Meeting Spotlight recently caught up with Andrea Hutchinson, industry relations director for Questex and its events including the Global Meeting & Incentive Travel Exchange (GMITE). (Questex is also the owner of Meeting Spotlight.) She is responsible for qualifying buyers for the conference, and we asked her what they need to know about GMITE—why they should attend and what criteria they need to meet to qualify for the industry’s only event where one-on-one meetings take place in the comfort of private suites.
What distinguishes GMITE from other industry events?
In its 18-year history, GMITE has been known among industry professionals as the event where one-to-one meetings allow for privacy and focused meetings in private suites. This is the distinguishing factor between GMITE and other hosted buyer events in the industry. Next April, we will be at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando where we have curated an experience designed to give our attendees unique off-site visits and ample time to network with suppliers and their peers.
How does GMITE benefit meeting and incentive planners?
GMITE gives meeting and incentive planners who source the opportunity to meet in private suites with some of the leading global suppliers serving the meeting and incentive industry, as well as personal growth and empowerment opportunities through SITE (Society for Incentive Travel Excellence) and MPI (Meeting Professionals International) education, networking with their peers and cultural activities organized within each host destination. Our proprietary hosted buyer meeting selection system allows planners to select who they wish to meet with based on their sourcing needs. Suppliers include cruise lines, destinations, hotels and resorts, and destination management companies. Our post-show surveys confirm that 95 percent of buyers are satisfied with the suppliers they meet at GMITE.
Plus, we provide qualified planners with complimentary airfare, accommodations for the duration of the event all event meals, one-to-one meetings and education.
Can you provide an overview of the application process and eligibility criteria for planners who wish to attend GMITE?
Eligibility is based on a number of factors, including planners who source domestic and international programs. Planners also must demonstrate past and future sourcing of programs globally along with average group size and expenditures on programs.
What educational and networking opportunities can planners expect to find at GMITE?
While GMITE is focused on one-on-one meetings, we do make time for keynote speakers focused on providing industry trends and future opportunities in the sector, supplier presentations that cover key features and USPs for their markets, as well as panel discussions and evening functions designed to create additional opportunities to build relationships.
Can you share some success stories from planners who have attended GMITE in the past?
"GMITE was an extremely well-organized event. Meeting with suppliers in their own suite was perfect! The time allotted for each appointment allowed both the planner and supplier to discuss business without the need of feeling rushed. I would for sure attend another GMITE event." – Dyhalma Torres, regional vice president, HelmsBriscoe
“Most valuable event. A definite must-to participate. Meeting with new suppliers can expand on horizons for future programs. Caring and professional staff kept the event running smoothly and in sync. Their appointment monitoring is most impressive. Keep up the great job.” – Mario Scozia, executive director, A&A Incentives & Meetings, Ltd
“I loved the event! It was my first time, and I really appreciated the experience. I felt it was very productive and had a blast meeting people and making new connections in this industry.” – Sara Rosas, business development manager, Innovate Marketing Group
Those interested in becoming a supplier for GMITE may fill out this form, and those interested in applying to be a fully hosted buyer can contact Andrea at ahutchinson@questex.com.
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