IBTM World 2020 will transition to being a virtual event this year, from December 8 to 10, following close consultation with partners.
A press statement from IBTM Events revealed that the online version will incorporate bespoke one-to-one meetings between exhibitors and buyers as well as a knowledge programme.
A selection of gated and live content will be available on all three days of the event. The final day of the event will include a full schedule of live and pre-recorded education sessions taking place on IBTM TV, available to all registered attendees. Speakers will include keynoter Pancho Campo, who will speak about his lessons learnt from working with former US president Barack Obama; Isabel Bardinet, CEO, European Society of Cardiology, who will deliver her thoughts on going digital; Mikael Ek, managing director EMEA, BCD M&E who will discuss the future of meetings and events; and Patrick Rush, senior regional director, head of Asia Pacific, American Express Meetings & Events, who will run a session on 2021 meetings and events trends.
David Thompson, event director, said: “While we have been planning positively for a live event in December, and we know that people want to get back to meeting face-to-face, the situation across Europe and the wider world remains very changeable. Therefore, even though the show is still some months away, we believe we have a responsibility to provide clarity to enable our partners, exhibitors, buyers and visitors to plan for the future.”
Thompson described the decision as a “difficult” one, noting that it would be the first time since 1988 that IBTM World would not “be able to bring the industry together in person”.
