IBTM Ignite will run across all three days of IBTM World from 17 to 19 November 2026 at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona. Delivered in partnership with growth consultancy and M&A specialist allpoints, the programme targets emerging businesses in the events industry, connecting them with investors, buyers and the global IBTM World community.
Applications welcome across a broad range of topics
The programme is seeking start-ups and scale-ups developing new solutions and business models spanning Event Tech and AI, sustainability, attendee engagement, event operations, accessibility, finance and the wider business events ecosystem. In its debut year, more than 80 start-ups applied, with 35 selected to participate. For 2026, at least 30 qualified businesses are expected to be showcased.
From pitch training to Investors’ Choice Award
Selected founders will receive investment-readiness training before pitching live on the Future Stage at IBTM World, with investors and audiences responding in real time. The dedicated Ignite Lounge will provide a space for investors and emerging businesses to continue conversations, followed by structured meetings within three to four weeks of the show. New for 2026, the Investors’ Choice Award will be judged by the investor cohort across all three days, with the winner announced on day three.
Max Fellows, Founder and CEO of allpoints, said: “Ignite’s first year proved there’s real appetite for this. It has never been harder to launch and scale a business within the events industry, but through Ignite, we are creating a unique opportunity for start-ups and scale-ups to not only get incubated and developed, but receive expert feedback, build relationships with active investors and, where there is the right fit, access investment of between £50-£250k from established individuals who want first sight of what’s coming next and to back the next big thing.”
Bridging innovation and commercial viability
Claudia Hall, Exhibition Director at IBTM World, said: “We want to give the next generation of event businesses the opportunity to be seen, heard and backed. Ignite creates the conversations and connections that can turn great ideas into real opportunities – helping promising businesses grow and our industry move forward.”
Among the expected investors is Alex Martinez from Altb2b. The programme’s track record – £3.5 million in investment secured since its launch – highlights its potential to support young events industry businesses on their path from early-stage idea to sustainable growth.
