In
Case Study : ibtm arabia
Making connectio
Networking is a component of most trade events , but at ibtm arabia it ’ s mission-critical
Shinu Pillai ,
Exhibition Manager , Reed Travel Exhibitions
“ this region , there is huge importance placed on networking and building a relationship ahead of formal meetings ,”
Shinu Pillai tells Engage .
Pillai is an exhibition manager at Reed Travel Exhibitions , working on the Middle Eastern edition of market-leading MICE event ibtm . For 2017 Pillai and his team partnered with tech provider Poken by GES to take networking at the show to the next level .
Poken uses a system of digital and physical products to measure visitor interaction and engagement , with its handy ‘ poken ’ devices enabling visitors and exhibitors to digitally swap information and check-in at different points around an exhibition at a touch . With ibtm arabia , Pillai and his colleagues wanted to use Poken ’ s technology to enhance the show ’ s already thriving networking environment , which is based around pre-scheduled hosted buyer meetings .
“ ibtm arabia is one of the more dynamically evolved events in our portfolio ,” he explains . “ The show has an exclusive ‘ pod ’ format that we created with the aim of providing our attendees with a direct and effective environment that lays equal importance on business appointments as well as on increasing the opportunities for meaningful interactions among attendees .
“ We allow attendees to use our matchmaking system , which gives a personalised diary to each of them with appointments matched together based on mutual preferences . We also hold nine networking events across the three days of the event , which gives the attendees the time to build relationships with each other .”
Alongside its sophisticated matchmaking system , each year ibtm arabia welcomes a completely new group of hosted buyers to ensure a fresh audience for exhibitors to meet with , enabling the show to attract high-calibre exhibitors each year . Poken ’ s involvement began when Pillai and his colleagues were looking for
8 engage
Winter 2017 / 18 in association with GES