Business Travel Market has signed up its first 100 hosted buyers for the show, with attendees representing a combined buying power of €2.8bn from companies such as Microsoft, Santander, Ernst & Young and HSBC.

The show – which takes place at ExCeL London on 13-14 June – so far has buyers coming in from 16 countries from various industries. Paul Robin, event director, said: “In total we can accommodate up to 500 buyers on the hosted programme, these buyers participate at Business Travel Market because they can pre arrange appointments with the right suppliers at the right time of year before the RFP season.

“This response demonstrates that buyers are here not just to look, but have positive business meetings with the premium brands we will once again have at the show.”

Portman Travel has also been appointed as official TMC for the show for the second year running, meaning that the company will have the responsibility of managing all the travel and accommodation arrangements for all hosted buyers from across Europe.

Portman Travel’s chief commercial officer, Adrian Parkes said, “We are delighted to be partnering with BTM again for the 2012 show. The continuing partnership is testament to the strong relationship built up with BTM through providing their hosted buyers with exceptional service during BTM 2011.”