ibtm america 2016 will once again feature the all-inclusive innovative pod design, where exhibitors pay one price for a modular booth design ready on arrival for them to start the business of meetings.
Tina Gerson, director of national accounts at The Diplomat Hotel Florida, said of her experience as an exhibitor at this year’s event: "First experience of an ibtm event. I love the meeting pod concept, it takes it to another level compared to other shows. I loved the appointment system - everyone matched and I didn't need to even ask. I probably have a dozen solid leads from ibtm america and if just one books, it will have paid for my meeting pod! I would say 90% of hosted buyers who met with me had specific business for the future. I am looking forward to coming to Nashville in 2016!"
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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