AIBTM, the Americas Meetings & Events Exhibition, is leaving Baltimore on a high after reporting across-the-board growth – including a huge rise in delegates attending educational sessions.

From next year the trade show, which was launched in Baltimore last year, will alternate between Chicago and Orlando in a move organisers Reed Travel Exhibitions say will ‘maximise’ its potential.

This year’s event kicked off with an education day, which was attended by 2,250 delegates –  around 50 per cent more than last year. The number of exhibiting companies on the show floor was also up, from 183 to 194, and included 55 companies new to the event. Full audited figures for the show will be released later, but RTE estimates the event as a whole grew by five per cent year-on-year.

The educational content, supported by all of the major industry associations, including PCMA, ICCA, Site, ACTE,  and MPI, was hailed a success, with various keynote sessions being added to the mix.

Lindsey Lassiter, Navy League of the United States, said: “I work for a military meeting association, so is helpful to know if we are going in the right direction or need to go in another direction.“

The second CEO Summit welcomed 30 industry leaders from the US and around the world. One happy punter was Michael Owen CEO and managing partner of Nashville-based EventGenuity.

He said: “After attending half a dozen EIBTM CEO Summits this was the best. It was provocative and it gave me inspired thought that I can apply directly and immediately to my business”.

Craig Moyes, portfolio director, IBTM Global Events Portfolio, Reed Travel Exhibitions, said: “Two years on and it’s great to see that AIBTM has established itself in the US. The quality of education, business concluded and networking achieved gives us a positive close to this event and a great launch pad for our move to Chicago.” 

More than 50 exhibitors have already signed up for next year’s event at McCormick Place, Chicago, June 11–13, 2013.