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IBTM World : ready to be back in Barcelona
IBTM WORLD MAY BE SEARCHING FOR A SHOW DIRECTOR , BUT ORGANISERS PROMISE A STRONG SHOWCASE OF CONTENT AND EXHIBITORS LINED UP FOR THE FIRA BARCELONA , 28-30 NOVEMBER
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BTM World organisers were reporting 85 % per cent of exhibiting space for this year ’ s IBTM World had already been sold by early October , with numbers significantly ahead of both the same time last year , and 2019 .
The show opens in Fira , Barcelona on 28 November and runs until 30 November and some exhibitors will be returning for the first time since the Covid pandemic .
From the Americas , Mexico , Costa Rica and Los Angeles many are returning for the first time since 2019 . From Asia , Jakarta will make its debut , and Hong Kong and Macao are both back and bigger than before .
From the MENA region Jordan , Morocco and Abu Dhabi have increased their stand space . This year Morocco has also invested in sponsorship and will bring their trademark hospitality to the Hosted Buyer Lounge with a special activation .
In Europe , Antwerp will have a larger presence than previously , alongside their new convention bureau , and France and Paris will take larger stands to promote opportunities around the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris . London will launch a new campaign designed to inspire attendees , as well as a practical guide on ‘ How to do London ’.
Vasyl Zhygalo , IBTM World ’ s portfolio director , who is looking after the show this year following the departure in September of show director David Thompson , said : “ The resurgence in exhibitor numbers illustrates the importance of IBTM World in creating a platform for connection and community .
The vast and diverse exhibitor participation represents more opportunities to do business , as well as indicating the robustness of the global business events sector . We look forward to an exciting show where attendees come together to shape the future of business events .”
Visitors to this year ’ s event will find a reinvigorated education programme , with five distinct feature areas : the Main Stage , the Impact Stage , Workplace Revolution , ReFuel and the Associations Leaders ’ Forum , with the show ’ s cultural theme embedded into each pillar .
The Impact Stage will make its debut this year , acting as a best-in-class showcase for the exciting work that destinations , hotels , and tech suppliers are doing across sustainability , D & I , experience design and more . Destination sessions will be curated by The Business Of Events UK Think Tank , and will also feature the launch of the annual Global Destination Report .
Also new this year is Workplace Revolution – a welcoming space where attendees can make the valuable connections they weren ’ t expecting . Here , in an informal campfire-style atmosphere , they can continue conversations in a relaxed setting with inspirational figures , dissect topics in greater detail and ask those burning questions .
IBTM ’ s wellbeing hub has re-branded to ‘ ReFuel ’. A zen-like pod which allows attendees time and space to relax and recharge their physical and mental batteries , it includes a wellbeing bar , sound and aromatherapy healing and solo working area to provide respite from a busy show floor .
The Association Leaders ’ Forum ( ALF ) will be back on Day 1 to help associations increase the impact of their gatherings around the globe .
The Main Stage will present figures from inside and outside of the events industry through inspirational keynotes , panel debates , and research . New to the Main Stage this year will be an afternoon of inspiring and empowering marketing content , curated in partnership with experts at The Thought Partnership . On the Hosted Buyer side , major international associations in attendance include the European Society of Cardiology , International Association for Enterprise Information Systems , United Networks of International Event Organisers ( UNICEO ), World Energy Council , and the China Electronics Chamber of Commerce .
Multinational corporations include DELL Tech ; Forbes ; Intel ; Michelin ; Delta Air Lines , Citigroup Inc and Amex GBT .
Event agencies in attendance will include Aim Group International , BCD Meetings & Events , CWT Meetings & Events , Helmsbriscoe , HPN Global , Kuoni Global Travel Services AG , TUI , Opus Agency , Morris Meetings & Events , and VOYEL .
Registration can be accessed at www . ibtm . com and Visitor Buyers this year have the chance to access the matchmaking platform . n
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