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

Add new comment

Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.