More valueIn Thailand, convention organisers will be able to source for top quality accommodation as well as related services at very reasonable prices. More value also means there is a wide variety of activities available at very affordable rates, be it pre or post convention sightseeing tours, cultural performances, recreational activities, entertainment or shopping. Thailand's legendary service standard is also an expression of excellent value, allowing delegates to enjoy warm and efficient services that will help ensure all conventions proceed smoothly as planned.Sustainability in actionSustainability is a National Agenda in Thailand and the public and private sectors actively support green meetings. Leading convention venues and hotels have integrated sustainability practices as part of their daily operations. Hotels, transportation companies and related service providers such as caterers are also well aware of the options for sustainability and are ready to fulfill any special requests.TCEB Support Convention organisers can achieve even greater success in Thgailand. TCEB in collaboration with Thai government agencies aim to promote Thailand as a top convention destination. Professional associations can look forward to one stop government facilitation and assistance such as destination marketing and consultation. With so many benefits awaiting, there is no better time to meet in Thailand.The variety of destination, modern infrastructure, professional services and business opportunities are strong reasons to consider Thailand for your next event. Adding to that better value, sustainability and strong government support, it is clear there are indeed more reasons than ever to "Believe in Thailand" and find success in Thailand. Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bereau (Public Organization)www.tceb.or.th www.facebook.com/BelieveinThaialnd

Hosted Buyers42 / ConferenCe & Meetings World / issUe 65Return on hosted buyers?over 3,600 hosted bUyers noW attend eUrope's leading Meeting indUstry trade shoWs, eibtM and iMeX, and other indUstry shoWs are folloWing sUit. CMW eXaMines hoW the idea evolved and hoW it Works for all ConCernedhere is a special meetings industry breed of VIP that struts its stuff around the aisles and corridors of our leading trade shows. Feted by suppliers and exhibitors, paid for by organisers, these kings and queens of the meetings industry confex have access all areas and their numbers often provide the barometer for a show's success.They are the famous hosted buyers. But where did it all start? IMEX trade show Chairman Ray Bloom is credited with being the architect of the hosted buyer programme. While running EIBTM in 1988 in Geneva Bloom says he realised that seven months out from the show the level of buyers being attracted was a concern. So an offer was made through newspapers and the trade press to pay for top buyers to come to the show. The only hotel group involved then was Sheraton."We brought in 650 that first year and 1,000 in the second, growing the figure thereafter," says Bloom."Now," he says, "the hotel sector supplies over half the hosted buyer numbers, although trade associations, trade press and agencies are also important."Words PAUL COLSTON below: Hosted buyers at bay, EIBTM 2010T