IBTM World 2023’s education program features a roster of forward-thinking speakers offering sessions that will empower event professionals to drive business by embracing and celebrating diversity.

“This year’s show is all about illustrating to event professionals their role and influence in shaping business culture,” says Vasyl Zhygalo, portfolio director, IBTM World. “For this culture to thrive, building an environment of inclusivity is essential.”

The show, which runs November 28-30, 2023 at Fira Barcelona, kicks off with a keynote by Maria Teixidor, who will share her experience as a woman within one of the world’s most renowned men’s football clubs.

Teixidor is a former member of the Board of Directors of Barcelona FC, the first woman to hold the position of Board of Directors’ Secretary, and held responsibility for the growth of the female team.  In an exclusive interview titled “Beyond the Pitch: Maria Teixidor Unveils the Playbook for Leadership, Culture, and Equality at Barcelona FC,” she will share insights into the multifaceted world of football leadership, delving into the strategies and values that underpin the creation of a thriving team culture and a devoted fan base. She will also reveal how she successfully navigated the challenges of working in a male-dominated industry, and share actionable steps for achieving gender equality.

Ellie Middleton, an autistic and ADHD speaker, writer and creator, will also appear on the show’s Main Stage. After a lifetime of feeling misunderstood, Middleton was diagnosed with autism and ADHD at the age of 24. Since then, she has built an audience of almost 400,000 people online, written her first book with Penguin Life, and worked with global brands like Disney, Google, Samsung and LinkedIn to change the narrative on neurodivergence.

Her session – The future of events: neuro inclusion as a channel to cultivating belonging – will see representatives from Google and FIRST join her for a discussion about embracing neurodiversity when designing experiences to show how events can truly resonate with all brain types.

Recognizing that not every attendee accesses content in the same way, this year IBTM World is launching Workplace Revolution, a space where delegates can hold conversations with inspirational figures in a relaxed, campfire-style setting.

Workplace Revolution speakers and sessions include:

Samantha Stimpson B.Ed MA, the CEO of equity, diversity and inclusion consultancy SLS 360, who will host a practical workshop (Creating diverse cultures: why, how, when) that promises to equip delegates with the knowledge, tools, and strategies they will need to create these cultures within their organizations. She will also demonstrate how such cultures can drive innovation and boost productivity.

Richard John, COO at Realise Me Ltd., a specialist events services agency, who will deliver a session titled “Diversifying the Workplace: tapping into the potential of those with learning difficulties.” John will be joined by representatives from Hilton Birmingham Metropole and The Power of Events, as well as Samantha Stimpson, to discuss how hiring people with intellectual disability, or those from disenfranchised parts of society, can be a meaningful, powerful and beneficial option for event businesses.

Zhygalo says that the show is delighted to be welcoming such a dynamic range of industry titans. “Our market-leading conference program gives these incredible speakers a platform to share their experiences and insights with our wonderful delegates, enabling all voices to be heard and respected, innovation to grow and, consequently, better business results to be achieved.”