Last minute of IBTM World

IBTM World reveals first details of 2019 Association Programme

IBTM has revealed first details of its 2019 Association Programme, which takes place on the afternoon of 19 November – the first day of IBTM World, in Barcelona. Created in partnership with the Association of Association Executives (AAE), the programme includes eight topical sessions addressing some of the key challenges facing association event organisers. The afternoon concludes with Associations Connect, a peer-to-peer networking event, in association with ICCA.

Themes for the afternoon include; driving delegate attendance, raising sponsor and exhibitor revenue, sustainability for events and cost control. The programme includes case studies, speeches and panel sessions from some of the leading organisations 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’.

Commenting on the Association Programme, David Thompson, IBTM World Event Director, said: “We’re excited about this year’s Association Programme. Working with AAE, we’ve put together a comprehensive content schedule, full of sessions that have a genuine practical application for our Association delegates. The programme is a great opportunity for Association buyers to enhance their time with us in Barcelona with targeted learning opportunities that complement the wider event schedule.”

As well as having the opportunity to meet, connect and do business with potential suppliers and network with peers, association meetings planners can benefit from IBTM World’s Hosted Buyer programme, engaging networking events and IBTM World’s full Knowledge Programme, which will leave attendees inspired and motivated to apply their learnings and enhance their own events.

IBTM World reveals new Elite Corporate Programme

IBTM World has announced the introduction of its Elite Corporate Programme, which takes place on 20 November, the second day of IBTM World, in Barcelona. Created in association with American Express Meeting & Events, a division of American Express Global Business Travel, supported by Event Marketing Association and sponsored by London & Partners, the Elite Corporate Programme includes four sessions addressing some of the key challenges facing senior corporate event organisers.

The programme is 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 an exciting social dining experience.

Sessions include an ‘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; and a thought-provoking case study on engagement and experience led by Laura Garcia, Senior Manager of Marketing at Adobe and Brooke Davis, Global Travel and Events Manager at lululemon. There will also be a peer-to-peer roundtable discussion on overcoming event challenges, with Event Marketing Association.

Commenting on the Elite Corporate Programme, David Thompson, IBTM World Event Director, said: “We know from speaking to our senior buyers that tailored experiences are extremely important for them. 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 likeminded peers so that their time at the event is maximised.”

Senior event planners from a FTSE 500 or equivalent company can apply to be on the programme by registering their interest to be a Hosted Buyer. As well as having the opportunity to meet, connect and do business with potential suppliers and network with peers, corporate meetings planners can benefit from IBTM’s engaging networking events and full Knowledge Programme, which will leave attendees inspired and motivated to apply their learnings and enhance their own events.

The Elite Corporate programme is by invitation only. To register your interest as a Hosted Buyer to be considered for the programme please visit https://www.ibtmworld.com/Whats-on/Elite-Corporate-Programme

IBTM announce its first Global Policy & Practice Forum in Partnership with The Business of Events

IBTM has revealed first details of its new Global Policy & Practice Forum, held in partnership with The Business of Events. Taking place on Monday 18th November, just prior to IBTM World, the forum is being supported by The Barcelona Convention Bureau, PCMA and the Joint Meetings Industry Council.

The forum will bring together a select number of leading destinations, national and regional convention bureaux and policy makers to discuss how business events can be used to support and influence wider policy. It will also see delegates working together to contribute to a white paper to further inform local, regional and national governments on the value of the business events sector.

Destinations already confirmed to attend include representatives from London, Singapore, Vienna, Scotland and Washington DC.

Christoph Tessmar, Managing Director, Barcelona Convention Bureau, said: “We have enjoyed a great relationship with IBTM over many years, having been host city for IBTM World for the past 16 years. We are proud that this important new event will also take place in Barcelona and we look forward to some fruitful discussions with fellow industry leaders.”

Applications to attend the forum, which is an invitation only event, close on October 1st.