IBTM World 2023 will welcome more than 4,700 approved buyers from 110 countries when it opens its doors next week at Fira Barcelona, Spain.

Organizers of the MICE industry trade show, which runs November 28-30, 2023, have confirmed that 60,000 pre-scheduled appointments have been made via its matchmaking platform this week.

New and returning exhibitors include Backstage Production Group, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, Qondor, Visit Houston, Mexico, Costa Rica Convention Bureau, Jakarta, Hong Kong Tourism Board, Macao, and Choice Hotels International.

“I’m hugely excited for IBTM World next week. The team has designed a thoughtful, impactful, and inspirational program of sessions and events, and worked hard to bring together thousands of quality buyers and suppliers, for three days of productive business meetings and connections,” says Claudia Hall, IBTM World event director. “I’m looking forward to my first IBTM World as event director, and I hope to meet as many people as possible on the show floor and in our networking events throughout the week.”

IBTM World 2023: creating culture and connections

IBTM World’s #culturecreators campaign has expanded this year to place additional emphasis on empowering events professionals to forge communities, make valuable connections, design incredible experiences, and create culture with their own events.

To underline the role of event professionals in creating culture, IBTM will launch its new “Culture Creators Report” on day three at 12.30. Serving as a global temperature check for the meetings and events industry and compiled using comprehensive industry case studies and surveys, the report will be unveiled on the Main Stage in the form of an insightful panel discussion with representatives from Forbes and Sportradar.

The 2024 edition of the  IBTM World Trends report  will also be revealed at the show. It tackles some of the industry’s most important issues, including sustainability, technology, personalization, diversity and inclusion and the emergence of AI. Alistair Turner will bring his findings to life through multiple sessions on the Main Stage throughout the week.

The show’s education program will feature several new-look stages and themes such as community building, diversity and inclusion, and the future of tech and innovation. Three keynotes from within and outside of the industry will kick-off each day:

• Maria Teixidor – the first woman to hold the position of Board of Directors Secretary at Barcelona FC – on day one;
• Lars Silberbaur – who on day two will share his experience in building cultural legacies at Lego, MTV & the Olympics;
• and day three’s keynote will be a conversation between CEO of Braindate, Christine Renaud, and founder of Boldpush, Julius Solaris.

Networking events at IBTM World 2023 are:

• Welcome Party, which takes place within the venue at the end of day one, will celebrate Barcelona’s waterfront and beaches, with installations, entertainment, a live band, and a “sea to table” menu.
• Networking Hour will see the show floor come to life with culture and festivities at the end day two, with hospitality planned from Denmark, Paris, Aruba, Hong Kong, Canada, Croatia, Malaysia, and many others.
• Club Night will this year return to Opium on the evening of day two. IBTM badge holders receive free entry to the club until 2am.

Visitor and press registration is still open for IBTM World 2023. Register before November 27 to avoid the onsite registration fee.