TRADE TALK 21 Focusing on The Essentials ITB Buyers Circle - the exclusive meeting place for the top buyers of the worldwide travel industry David Ruetz Head of ITBBerlin at Messe Berlin 1000 top buyers from every continent are selected to be members of the 5th edition of the ITB Buyers’ Circle, the exclusive meeting place for the top buyers of the worldwide travel industry. Here, a handpicked number of buyers can take advantage of a relaxed, productive atmosphere and take care of what really matters: Closing deals, and focusing on the essentials. We asked David Ruetz, Head of ITB, just HOW exclusive this club is… SPEED NETWORKING AT ITB BERLIN Following its outstanding success at this year’s ITBBerlin the ITB Speed Networking event is going into another round. This year, ITBBerlin is organising two “Speed Dating” events that will give participants an opportunity to efficiently exchange information and quickly establish numerous new leads. Whereas the ITB Speed Networking event gathers buyers and exhibitors from around the world, the ITB Blogger Speed Dating is the place where bloggers from Germany and abroad can meet representatives of the global travel industry. Both events are free of charge. In order to take part prior registration is required. ITB Speed Networking The number of ITB Buyers Circle members is limited; the service isn’t! hand selected top buyers can expect a lot from us – or maybe even a bit more. He or she can take advantage of the multitude of exclusive, free service offers which leave no wish unfulfilled and truly optimise their trade fair visit. If a buyer is part of this elite club, what does he or she get for free? There are numerous benefits, valuable services and always the latest information buyers can profit. There is no waiting time for buyers thanks to the shuttle service and Fast Lane at the entrances. Furthermore our ITB Buyers Circle members are invited to join our exclusive ITB Speed Networking. Who qualifies? The ITB Buyers Circle targets product managers and buyers involved in the operational level of small and mediumsized enterprises and those of larger companies in the global travel industry. All interested buyers must apply first and are handpicked. Our ITB Buyers Circle members come from all over the world to exchange ideas and close deals with exhibitors. Close to 79% are from European countries, almost 10% are from Asia, 7% from America, and around 2% from the Middle East. What is new? Since this is our 5th edition of ITB Buyers Circle as well as the 50th anniversary of ITBBerlin we have picked 1000 top buyers to be part of the circle. Furthermore we extended our ITB Speed Networking sessions where our Buyers Circle members can meet important travel industry partners in a short space of time. More information about ITB Buyers Circle can be found on the website: www.itbbuyerscircle.com In 2016, due to high demand, there will be two one-hour networking events. Exhibitors who are looking for buyers interested in products and services available in Europe will be able to meet their target group on Thursday, 10 March. On 11 March, exhibitors can meet with buyers operating in non-European international markets. The events will take place on Level B in the CityCube from 9 to 10 a.m. During the five-minute sessions registered exhibitors will be able to present their products and exchange contact information with buyers. Then, if desired, they can meet up later on the stand or make appointments to arrange further business for another day. OUR ITB BUYERS CIRCLE MEMBERS COME FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD TO EXCHANGE IDEAS AND CLOSE DEALS WITH EXHIBITORS. More information at: www.itb-berlin.com/Exhibitors/ SpeedDating/ITBSpeedNetworking ITB BERLIN NEWS • Tuesday 1 st March 2016
