IBTM World is slated to take place in-person this year at Fira, Barcelona, from November 30 to December 2, 2021, with the theme of “New Business, New Tech, New World”.
There will be one-to-one business meetings, educational content, and networking opportunities for delegates to reconnect.
IBTM World’s knowledge programme will this year explore four themes: Trends and technology; gamification and engagement; the future of event planning (to include discussions around sustainability, safety and security and government support); and career and personal development. There will be separate buyer-led Association and Elite Corporate Programmes. Further details will be released in due course.
Meanwhile, association buyers who have confirmed their attendance include the International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI), European Union of Medicine in Assurance and Social Security, China Electronics Chamber of Commerce, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Meanwhile, corporation buyers will attend from Engie, Oriflame Cosmetics, Knauf, Citigroup, BBVA France and Saudi Aramco. Agency buyers include HelmBriscoe and HPN Global – World, and First Incentive Travel.
Global suppliers and destinations attending include Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, Melia Hotels & Resorts, Conference Compass, Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority, Munich Convention Bureau, Latvia Tourism and Flanders Meeting and Convention Centre.
David Thompson, event director, said: “We’ve had an incredibly positive response to IBTM World so far, which shows there is a huge appetite from the industry to return to in-person meetings and events. We have received an exceptionally strong response from exhibitors, many of whom are returning with larger stands than before or additional sharers.”
RX (Reed Exhibitions; the organisers of IBTM World) has worked with industry peers to create a safe working standard called “All Secure” for holding events in a Covid-impacted world, and IBTM is working closely with the local authorities and the Fira Barcelona to implement all necessary precautions.
