IBTM World has unveiled the initial details of its 2023 edition, introducing an evolution in the show’s culture creation campaign. The event will take place from November 28th to 30th at Fira Barcelona. The focus will be on highlighting the impact of event professionals in shaping culture and driving the future of business.
The event has seen strong exhibitor sales, with 60 percent of the floor space already sold, surpassing the 2019 figures, indicating a positive outlook for the industry. Exhibiting destinations include The Croatian National Tourist Board – a rising star of the European meetings industry; Meet Boston, which is launching their new brand at the event; Enit Agenzia Nazionale del Turismo returns with a strong regional presence along with multiple private companies; and Meet In Ireland returns with over 35 suppliers from across the island of Ireland.
Melia Hotels International will attend to launch its new hotel in Barcelona, and Romania’s Backstage Production Group, a full-service event production company, will be joining for the first time.
On the Hosted Buyer side, major international associations have already confirmed their attendance including 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, Sportradar, Puma Sports, Citigroup Inc, Amex GBT, Aareal Bank AG, and Zalando. Event agencies in attendance will be 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.
The 2023 edition will include new elements, along with a tailored education program to meet the changing needs of attendees. The goal is to foster a thriving business culture by providing a space for professionals to come together, especially crucial given the isolation experienced in professional and personal lives.
The education program will feature five distinct areas catering to different needs: the Main Stage, the Impact Stage, Workplace Revolution, ReFuel, and the Associations Leaders’ Forum, each incorporating the cultural theme of the event.
The Impact Stage will debut this year, showcasing the “exciting work” done by destinations, hotels, and tech suppliers in areas such as sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and experience design. Destination sessions will be curated by The Business Of Events, featuring fast-paced, value-driven sessions lasting no longer than 20 minutes.
Another addition is the Workplace Revolution, offering a relaxed setting for attendees to make unexpected connections, engage with inspirational figures, delve deeper into topics, and ask pressing questions, bridging the gap experienced by remote work.
The Main Stage will continue to feature inspiring figures from both inside and outside the events industry, addressing the latest trends and topics through keynotes, panel debates, and groundbreaking research. This year, it will also include an afternoon of empowering marketing content.
