Barcelona. New at this year’s event is a Corporate Buyers Programme, an exclusive package for c-suite and senior industry planners which provides additional benefits such as an exclusive one-day, peer-led conference addressing the issues facing corporate planners. It also gives corporate event planners an opportunity to network with peers in an intimate and exclusive setting and offers them flexibility to book appointments with exhibitors if they wish.

IBTM World’s Association Programme is set to return this year. Run in partnership with AAE (Association of Association Executives), it will take place on day two of the event and will deliver expert tailored insights and knowledge on the key challenges faced by association event organisers.

This year’s event will also feature a new immersive hub designed to inspire and nurture entrepreneurial industry talent as well as showcasing some of the latest and most innovative event technology. More details on this will be announced soon.

David Thompson, Event Director, IBTM World, said: “We are delighted to officially launch IBTM World 2019. On the back of last year’s record-breaking show, we’ve continued our quest to provide additional value for our exhibitors and buyers and are excited to announce the first of several new initiatives we have planned for this year. “We’re taking a highly targeted approach to engaging senior corporate event planners with our new Corporate Buyers programme, as well as building on the new Association Programme to cater for the different needs of our audience. As ever the show will include a packed programme of expert speakers, meetings and networking opportunities, and we’re looking forward to announcing more details in due course.”

The event is expected to welcome over 2,800 exhibitors from over 150 countries, as well as over 3,500 buyers and thousands of visitors.