BALITMORE – Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) and the MPI Foundation announced a major AIBTM research alliance at MPI’s MeetDifferent in Cancun, Mexico yesterday. In an initiative that further focuses both parties’ long standing relationship, the MPI Foundation will produce a comprehensive initiative on meeting and business event performance to be presented at AIBTM in Baltimore in June 2011 as part of an America Meetings Week. This initiative is a culmination of a broad scope of initiatives that will focus on studying and understanding the appreciable business value of meetings. “Through this alliance, meeting and event professionals will gain access to critical data and resources to more effectively design, implement and measure the business value of their meetings. We see our relationship with RTE as a prime driver in highlighting our commitment to content and thought leadership around the world,” said Bruce MacMillan, MPI president and CEO. “One of the areas that will set us apart from other events for the meetings industry in North America is our reputation in providing best professional education. Whether from the corporate, association or agency sector, this major piece of research is designed to provide the industry with information on key trends and developments that will have a significant impact on their business,” Vanessa Cotton, CMM chair RTE Meetings and Incentives Events, said.“Our global partnership with MPI, which additionally includes the development of education programs at all our IBTM events in Barcelona, Abu Dhabi, Beijing and now Baltimore, is an indication of the importance both parties place on the providing the industry at all levels with sources of relevant and validated knowledge,” she added. AIBTM will provide meeting and event professionals in all sectors – association, corporate, government and third party – with quality interaction with over 300 North American and international exhibitors. It is set to attract 500 Hosted Buyers, of which 100 will come from outside America and around 2,500 trade visitors made up of largely North American based meeting planners with domestic, interstate business.