IBTM World Virtual will offer one-to-one business meetings, destination presentations, a comprehensive content program and other key features of the IBTM World live event. The virtual edition of the show will take place December 8-10, 2020.

The decision to transition IBTM World to a virtual event was announced last week. The show’s organizers cited unpredictable travel restrictions around the world due to COVID-19 as a key factor in making the change.

“While we’d all hoped to be able to meet face-to-face in Barcelona, we’re very excited about what we have created with IBTM World Virtual,” says David Thompson, event director, IBTM World. “The online event will deliver not only the high-quality business opportunities for which IBTM is renowned but also a program of content that will provide attendees with tangible learnings that they can apply to their business as we evolve and rebuild our industry.”

He also says that the virtual event would also include many of IBTM World’s regular event features, including exhibitor destination presentations, live online pitches, the Tech Watch Awards and the graduation ceremony for the show’s mentoring program, Event Business Accelerator.

In addition, exhibitors and Hosted Buyers participating in IBTM World Virtual will benefit from IBTM’s bespoke appointment system, which matches buyer’s business needs with supplier’s services ensuring both meet with people with whom they have a strong chance of doing business.

Trade visitors will be able to register for the online event and, as well as accessing education sessions and event features, they will be able to request “walk-up” meetings with exhibitors via a chat function, with the option to convert directly into a video call if required.

A selection of gated and live content will be available on all three days of the event. The third and final day of the event will include a full schedule of live and pre-recorded education sessions taking place on IBTM TV, available to all registered attendees.

Speakers will include:

• keynote Pancho Campo, who will speak about “The Future of Events: Lessons learned from working with Barack Obama”;
• Isabel Bardinet, CEO, European Society of Cardiology, who will deliver her thoughts on “Going Digital: Lessons Learnt and Going Forward”;
• Mikael Ek, managing director, EMEA, BCD M&E, whose session will cover “State of the Industry: Unexpected Trends for the Future of Meetings and Events”;
• and Patrick Rush, senior regional director, Head of Asia Pacific, American Express Meetings & Events who will run a session on 2021 global meetings and events trends.