Reed Travel Exhibitions Bolsters Education Content Through PCMA Partnership

The importance of high-quality learning programs at trade shows has been highlighted by a new partnership between the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) and the global meetings and events exhibition portfolio of Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE).

The agreement, which kicks off in January 2012, will see PCMA supporting RTE’s Incentive Business Travel and Meetings (IBTM) series of events, providing educational content and contributing to RTE’s Global Hosted Buyer Programme.

For AIBTM in Sydney, Australia (19-21 June, 2012), PCMA will support the delivery of 500 qualified senior hosted buyers, as well as provide education and speakers, plus its signature Executive Edge program. For CIBTM in Beijing (12-14 September), PCMA will also contribute to education and support the Certified Meeting Planner accreditation (CMP). Meanwhile, EIBTM 2012, taking place in Barcelona, will also see PCMA deliver a CEO-level conference programme.

“To work closely with PCMA as a unique partner alongside our global portfolio of meeting events on five continents is an exceptional opportunity,” said Craig Moyes, Group Exhibition Director for RTE’s global meetings portfolio.

Deborah Sexton

“We know that the IBTM education programme is of critical importance to the industry as it contributes to attendees careers, knowledge and learning – at EIBTM this year we had more than 100 sessions. With the input of PCMA, considered the leading organisation for superior and innovative education, we believe that this influential association and its members will add real tangible benefits to all our stakeholders.” 

Commenting on the partnership, PCMA president and chief executive Deborah Sexton said: “The meetings and events world becomes more global each day. Our strategic partnership delivers on the growing needs of our members and IBTM’s attendee educational desires.

“This partnership is a timely and relevant value-add for our members as they are exponentially increasing the number of events they hold outside the US. Additionally, for the IBTM audience, PCMA will deliver the superior industry education that provides additional return on investment with their hosted buyer participation.”