IBTM recently announced a series of new initiatives and elements for its milestone 30th anniversary edition IBTM World event, which takes place in Barcelona from 28 – 30 November 2017.
The focus of the edition will be on the next 30 years and beyond, with IBTM World using its legacy as a springboard to support the future of the industry. The market leading Knowledge Program will include two globally renowned keynote speakers, enhanced technology awards, topical panel sessions and engaging networking events.
This year also will see the rollout of an enhanced Hosted Buyer program which will now see IBTM pre-selecting and qualifying Hosted Buyers allowing them to be fast-tracked through the process. This will allow IBTM to be even more targeted in ensuring the highest calibre Hosted Buyers are invited to attend the event. The program also has been designed to deliver added value for exhibitors, by targeting buyers matched according to exhibitor needs.
A select group of elite invited Hosted Buyers will benefit from a new VIP service which will include limousine transfers to and from the airport, access to an exclusive VIP lounge for the three days of the event, 5-star accommodation and a more flexible diary of appointments.
Additionally, as a result of research indicating a requirement for more appointments from both exhibitors and Hosted Buyers, this year Hosted Buyers will commit to 10 pre-scheduled appointments per day, in doing so creating more appointments and therefore more opportunities to do business.
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 have a number of very exciting changes and new elements for this year’s event, more of which will be announced in coming weeks, all aimed at driving connections and doing great business. Plus we’ll be throwing a spectacular 80s-themed Welcome Party to celebrate our anniversary.
Kerry continues: “IBTM has always looked at ways to innovate through every aspect of our business to ensure that we remain ahead of the curve in terms of our offer and that we continue to deliver the very best service for our customers. Testament to the event’s relevance and impact in the sector is the fact that it continues to grow year-on-year.
“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, part of Reed Travel Exhibitions is the world’s leading showcase for the meetings and events industry (also known as MICE) with a portfolio of 7 global and regional events providing business solutions on 5 continents. They include IBTM World, IBTM Arabia, IBTM Africa, IBTM America, IBTM China, IBTM Latin America and AIME.For more info, visit www.ibtmevents.com.
