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IBTM World Barcelona, the joy of meeting again and do business

IBTM World Barcelona, the joy of meeting again and do business

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IBTM World has announced at the first day of the show that the number of personalised appointments closed in this edition have reached the average of the 2019 edition. More data: more than 42% of invited buyers have joined the show for the first time, which increases the potentiality of new projects. In addition, 95% has confirmed that they will be attending the entire three days of the show. Walkways are again busy in Fira Barcelona, ​​activities in stands, and despite the necessary strict sanitary security measures, the importance of meetings is clear. We bring you the latest news and some curiosities we saw at the show. Cristina Muñoz

Buyers and exhibitors from all over the world return in person

Buyers from more than 70 countries arrived to Barcelona from companies such as Helmsbriscoe, HPN Global -World, First Incentive Travel and GPM-, Oriflame Cosmetics, Saudi Aramco, Citigroup Inc., BBVA France, Ansell Healthcare Europe, SAUDI Telecom Company, Ebs, Pfizer, Abbott, Novartis, OP’COM, Donnelly Spire Ltd., Ferronordic, Michelin, General Motors, European Union of Medicine in Assurance and Social Security, China Electronics Chamber of Commerce, Centers for Disease Control and European Society of Cardiology. Of these, 70% are organisations, 20% are companies and 10% are association buyers.

Among the exhibitors are the Convention and Tourism Offices of France, Monaco, South Africa, Australia, Germany, Estonia, Valencia and Istanbul; the Hilton and Hyatt hotels; destination management companies in the United States and Algeria; the Manchester City Football Club; Romania’s famous Salina Turda salt mine; the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority; Melia Hotels & Resorts; Conference Compass; and the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority, among many others.

A training program aligned to new needs

The educational programme of this edition has been conceived with the idea of ​​offering real knowledge and innovative solutions in a post-pandemic world under the motto “Inspiring events for better business results”. The programme is developed under four themes: trends and technology, gamification and engagement, the future of event planning (which includes talks on sustainability, security and government support); and professional and personal development. Speakers include professionals from the United Nations for Climate Change, LinkedIn, CrowdComms, VisitScotland and BBC Creative, among others.

The programme also includes training courses specially designed for corporate and association buyers, as well as sessions within the framework of IBTM Accelerate, where solutions, applications and technologies are presented to face the challenges posed by the meetings industry.

Additionally, through IBTM’s Elite Corporate Program, key ideas are explored with a specific focus on the needs of invited corporate buyers. Some of the topics covered are: the future of meetings, the resumption of events and the evaluation of their results, and peer learning and information. The programme will take place on the second day of the show and is supported by American Express Meetings & Events.

Another incentive to add to learning: the Events Industry Council (EIC) recognises IBTM World as a preferred provider for its knowledge programme, delegates earn CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) points for each educational session they attend.

An air of joy to meet again

While health security measures may have put some distance between people, participants can still enjoy the sights of colours from the stands and a variety of activities offered: the Moscow stand stood out for its colourful prints inspired by the popular art of the different regions, explained Meshalkin Sergey, its creative director, who believes that people should be in the centre of the events to come. Unlike other editions, France brought together all its participating regions, including Paris, in the same exhibition área which is not only a more sustainable solution to the representation of the various French destinations, but to cooperate and work together in managing the resources and no TV needs , as explained by Valérie Exposito-Coitte, Head of Business Development MICE of the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau.

First details of IBTM World Online announced

The digital event is expected to follow the face-to-face event from December 14th to 15th to enhance the show experience. IBTM World Online has been designed by Sector Global and will be an interactive platform that allow participants who were unable to attend the show in-person in Barcelona, ​​the opportunity to establish contacts and conduct business with many of the main suppliers and destinations in the world. It also has an educational content on demand that will include the IBTM World Barcelona programme. Participants from 38 countries have already confirmed their participation and many more are expected to join during these days. Participating buyers from agencies, corporations and associates include Sanofi, HelmsBriscoe, Cook Medical Europe, Mars, Jet Infosystems and Frosch Latam.

… And IBTM Asia Pacific 2022

Postponed due to the pandemic, the show will return from April 5th-6th, 2022 at the Marina Bay Sands Convention and Exhibition Centre in Singapore. The event will incorporate the Singapore MICE Forum (SMF), in association with the Singapore Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers Association (SACEOS), which will take place on April 4th 2022.

 

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