The 32nd edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) will provide a gateway to the lucrative business events sector, that’s according to ATM’s Exhibition Director ME, Danielle Curtis.
Taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre from April 28 to May 1, 2025, the exhibition has created IBTM@ATM in response to stellar growth in the business events industry and significant demand among ATM visitors – more than 7,000 attendees, 1,500 buyers and 400 exhibitors expressed interest in this lucrative sector at last year’s show.
Debuting at ATM 2025, this dedicated zone is designed to unlock strategic connections, impactful collaboration and data-driven insights.
In keeping with ATM 2025’s theme, Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity, IBTM@ATM will bring together suppliers and buyers through scheduled appointments and business exchange sessions.
The brand-new Business Events Stage will host a broad range of sessions on the future of business travel, technological innovation, socioeconomic growth and more, cementing ATM’s position as a global hub for networking and collaboration. This will include How Global Events and Festivals Drive Socio-Economic Growth in partnership with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), The State of the Nation: Navigating the Future of Business Travel in the Middle East in partnership with the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), and Demystifying Technology in Events - The Human Connection vs AI in partnership with Multilem.
Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “This year’s theme of enhanced connectivity is particularly relevant to the evolving business events sector, which thrives on strategic partnerships, knowledge exchange, and innovation.
“Through IBTM@ATM, we are strengthening our commitment to adding value to our exhibitors and attendees by creating a dynamic community where suppliers and buyers can engage in meaningful networking, business exchange sessions, and a high-impact content programme. By leveraging our unique insights, we aim to facilitate connections and unlock new opportunities that drive long-term growth within this thriving market segment.”
According to Allied Market Research, the global events industry looks set to register impressive growth over the coming decade, with the total market value on course to pass $2.5 trillion by 2035. Conferences, trade shows and exhibitions are indispensable for many businesses, offering a vital opportunity to increase their visibility and meet clients and partners face-to-face.
Research shows that corporate events, in particular, continue to support millions of jobs worldwide, delivering a staggering $1.6 trillion in global GDP annually. In Dubai alone, the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) segment grew by 25 per cent in 2023, making ATM 2025 the ideal launchpad for IBTM@ATM.
Claudia Hall, Exhibition Director, IBTM World, said: “Dubai has firmly established itself as an international hub for business events, in line with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, and it’s a pleasure to be joining DWTC’s incredible line-up of industry-leading events through our collaboration with ATM. Together, I believe we can make a significant contribution to the sector by fostering further trade and innovation.”
IBTM@ATM will also welcome an exclusive group of senior-level events industry buyers, as part of its Hosted Buyer Programme, including 50 hosted and 10 association buyers, ensuring high-value meetings and strategic business connections.
