In an exciting move to forward the MICE industry in Africa, Reed Exhibitions has announced the launch of SMARTmeetings powered by ibtm events, a dynamic two day event in Kigali, Rwanda focusing on uniting African MICE venues and products with highly-qualified meeting and event planners. This table-top exhibition will be about mutually-matched appointments, networking, and unlimited business connections.
Image 1: Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre in Kigali, Rwanda where the first SMARTmeetings event in Africa will be held in June 2018.
At the heart of SMARTmeetings’ success is the Hosted Buyer Programme which guarantees the presence of relevant industry professionals who have proven business to place, and budget to spend. All buyers are hand-picked and verified against our strict qualification criteria.
“SMARTmeetings’ innovative format will be a progression of the original ibtm Africa, ensuring that the offering stays fresh and productive for our MICE industry exhibitors and stakeholders that have supported us in previous years,” explains Chardonnay Marchesi, South African Portfolio Director for Reed Exhibitions’ Africa Travel Week.
Marchesi furthers that in addition to the new SMARTmeetings powered by ibtm events taking place in Kigali, a dedicated content morning packed with interesting speakers will take place at WTM Africa 2018 on the Thursday, 19 April 2018.
CEO of the Rwanda Convention Bureau, Frank Murangwa, says of the exhibition: “SMARTmeetings powered by ibtm events is envisaged to become the leading African event for the meetings, events and incentives industry that brings together suppliers and buyers to meet and transact business in a conducive environment. MICE suppliers at this show will include convention bureau, convention centres, airlines, hotels, event organisers, tour operators and AV suppliers.”
Murangwa furthers that SMARTmeetings powered by ibtm events is an ideal opportunity for local suppliers to get a better understanding of international best practices within the MICE industry, and subsequently generate further leads for business into Africa.
Want to make sure you’re at the new SMARTmeetings powered by ibtm events? Exhibitors, buyers and media can follow us on Facebook (@SMARTmeetingsinafrica) and Twitter (@SMARTmiAfrica) to find more details or contact Martin Hiller on: Martin.Hiller@reedexpoafrica.co.za