ibtm world 2017 – Countdown Begins for Meetings Industry Show

Ibtm world and Reed Exhibitions signed an extension to its partnership with Barcelona and Fira de Barcelona in 2015 to keep ibtm world in the city for the foreseeable future. Graeme Barnett, senior exhibition director for ibtm world said that since 2004 when the event moved to Barcelona it has grown to where today attracts more than 15,000 meetings professionals to the city during the event. The three-day event takes place from 28 – 30 November at Fira Gran Via Barcelona.

Mr Barnett said: “The commitment, collaboration and passion shown by the city and regional stakeholders to work with us to create and deliver a world-class experience in Barcelona.”

Despite the recent excitement of Catalonia, already an autonomous state, now pushing for greater independence, Barcelona remains a massive cultural and tourist destination with a welcoming spirit that makes ibtm world and the city a “must do” calendar booking.

Ibtm world continues to push the envelope of innovation by creating a new concept – the Startup pavilion. Aimed at supporting emerging EventTech Companies, the Start-Up Pavilion will provide a comprehensive showcase where tech and experiential start-up companies can exhibit, giving them the opportunity to showcase their product to over 15,000 highly influential MICE industry professionals.

The special feature if the Start-Up Pavilion is that exhibitor businesses must be two years or younger, with five or fewer full-time employees, with an annual turnover of less than €500,000. As part of the exhibiting package, they will get the opportunity to arrange pre-scheduled appointments with high-profile meetings and events planners interested in meeting technology providers.

James Morgan, Founder of Event Tech Lab, and well-known tech industry influencer, said: “With so many tech companies entering the industry, it’s fantastic that ibtm world is offering a platform for smaller, younger companies to showcase their ideas and how they’ve put them into action.”

Kerry Prince, Portfolio Director, ibtm events, said: “For the past 30 years our focus has always been and continues to be on providing our customers with the best possible experience, which includes access to the latest and most exciting innovations in the industry. The Start-Up Pavilion is not only a cost-effective opportunity for younger companies to gain exposure in the industry but also a real draw for our Hosted Buyers and trade visitors looking to experience and invest in the very latest event technology.”

This year’s Knowledge Programme is headlined by two globally renowned keynote speakers, one of whom is Co-Founder and CEO of Kickstarter, Yancey Strickler. The sessions have been designed to deliver tangible take-away learnings covering themes including industry trends; innovation, disruption and technology and professional and staff development, amongst others. As Graeme Barnett has note in previous interviews with MICExchange, the meetings and events industry is still a rapidly evolving marketplace where social and technological tools will play a role in opening up opportunities for new business models.

In keeping with its innovative and long view approach to the meetings and events industry, IBTM World is using its influence to support the future of the industry.

Ibtm world continues with its reknown Knowledge Programme which features globally renowned keynote speakers, support for event technology innovations with technology awards and Start-Up Pavilion along with the ever popular panel sessions and vibrant networking events.

Calling on the experience of the ibtm world team and appreciation of the professionals within the industry, ibtm world will this year provide an enhanced Hosted Buyer programme which will now see IBTM pre-selecting and fast track qualifying of Hosted Buyers. Mr Graeme Barnett notes that this ensures the shows aim of supporting the highest calibre Hosted Buyers and to deliver added value for exhibitors, by targeting buyers matched according to exhibitor needs.

Kerry Prince, Portfolio Director, IBTM, comments: “As a brand we have a long and incredibly successful legacy to build on and we’re excited to celebrate our 30th anniversary this year in Barcelona. However, as a team our focus is very firmly on the future.”

“We’re completely committed to ensuring IBTM World retains its position as an unmissable event and continues to provide an inspirational backdrop and forum for the meetings and events industry.”

IBTM World 2017 will take place from 28 – 30 November 2017 at Fira Barcelona. In 2016, almost 15,000 delegates attended IBTM World and over 67,000 pre-scheduled meetings were arranged over the three-day show.

Ibtm world has created an online and downloadable Show preview so that you can get a true sense of the scope and opportunity of the event – Access the Preview Directly here.

http://www.ibtmworld.com/en/Show-Preview-2017/