BTM World , the annual event for the global meetings , incentives , conferences and events industry , organised by Reed Exhibitions , is preparing a highly targeted programme of education for the 2021 show at Gran Via , Barcelona , this year , “ deliberately designed to provide tangible learnings and innovative solutions for attendees in a post-pandemic world ” according to the team .

Headlined by three keynote speakers from outside the industry , this year ’ s Knowledge Programme will feature a schedule of sessions around four topical themes : Trends and technology ; gamification and engagement ; the future of event planning ( to include discussions around sustainability , safety and security and government support ); and career and personal development , and will be delivered by expert speakers from the United Nations Climate Change , LinkedIn , CrowdComms , VisitScotland , BBC Creative and more .

The programme also includes specially curated education streams for association and corporate buyers , as well as sessions as part of IBTM Accelerate , which offers an interactive experience to all visitors showcasing solutions , applications and technologies on specific meetings and events industry challenges .

On the first day of the event , Alba del Villa Olano , an expert in digital transformation and a serial entrepreneur , will deliver a keynote encouraging attendees to take the fear out of digitalisation and how to use

this as a tool to grow the reach and impact of events .

On day two , Gian Power , founder and CEO of TLC Lions , will inspire attendees to use the power of storytelling to grow their business .

On day three , Dr Darren Coleman , a brand strategy and experience specialist , will outline how event organisers can win through the power of experiences .

David Thompson , event director , said : “ We are looking forward to welcoming the industry back to Barcelona for three days of face-to-face meetings , networking and learning . IBTM World looks to innovate through every aspect of our business in terms of our offer and we continue to deliver the very best service for our customers , who are at the very heart of everything we do .”

IBTM has worked extensively with industry peers to create a safe working standard called “ All Secure ” for holding events in a Covid-impacted world , and IBTM is working closely with the local authorities and the Fira Barcelona to implement all other necessary precautions .

So far , meeting organisers confirmed to attend include : agencies Helmsbriscoe , HPN Global – World , First Incentive Travel , Follow red Branding Experiences , and GPM LiveMarketing GmbH ; corporates Engie , Oriflame Cosmetics , Saudi Aramco , Citigroup Inc ., BBVA France , Ansell Healthcare Europe , Knauf Gips KG , SAUDI Telecom Company , Ebs , Pfizer , Abbott , Novartis , OP ’ COM , Donnelly Spire Ltd ., Ferronordic , Michelin , General Motors ; and

Above : This year ’ s content programme will include three keynote speakers from outside the industry

Below : Digital transformation will be under discussion at the show

International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property -AIPPI- , European Union of Medicine in Assurance and Social Security , China Electronics Chamber of Commerce , Centers for Disease Control , European Society of Cardiology associations .

New exhibitors confirmed for this year include CVBs of France , Germany , Estonia , Valencia , and Istanbul ; hotel brands Hilton and Hyatt ; DMCs from the United States and Algeria ; Manchester City Football Club ; Romanian tourist attraction , Salina Turda salt cave ; Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority ; Melia Hotels & Resorts ; Conference Compass ; and Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority , among others .

For more information and to register for the event , visit : ibtmworld . com . the show runs 30 November- 2 December at Gran Via , Montjuic .