IBTM World 2026’s Event Tech & Services Zone is now one of the biggest event technology showcases in the MICE industry.

With over 100 startups, 15+ investors, a dedicated Future Stage, Technology Zone and a number of major exhibitors, the area will showcase the technologies shaping the future of events, including event management platforms, matchmaking solutions, attendee engagement tools, analytics, hybrid event platforms and immersive experiences, helping professionals understand how these solutions can support more connected and effective event delivery.

The Zone will bring together leading event technology providers including Events Air, vFairs, ACS audiovisual solutions and Swoogo, alongside specialists in experiential technology, AI and audience engagement.

“Event professionals are being asked to achieve more, from creating stronger attendee connections to proving event impact and delivering more personalized experiences,” said Claudia Hall, show director, IBTM World 2026. “Technology has an important role to play yet knowing where to start and understanding what solutions can genuinely make a difference is often the biggest challenge. Our aim is to bring together the people, partnerships and practical innovation helping event professionals create stronger events and deliver greater commercial value.”

AI in action 

This is where event professionals get hands-on with the AI tools shaping the future of business events.  New for this year is the AI for Events – Demo Day LIVE on Thursday, November 19th, delivered in partnership with consulting and media company, Boldpush.

Ten selected companies – Advcy, CueForge, Event Flow App, Event Labs, Exhibitly, ExpoBooth, Highbar, Magipic, Memnto Photo and uchop – will show practical solutions for smarter networking, stronger engagement, sharper operations and more memorable event experiences. Visitors will be able to test the ideas, see the technology in action and meet the teams behind the tools.

The program will include a dedicated AI Demo Exhibition Area, fast-paced Lightning Demo Sessions and Future Stage content exploring the practical application of AI across business events.

IBTM Ignite is back 

IBTM Ignite will return as part of the Event Tech & Services Zone, following its successful debut last year. Fast becoming the industry’s leading startup program, IBTM Ignite connects emerging start-ups with global buyers and investors.

The first edition saw more than 80 start-ups participate, with 35 selected for a dedicated program combining live pitching, exhibition opportunities and direct commercial engagement. The program will expand in 2026, welcoming a new cohort of innovative start-ups to showcase their products and services to thousands of high-profile buyers from across the globe.

More than fifteen investors who have built, bought and scaled business are expected to participate in the program, not only offering one-to-one advice, but also potentially looking to fund innovation.

IBTM Ignite gives visitors early access to the startups, technologies and founders shaping the future of business events, creating opportunities to discover emerging innovation before it reaches the mainstream market.

Together, Event Tech & Services, AI for Events – Demo Day LIVE and IBTM Ignite create one of the industry’s most comprehensive destinations for discovering the people, technologies and ideas shaping what’s next for business events.

Startup businesses interested in applying to be part of the program in 2026 can do so here.

IBTM World is part of RX Global. The 2026 edition will return to Fira Gran Via in Barcelona, Spain, from November 17-19, 2026. Register here.