The Americas Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition (AIBTM) brings together suppliers and buyers of incentives, business travel and meetings under one roof for three days of unrivaled business opportunities.

The show will take place in Orlando, Florida, at the Orange County Convention Center. It rotates annually between Chicago and Orlando through 2016 and brings together qualified hosted buyers, trade visitors, exhibitors and industry professionals from around the world. Here’s what you need to know.

What’s New this Year?

Welcome Keynote Speaker: Michael Hoffman, Tuesday, June 10 12:00PM – 1:00PM, Chapin Theatre

Michael Hoffman, President of Igniting Performance, has been chosen to keynote AIBTM’s 2014 high-caliber Knowledge Program. His presentation, “Being #1… On Purpose! Igniting a Culture of Success and Mastering the Tornado!” will present tactics and techniques for successful, high performance results. Skills that will be “ignited” in this program include:

  • Communication that promotes an engaged culture
  • Creating/perfecting leadership skill-sets and conversations
  • The secret to building involvement for commitment
  • Getting the most done in any coaching situation
  • The secrets to nailing both personal and practical needs
  • When you need more than a team
  • Creating loyalty through conversations
  • Developing the #1 skill that creates sought-after coaches
  • How your interactions have more impact and more influence

The Meetings Leadership Summit: Tuesday, June 10 1:00PM – 5:00PM

The highly successful AIBTM CEO Summit gets a new name this year as it makes its way to Orlando. This interactive, invitation-only event will bring together like-minded, senior level industry leaders and executives with one common objective: to make their organizations more competitive, agile, profitable and more capable of responding to constantly changing business dynamics. Led by Jim Austin, Principal at Decision Strategies International, attendees will take part in high-level discussions that will challenge them to ask the tough questions around how to effectively manage their businesses and professional relationships.

Keep America Meeting: Wednesday, June 11 8:30AM – 9:45AM, Chapin Theatre

Earlier this year CIC released a new study that bolsters the economic significance of the meetings industry to the U.S. economy. This year at AIBTM, we’re keeping the conversation going during our “Meetings Mean Business @ AIBTM” discussion. The Meetings Mean Business Coalition along with industry leaders will update professionals aboutthe initiatives they have developed in 2014 to advance this advocacy mission.

Student Ambassador Program

This year, AIBTM in collaboration with University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management is offering a summer class to students called “Advanced Tradeshow Management.” In this unique experiential learning course, students are required to attend AIBTM and assist attendees on the show floor. AIBTM management, including Exhibition Director Michael Lyons, will provide a two-hour instructional briefing prior to AIBTM on how to prepare for the show, as well as a two-hour post-show course to evaluate the effectiveness of the show and how to use the research obtained during the show.

Two co-location certification opportunities with the International Medical Meeting Professionals Association (IMMPA) and Certified Incentive Specialist (CIS). On June 9 at the OCCC, IMMPA will offer all attendees the opportunity to take the Healthcare Meeting Compliance Certificate Program. Certified Incentive Specialist (CIS), an entry-level certification program from Site Global, will also be offered to meeting planners on June 9 and 10. Additionally, RecertTrack is partnering with AIBTM for the first time this year to support meeting professionals in continuing their career education through its Association & Meeting Professional Advancement Portal and “Official Education Tracking Service.”

AIBTM SHOW BREAKDOWN 

Education at a Glance – Highlights

MONDAY, JUNE 9:

7:30AM – 5:00PM – Certified Incentive Specialist Program – Day 1

During the two-day seminar/workshop professionals from around the globe will acquire a broad comprehension of the incentive travel industry. Individuals will learn the fundamentals of incentives, origins of incentive programs and travel, value chain, value proposition of motivational programs and non-cash awards, composition of the market, makings of a program and budget, industry tools and platforms, and other valuable information.

9:00AM – 2:00PM – IMMPA Conference

Co-locating this year at AIBTM, the InforMED Orlando micro-conference will bring medical meeting professionals, partners and suppliers together for an exceptional day of education and networking. Attendees will have the opportunity to complete the Healthcare Compliance Certificate Program, listen to a keynote address “State of the Union on Healthcare Meetings” given by MPI, and participate in two education sessions designed specifically for medical meeting professionals.

TUESDAY, JUNE 10:

8:00AM – 12:00PM – Certified Incentive Specialist Program – Day 2

9:00AM – 10:00AM – To Certify or Not to Certify

Is this the next ‘meaning of life’ question for the meetings and events industry? As an industry that generates substantial revenue that supports the GDP, meetings and events professionals do not receive the recognition for the work that they do from government entities and the industry itself, largely because there is a lack of formal structure for continuing education. While there are many event management programs throughout the US and Europe, what happens after the program is completed? Is there a place for certification that requires continuing education and demonstration of knowledge over time? These questions and more will be addressed in an audience-interactive format led by Cedric Calhoun, Founder and CEO of RecertTrack.

9:00AM – 10:00AM – Apptastic! 60 Apps in 60 Minutes

Do you still have your computer or is your meeting planning and travel organization becoming more productive and more mobile by using tablets instead? Whether you’re using an iPad, Android or Windows 8 device, without the best productivity apps available, you are not efficiently using your time. This fast-paced session will review and showcase 60 of the most useful apps for meeting professionals. Attendees are encouraged to bring their tablets and smart phones and share their favorite apps with their peers.

10:30AM – 11:30AM – What Your Event Planner CV Needs in 2014

Being an event planner has always been a challenging occupation, and it is not going to get easier anytime soon. Events are changing through technology, social media, businesses going global and users wanting to receive content through different mediums, and planners need to gain new skills to keep up with this evolution. To some planners, this may be seen as a challenge, but ultimately it creates new opportunities. From marketing automation to social media strategy and attendees UI/UX, event planners need to gain the skills and knowledge to take their events to new heights.

1:30PM – 2:30PM – Future of Meetings: Talking ‘Bout Our Generations

This one-hour, interactive session will inspire new ideas based on MPI’s research into the demands and needs of future attendees and their generational differences. Using a combination of storytelling, group discussion, research findings and creative thinking, participants will leave with evidence to support the development of new approaches to their meetings and businesses and insights into what makes their attendees different and the same.

1:30PM – 3:00PM – Innovation: Stop Talking About It and Start Doing It… We Show You How By Using Innovation Games®!

Innovation Games® trained instructors bring an approach to gamification that helps you become better innovators every day! During this workshop you will participate in the collaborative serious play of Innovation Games® and you will see how each one could help you better “see, feel and think” about your responsibilities in new ways; sometimes using colleagues and customers to generate even more original and creative approaches and methodologies.

3:00PM – 4:00PM – The Mobile Revolution: Are You on the Guest List?

Staying relevant in this fast-paced industry is essential in order to meet changing customer needs. Mobile technology is one of the most significant areas of change facing the meeting and events industry today. It is not only shifting the way companies do business, it’s also presenting opportunities to increase engagement and extend the life of each meeting, conference or event. This session will explore how mobile app trends are creating new marketing channels, levels of social media sharing and event sponsorship opportunities. The session will be interactive, as attendees will engage with the presenter and others through the Q&A portion of our presentation.

Show Floor Favorites

Wednesday, June 11 and Thursday, June 12:

The Innovation Zone: Back by popular demand and sporting a fresh new name, AIBTM is excited to feature the Innovation Zone, which will showcase the latest and most advanced technology, products and services in the meetings and events industry. Attendees will watch and listen as exhibitors give product or service demonstrations on relevant and pioneering industry topics. Featured sessions include:

  • Innovation Spotlight Stage: Brought to you by etouches, the Innovation Spotlight Stage will showcase dozens of dynamic sessions on a wide range of topics such as social media for events, content marketing, event websites, mobile apps, and crowdsourcing, among others.
  • TechCollective: A pod-based exhibition area designed to allow companies to conduct live demonstrations of their technology products.
  • EnergyXChange: An area where exhibitors and buyers can have quick meetings or catch up on email; device charging and computer stations will be available.
  • TechBar: An approachable, interactive spot staffed by experts at The Meeting Pool who are on hand to answer any questions related to your meetings and events technology.
  • Genius Hub: Featuring GenieConnect as the mobile app genius
  • Top 10 Innovations: AIBTM and The Meeting Pool will present the top 10 innovations at AIBTM 2014!

The Refresh Zone: Brought to you by Allied PRA, the Refresh Zone is an area where exhibitors, visitors and buyers alike can relax, recharge, rejuvenate, network and have a little fun in between appointments and walking the show floor. The Refresh Zone will have something to interest everyone. Attendees are encouraged to stop in for a cold drink or a snack featuring Orlando’s best eats while they recharge their iPads and network with others “in the Zone.” Participating vendors include Christie’s Photographic Solutions, TOTALLY MOD designs, Hard Rock and Wildly Different customized activities.

Executive Chef Tasting Wednesday, June 11 3:00PM – 4:30PM: AIBTM will once again host the delicious Executive Chef tasting featuring some of Central Florida’s best eats as executive chefs from popular hotels and restaurants in the area prepare their best delicacies and eclectic cuisines. All AIBTM Hosted Buyers, Exhibitors and Visitors are invited to the executive chef tasting on the show floor to taste some of the best foods for meetings. 

NETWORKING EVENTS

Hosted Buyer Reception at The Mall at Millenia: Monday, June 9 6:00PM – 9:00PM
In partnership with The Mall at Millenia and Visit Orlando, Hosted Buyers will enjoy an elegant atmosphere of pure fashion and chic décor as they network with friends, colleagues and peers under the beautiful glass atrium at The Mall at Millenia. Buyers will have the opportunity to taste exquisite hors d’oeuvres and beverages featuring the flavor of Central Florida.

Welcome Party at Pointe Orlando Hosted by Visit Orlando: Tuesday, June 10 7:00PM – 10:00PM

One of Orlando’s popular hot spots, Pointe Orlando features an exciting and entertaining dining experience from casual fare to haute cuisines. AIBTM and Visit Orlando have partnered with B.B. King’s Blues Club, Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar, The Pub and Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar to provide all AIBTM visitors, exhibitors and press with an exciting evening pulsing with energy, music and live entertainment.

ASSOCIATION PARTNERS

RecertTrack: RecertTrack will showcase the first-ever “Official Education Tracking Service.” The company is the only provider globally to offer centralized tracking, storage and delivery of re-certification documents online through its Association and Meeting Professional Advancement Portal.

PCMA: PCMA will offer sessions under two education tracks: corporate and association. Sessions include “Energize Your Meeting with Experiential Design Best Practices” and “Extend the Life of Your Meeting – Transforming Attendees into Year-Round Participants.” 

SITE: This year, SITE and AIBTM have partnered to bring the Certified Incentive Specialist (CIS) program to the show. This entry-level certification program will be given during a two-day seminar/workshop designed to teach the fundamentals of incentives.

ICCA: ICCA is returning this year to provide even more education to AIBTM attendees in a clinic titled “National Meetings Going Global – The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.”

MPI: MPI will provide multiple educational sessions on Tuesday, June 11. The sessions will tackle subjects such as the future of meetings and transforming your events from ordinary to extraordinary.

Learn more about AIBMT’s hosted buyer program.