IBTM World closes a very powerful 2023 edition
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A key ingredient, besides having buyers with projects for the coming year, is matching technology. The event used “the power of new technology to enhance the experience of attendees, elevating its ability to deliver targeted, insightful, and profitable connections”, says the organization. This included introducing a new guidance tool, WalkMe, to its matchmaking platform, opening up the platform to visitor buyers for the first time, and launching the Exhibitor Dashboard which enabled exhibitors to evaluate the tangible impact of their connections in real time.
The event was themed around the concept of culture, celebrating the role event professionals play in shaping culture and driving the future of business. Recognising these changemakers, and their imaginative, dynamic and forward-thinking ideas, has been the essence of this year’s #CultureCreators campaign.
The educational programme analysed how embracing diversity and inclusion (D&I), cultivating community, and championing the power of innovation can steer the events industry into a bright and prosperous future and bring better business results for all. This year saw a reinvigoration of the show’s education programme with new theatres (some very cool with a 270º circular audience and a central stage). The Impact Stage showcased the work that destinations, hotels and tech suppliers are doing in sustainability, D&I, experience, and design.
Another area was Workplace Revolution, a modern campfire-style space where delegates continued conversations with inspirational figures in a relaxed atmosphere. A hub for wellbeing, ‘Refuel’, in partnership with EventWell, also provided attendees with a space to relax and recharge.
The event was alsop the opportunity for the launch of several reports including the IBTM World 2023 Culture Report, which explores the increasing pressure event professionals feel in todays’ work-from-home culture, and the impact of this on the events industry. Another one was the annual IBTM World Industry Trends Report, which took a deep dive into the shifting demographics of the events landscape, the growing impact of AI and personalised technology on the industry, and the importance of diversity and inclusion in aiding creativity and attracting talent.
The Business of Events, a think tank and policy platform for business events, launched its annual Global Destination Report, whose highlights included the economic importance of business events, a collective need for increased advocacy and government understanding of the value of the sector, and the necessity of nurturing business event legacy.
IBTM also announced the long-anticipated launch of IBTM World Asia-Pacific in Hong Kong in spring 2025.
This was the first ibtm world for Claudia Hall, recently-appointed IBTM World Event Director. She said “experiencing my first IBTM World as Event Director during such a successful edition has been incredibly exciting. I would like to extend my warmest thanks to Barcelona Convention Bureau and Fira, Barcelona, who have been outstanding venue partners over the last 19 years and, without whom, IBTM World wouldn’t be what it is today.”
