CIBTM 2012, which was held from 12-14 September, recorded an increase in net exhibition space by 20%. Total exhibitors was up by 6% to 398 with an 18% increase in the number of exhibitors from China. The show welcomed Hosted Buyers from 18 countries - up by 36%, with the largest increase coming from China. Of the 413 Hosted Buyers, 147 represented associations and corporations, an increase of 15% from 2011. This led to an increases in pre-scheduled appointments to 8,459 up by 15% as compared to last year.

“There was quite a large number of buyers at CIBTM this year... The networking event at the Great Wall was great. It was a priceless experience despite the freezing weather!” said Kim Lee, a MICEreview group buyer.

Maria Ko, another group buyer with MICEreview commented: “CIBTM is a very important MICE forum for me, both on a regional and international level. I am consistently impressed by its vision, scale, and scope. It's a fantastic place to re-connect, collaborate, and discover new opportunities.”

MICEreview collaborated with the organizers of CIBTM for the second consecutive year to improve awareness of the event and to encourage readers to join the MICEreview Hosted Buyer Group.