IBTM World presents its new platform for startups: IBTM Ignite
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More than 100 new companies are expected to participate in this program, which will give them the opportunity to showcase their ideas to an audience of approximately 30 advisors from the events industry. To achieve this connection, IBTM Ignite has devised several formats: the Future Stage will host 30 lightning talks by emerging innovators, followed by comments from investors.
This new project is being developed in collaboration with BEFuture, a program dedicated to driving positive change in the business events sector across Europe. IBTM Ignite advisors include Eva López Álvarez from PUNTO MICE; Lori Pugh from MPI (Meeting Professionals International); Max Fellows from Allpoints; Sonia Serracarbassa from Catalunya Convention Bureau/BEFuture; Richard Morris from Active Media Events; and Julius Solaris from Boldpush.
The BEFuture pavilion will offer a dedicated space at the show for start-ups to showcase their products and services to investors. On the second day, the Ignite Lounge will provide an informal setting for one-on-one meetings with investors, with expert advice available on marketing, financial planning, fundraising, and sales.
Claudia Hall, Director of IBTM World Exhibition: “The business events industry is entering a new era of transformation and innovation, and start-ups are leading this change. It is up to us, as an industry, to ensure that they have the platform and resources they need to develop their ideas and connect them with investors and advisors who can help them on their way. Our new IBTM Ignite program does just that. It is a destination for serious business growth, providing a platform for underrepresented voices and creating new opportunities and connections. We are delighted to contribute to driving the future of business events and look forward to seeing what this year’s promotion will achieve.”
Sonia Serracarbassa, from BEFuture and director of the Catalunya Convention Bureau, commented: “At BEFuture, we work to prepare the business events sector for the future, promoting sustainability, inclusion, resilience, and competitiveness through research, innovation, and inter-ecosystem collaboration. Our acceleration program has supported 81 SMEs and start-ups that are at the forefront of this transformation. The collaboration with IBTM Ignite further strengthens this effort, providing these initiatives with the visibility, mentoring, and strategic connections necessary to expand their impact and shape the future of business events.”
