The 32nd edition of IBTM World, one of the industry’s leading events, will feature new programs for young MICE entrepreneurs and elite corporate planners as well as a robust education slate.

The show, which runs November 19-21, 2019 at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona, Spain, is set to welcome more than 2,800 exhibitors from 150+ countries, as well as over 3,500 buyers and thousands of visitors.

And this year’s edition is bigger and better than ever. “On the back of last year’s record-breaking show, we’ve continued our quest to provide additional value for our exhibitors and buyers,” says David Thompson, event director, IBTM World.

Here’s a look at a few of the show’s new initiatives and highlights.

Deep dive into crisis management

John Volanthen, the world-record-holding British cave diver who played a major role in the 2018 Tham Luang Thailand cave rescue of the youth football (soccer) team in July 2018, is delivering the show’s keynote on November 21.  Volanthen will use anecdotes from the hazardous rescue mission of the 12 children and their coach to illustrate his thoughts on managing risk and keeping calm in a crisis. He will also explain how great feats are rarely due to luck, but rather perseverance, determination and preparation, and why he believes that anyone can rise to the occasion and achieve extraordinary goals in the face of insurmountable odds.

Thompson said that IBTM World is honored to have Volanthen as a keynote speaker. “Not only is his story inspiring and uplifting, but his experience can be related to so many different situations and we can apply his lessons in keeping calm and preparing well, to our everyday lives.”

Volanthen has been awarded a George Medal for civilian courage and bravery. He specializes in rescues through the Cave Rescue Organization, South and Mid Wales Cave Rescue, and the British Cave Rescue Council. His was the first voice the boys heard after nine days trapped underground.

Volanthen’s keynote is part of the show’s Knowledge Programme.

Mentoring the next generation

The show will also see the launch of Event Business Accelerator, IBTM’s unique new investment and mentoring program for young MICE industry entrepreneurs. This summer people with an idea, product or service relevant to the events industry were given the opportunity to apply to the program. At the show, the selected finalists will participate in an intensive mentoring program of workshops, webinars and one-to-one sessions with a team of industry experts. The mentors will support them as they develop and scale their ideas and businesses ahead of pitching for funding to help bring their idea to fruition or to grow their existing business.

The finalists will also have to pitch their ideas to a panel of investors in live sessions on November 19 and 20, 2019. These sessions will be held in the show’s new immersive zone, IBTM Accelerate. Designed to attract and nurture entrepreneurial talent, this zone incorporates exhibitors and education sessions that together will give delegates the opportunity to learn from other successful MICE entrepreneurs and share ideas with peers.

Thompson explained that the new program reflects IBTM’s commitment to paving the way for future industry talent. “This initiative, and indeed the entire Accelerate zone, are platforms to do this in a comprehensive and sustained way,” he said. “The zone will allow us to combine elements from our year-round content, our mentoring scheme, as well as providing opportunities for on-site learning. We very much look forward to announcing more details in due course.”

IBTM Accelerate’s supporters include Barcelona Convention Bureau, MPI, Word of MICE, Reed Exhibitions, La Salle Ramon Llull University, CETT-UB, Eight PR & Marketing and Reed Exhibitions UK. Some of the presentations being held in the zone are:

• “Influencers of MICE” series led by ex-MPI president and founder of Word of MICE Mariska Kesteloo;
• Future Focus – a series of sessions focusing on the future of the MICE industry, curated by Alistair Turner;
• and the IBTM World Tech Watch Awards.

A program tailored for senior corporate planners

Also new this year and running on the second day (November 20, 2019) of IBTM World, the Elite Corporate Programme gives senior corporate event organizers an opportunity to learn, network and share best practices in an intimate environment and finishes with an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Barcelona and exciting social dining experience. It was created in association with American Express Meetings & Events, a division of American Express Global Business Travel, and is supported by Event Marketing Association and sponsored by London & Partners.

This program is open to senior event planners from FTSE (Financial Times Stock Exchange) 500 or equivalent companies. It is comprised of four sessions, including:

• “In-Depth Look at the Event Experience: What Marketing Owners Want,” presented by Tracey Boreham, account management lead, Global Client Group, EMEA, American Express Meetings & Events;
• “Focus on the Why: How Branding Principles Can Guide Your Event Design,” presented by Mikael Ek, commercial lead, Global Client Group, EMEA, American Express Meetings & Events;
• a thought-provoking case study on engagement and experience led by Laura Garcia, senior manager of Marketing, Adobe, and Brooke Davis, global travel and events manager, Lululemon;
• and a peer-to-peer roundtable discussion on overcoming event challenges, with Event Marketing Association.

“We know from speaking to our senior buyers that tailored experiences are extremely important for them,” said Thompson. “Our new Elite Corporate Programme is all about providing these event planners with a unique environment in which to learn and share ideas and challenges with like-minded peers so that their time at the event is maximized.”

Please note: Registration is still open for the program. Interested planners must first register for the show’s hosted buyer program.

Meeting the needs of association planners

IBTM World’s 2019 Association Programme (November 19, 2019) – Created in partnership with the Association of Association Executives (AAE), the program includes eight topical sessions addressing some of the key challenges facing association event organizers, and concludes with Associations Connect, a peer-to-peer networking event, in association with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). Themes for the afternoon include: driving delegate attendance, raising sponsor and exhibitor revenue, sustainability for events and cost control. The program includes case studies, speeches and panel discussions from some of the leading organizations in the association sector.

Speakers include Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA, who will lead a session on preserving the world through sustainable meetings; Gordon Glenister, global head of Influencer Marketing, The Branded Content Marketing Association, who will cover how influencers marketing can help build delegate awareness and uptake of your event; and Greg Tracz, chief executive officer, Diabetes Africa, who will run a session on developing the sponsorship revenue stream for long-term benefit.

At IBTM World 2018, more than 77,650 pre-scheduled business meetings took place over the three-day event. For more information on the show’s hosted buyer program and to register visit ibtmworld.com.