lanned digital content Although there will be no gathering of the meetings industry clans in Barcelona at the end of the year for the traditionally IBTM World , due to Covid-19 , organiser Reed Travel Exhibitions is staging IBTM World Virtual , 8-10 December .

Online attendees will be able to access IBTM ’ s market-leading knowledge programme with a flexible and user-friendly mix of live and on-demand content in a brand-new feature - IBTM TV . This will feature topics such as sustainability , virtual events , wellbeing and technology and will also include high-profile industry speakers such as this year ’ s keynote Pancho Campo - former tennis professional turned events producer who has run events with former US president Barack Obama and former vice-president Al Gore .

Hosted buyers have their own tailored specifically with the IBTM Inspire stream , a separate track which is all on demand – with sessions for associations , corporates and agencies . There will also be a new programme of content tailored to those running experiential events in the Exceptional Experiences stream .

IBTM World ’ s long-standing Tech Watch Awards will also form part of the virtual event this year . Finalists who can demonstrate innovation , a sound concept / business model and value to the MICE industry in the technology sphere will have the opportunity to pitch their company online to the judging panel on days one and two of the event . The winner will be announced on IBTM TV on 10 December .

Decision to transition to virtual The IBTM team had been planning positively for a live event in December , however , as the travel situation across Europe and the wider world remains very changeable , the difficult decision was taken to transition to a virtual event . It was a decision made in close consultation with partners , said RTE , who conceded that it was the incredibly unpredictable travel restrictions that continued to be in place across the globe because of Covid-19 that was the key factor in the decision .

David Thompson , event director , commented : “ It was a difficult decision to take , and we are of course very disappointed that we will not be able to bring the industry together in person in 2020 . Our team and our partners in Barcelona have worked incredibly hard on IBTM World and while we are very sorry that the physical face-to-face event will not take place , we are confident that moving to virtual allows us to provide

Below : Sigurður Valur Sigurðsson , marketing director , Meet in Reykjavik

a place for the global business events industry to connect and to do business . “ Our partners and exhibitors have been incredibly supportive throughout this global pandemic and we are very grateful for their understanding and strong support . Along with many of our colleagues across the industry , we are keen to get back to meeting face-to-face and we are looking forward to meeting you all in person in 2021 .”

For further information , visit www . ibtmworld . com .