Newly named IBTM America, previously called AIBTM and run by Reed Travel Exhibitions, has named Jaime Rosov as event director, with Michael Lyons stepping down from his role after running the event for two years.

"We thank Mike Lyons for his significant contribution to the success of AIBTM and wish him continued success with his new endeavors,” said Sallie Coventry, IBTM Global Events Portfolio director.

She added, “Meanwhile, we are delighted that Jaime Rosov who has worked on the show for the past 2.5 years, and is a 9-year veteran of Reed Exhibitions, will now lead the team. As we roll out the new model for IBTM America, Jaime's considerable experience will be invaluable".

The ‘new model’ was  announced after the latest show wrapped in June, and the plan is to not only scale back the more than 1,000 hosted buyer attendees that came this year to just 250 next year, but there also will be just 250 exhibitors on the showfloor, compared with 508 this year.

There are several other changes in store:

·         The 8ft x 8ft turnkey exhibit pod will be ready for the arrival of the exhibitor. There will be no more additional costs associated with set up or tear down, no freight or drayage giving a hassle-free way to exhibit.

·         Exhibitors and Buyers will take part in a mutual match system for their appointment diary. This means both parties choose who they wish to do business with; the first time exhibitors have been given this option.

·         Hosted Buyers will be rigorously pre-qualified, personally invited and the most senior decision makers with guaranteed purchasing power.

·         Each Hosted Buyer will have 30 pre-scheduled appointments giving exhibitors a similar schedule of meetings over the course of the event.

Leading those changes now will be Rosov, who has worked on several of Reed Exhibitions’ large-scale events in the U.S., including the National Hardware Show, PGA Shows, JCK Shows, ReedPOP group and ISC (Security Shows) among others. 

"The opportunity to manage the new look and feel of IBTM America is very exciting,” Rosov said.

She added, “Our team is committed and focused on making this new dynamic tradeshow concept a success for all our stakeholders”.

Lyons, whose hospitality career has spanned more than 40 years, is switching gears and will devote full time to being a professional speaker and actor - sideline careers he has maintained over the past 20 years, with extensive experience and credits in both.

He also will serve as a hospitality industry consultant on select projects. 

"It was a difficult decision and I leave IBTM America with mixed emotions, but I believe the time has come for me to scratch an entrepreneurial itch I have developed over time," Lyons said.

IBTM America will take place June 9-11 in Chicago at McCormick Place.