Inaugural IBTM Asia Pacific Event Rescheduled for April 2021
February 26, 2020
Ripples from the impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus continue to be felt by the meetings industry. Today, Reed Travel Exhibitions announced that it has postponed the inaugural IBTM Asia Pacific. Originally scheduled for Apr. 6-8, the event has been rescheduled to Apr. 13-14, 2021. The location (Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands) will remain the same.
According to Reed officials, the decision was made based on the latest advice from its partners, and after in-depth discussions with customers and hosted buyers regarding the coronavirus.
“This is not a decision we have taken lightly,” said Shane Hannam, Reed Travel Exhibitions’ portfolio director for IBTM events. “Our customers, partners and team in Singapore have worked incredibly hard on the event, and while it is disappointing to postpone, it’s imperative that we prioritize the health and safety of everyone involved.”
He added, “We are extremely grateful for the understanding of our customers, partners and team, and for the strong support we have had since announcing this new addition to our portfolio.”
Hannam said that Reed is committed to Singapore as a host city for IBTM Asia Pacific, and expressed the hope for a swift return to normalcy. He also stated that over the coming weeks, Reed will focus on creating new ways to keep the IBTM community connected.
Dr. Edward Koh, executive director, conventions, meetings and incentive travel for Singapore Tourism Board, said that the tourism board will continue to work closely with Reed and partners to provide any assistance they need.
“IBTM is a valued partner and their Asia Pacific show remains a key highlight in Singapore’s event calendar,” said Koh. “We look forward to extending a warm welcome to all attendees and exhibitors in 2021.”
Reed Travel Exhibitions hosts annual IBTM events around the world, all of which offer hosted buyer options. IBTM China is scheduled to be held in Beijing, Aug. 26-27, 2020, and as of now, there are no plans to change the dates for that event.
Update: the postponements and cancellations of trade shows have now spread outside of Asia to shows in Europe, including Baselworld and the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland; ITB Berlin in Berlin, Germany; Beauty Dusseldorf, Energy Storage Europe, METAV and ProWein in Dusseldorf, Germany. In the U.S., Facebook’s annual F8 Developer Conference and the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco are among a growing number of tech conferences to be postponed or canceled because of the coronavirus.
Photo credit: IBTM/Reed Travel Exhibitions
Partner Voices
Just when it seems like Las Vegas can’t get any bigger, brighter or more exciting for groups, MGM Resorts raises the bar again. The company continues to invest and innovate across its portfolio of Las Vegas resorts, with new attractions and upgraded experiences for attendees of all interests.
Remodeled Guest Rooms
MGM Grand is the largest single hotel in the world with over 5,000 guest rooms and an 850,000-square-foot conference center. It is home to the newly remodeled MGM Grand Studio Tower—700 reimagined guest rooms with a fun mid-century vibe. Nearby, the iconic New York-New York Las Vegas Hotel & Casino recently completed a $63M redesign and remodel of its 1,830 guest rooms and 155 suites.
Down the street, Bellagio Las Vegas is sporting renovated rooms in the Spa Tower with sunrise-inspired decor and luxurious soaking tubs in Premier King rooms after a $110-million transformation.
Reinvented Luxury Experiences
The Luxury Meetings District, made up of Bellagio Las Vegas, ARIA Resort & Casino, Vdara Hotel & Spa, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Park MGM and NoMad Las Vegas, is now more connected than ever before. A new interior walkway opened this October for a seamless attendee experience – connecting Vdara, Bellagio, and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, guests can now walk from Park MGM to Bellagio in around 15 minutes.
New on the scene in the Luxury Meetings District is Cathedrale at ARIA, TAO Group’s upscale establishment specializing in exquisite French-Mediterranean cuisine offering elevated private dining experiences that opened in May.
Heralded by World’s Best 50 Restaurants, GQ and VOGUE, LPM at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is opening this fall and will deliver its signature spontaneity and imaginative celebration of France’s Mediterranean cuisine, art, and culture to the unique luxury resort in impeccable fashion.
A “New Wave for Mandalay Bay
A new wave of enhancements and experiences has arrived at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, including Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar, an 8,445-square-foot restaurant that opened this June, perfect for pre- and post-game eats and drinks. Event planner’s favorite, Chef Michael Mina’s StripSteak, received a full renovation and now includes one of the largest private dining rooms on The Strip. Retro by Voltaggio debuts a one-year residency with a fun take on pop culture of the 80s and 90s with classic American dishes. An exciting addition planned for 2024 is Swingers, a 40,000-square-foot oasis of street food, miniature golf and art at Mandalay Bay.
Most exciting for meeting planners, the 2.1 million-square-foot Mandalay Bay Convention Center is undergoing a complete refresh, with lightened space, added eye-catching art, and improved technology infrastructure for even more flexible space. Energy-efficient digital signage now leads the way with faster internet speeds and new AV options.
From renovated guest rooms and meeting spaces to celebrated dining options and dedicated teams, MGM Resorts is dedicated to delivering exceptional and innovative meeting experiences.
Add new comment