Eighty-five percent of exhibit space for this year’s IBTM World has already been sold, with numbers significantly ahead of both this time last year, and 2019, reports the show’s organizer, Reed Exhibitions Ltd.

With two months still to go until the flagship event opens in Fira Barcelona on November 28th, the company says that several destinations have increased their presence at the show, with some returning for the first time since the pandemic.

Regionally, The Americas has grown extensively year-on-year, with Mexico, Costa Rica and Los Angeles returning for the first time since 2019. From Asia, Jakarta will make its debut, and Hong Kong and Macao are both back and bigger than ever.

From the MENA region Jordan, Morocco and Abu Dhabi have considerably increased their stand space. This year Morocco has also invested in sponsorship and will bring their trademark hospitality to the Hosted Buyer Lounge with a special activation.

In Europe, Antwerp will have a larger presence than previously alongside their new convention bureau, and France and Paris will take larger stands to promote opportunities around the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris. Barcelona will also be strongly represented, as will London, who will launch a new campaign designed to inspire attendees, as well as a practical guide on “How to Do London”, where they will demystify organizing an event after Brexit.

Exhibit space sales are also strong in the hotel sector, with major international brands attending including Hilton; first-time exhibitor Choice Hotels International; H10 Hotels; and Melia Hotels International.

Vasyl Zhygalo, IBTM World’s portfolio director, said: “The resurgence in exhibitor numbers illustrates the importance of IBTM World in creating a platform for connection and community. The vast and diverse exhibitor participation represents more opportunities to do business, as well as indicating the robustness of the global business events sector. We’re thrilled to see the return of several exhibitors as well as welcoming new ones and we look forward an exciting show where attendees come together to shape the future of business events.”