IBTM World has revealed the first details of its 2024 Association Leaders Forum, created in partnership with ESAE (European Society of Association Executives) and sponsored by Amsterdam Convention Bureau.

The industry-leading program will address practical and strategic issues associations face today, focusing on the need to balance executive governance and risk management with innovating and adapting to global challenges in order to build a thriving association industry of the future.

“This is the second year in a row we’ve partnered with IBTM World to design its Association Leaders Forum. As the beating heart of the global events community, it is the ideal location for Association professionals to come together to learn, debate, feel inspired, and immerse themselves in the topics which matter most to them,” said Liesbeth Switten, ESAE vice-president. “This year’s program doesn’t shy away from the big issues, in fact, it welcomes them. Together, we will create an Association sector fit for the rest of the 21st century and beyond, and the ideas and voices of our Association professionals will be vital in realizing this vision.”

Taking place on day one, and tying into the theme for IBTM World 2024 – People.Power.Potential, which will provide a platform to explore and understand how people power can be enhanced by harnessing new technologies – the forum will explore how to integrate AI in associations’ strategic planning, and how to use the possibilities offered by digital tools to make conferences and events more impactful, engaging and financially sustainable, while continuing the commitment to establish a greener future.

The forum will also try to understand how to prevent burnouts while equipping team members with the right tools and upskilling for them to perform in an efficient and rewarding manner; explore how associations can prepare for a year of significant electoral shifts and provide insights into how association leaders can guide members and staff in navigating the geopolitical environment.

Speakers will include:

• Martin Boyle, CEO, IAPCO;
• Liesbeth Switten, secretary general at AIB-Association of Issuing Bodies and ESAE Vice-President;
• Dianna Steinbach, senior vice-president Growth, Institute of Management Accountants;
• Bobby Peralta, CEO, Philippine Council of Associations & Association Executives;
• Dennis Speet, managing director, Amsterdam Convention Bureau;
• and Cecilia Delgado Molina, executive secretary, international Sociological Association.

Welcoming approximately 130 Association professionals, the interactive sessions will comprise panel discussions, debates, and case studies as well as networking breaks. Check out the program here.

IBTM World 2024 will take place November 19-21, 2024 at Fira Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.