IBTM World 2023 wrapped up today in Barcelona, Spain.

Calling it the most successful edition of the event yet, organizers report that over the course of the last three days, the show brought together 2,250 exhibitors from more than 150 countries with nearly 4,000 buyers, and together they made over 132,000 connections.

Utilizing the power of new technology to enhance the experience of attendees, IBTM World’s smartest event yet introduced a new guidance tool, WalkMe, to its market-leading matchmaking platform, opening up the platform to visitor buyers for the first time, and launching the innovative Exhibitor Dashboard which enabled exhibitors to evaluate the tangible impact of their connections in real time.

“IBTM has always been a very successful show for us – we meet with serious buyers here and can really see the return on our investment,” said Yugashnee Naicker, group manager (Sales) at Peermont. “The buyers who we’ve met with know what they want, they know what they’re looking for, and they come with specific requests. In the first two days of the event, I’ve already issued two contracts and have four further excellent leads. It was especially good to see a lot of corporate buyers because it shows the industry really is in full swing again. It’s been a great show and wonderful to see that all markets are present from around the world.”

Yassine Belamine, a hosted buyer and founder of Quantum Corporate, comments: “This year marks my fifth year at IBTM World and the event has been remarkable. It’s become an annual tradition to connect with industry professionals, many of whom have become like family over the years. Each year we gather here to exchange valuable knowledge and ideas about the wider events industry. The connections and suppliers we’ve met at this event have consistently led to significant business opportunities. I have no doubt that this year’s event will yield similar fruitful collaborations.”

Clyde Cassar, MICE manager at Grand Hotel Excelsior, said: “IBTM World has been absolutely fantastic this year. I have attended many before, but this has been the best one by far. I’ve had approximately 40 meetings and they have been very productive. I’ve met a bunch of wonderful people and I think we’re going to get some fabulous requests for the near future. I’ve met people from lots of different corners of the world and it’s been an absolute pleasure to be here under one roof. It’s very much a networking environment.”

Looking to the future

During the show, IBTM announced the long-anticipated launch of IBTM World Asia-Pacific. With its inaugural edition due to take place in Hong Kong in spring 2025, the show will bring together some of the region’s best-known suppliers and event planners for two exhilarating days of pre-arranged, one-to-one business meetings.

Claudia Hall, IBTM World event director, said: “Experiencing my first IBTM World as event director during such a successful edition has been incredibly exciting. The event plays a pivotal role in bringing together the business and professional events community to network, do business, share successes from the past year and plan for the future. The wonderful delegates, exhibitors and buyers I’ve had the privilege of engaging with over the last three days have been inspiring in their ideas, energy and positivity for the events industry. Our pioneering speakers have challenged, stimulated and inspired us with a passion and commitment that is infectious.

“I would like to extend my warmest thanks to Barcelona Convention Bureau and Fira, Barcelona, who have been outstanding venue partners over the last 19 years and, without whom, IBTM World wouldn’t be what it is today. I can’t wait to do it all again next year.”