The organizers of IBTM World, which takes place at Fira Barcelona from November 30 – December 2, have announced strong Hosted Buyer recruitment for this year’s edition, with a 1:2 ratio of international to European buyers and 37 percent of Hosted Buyers being new to the portfolio. Of the total, 70 percent are agencies, 20 percent are corporate and 10 percent are association buyers.
As part of this year’s enhanced safety measures, in addition to a three-day diary packed with valuable business meetings, Hosted Buyers will benefit from complimentary medical insurance. This provides an added layer of security to cover any additional accommodation, medical attention or transport expenses back to their country of residence in the event of a positive COVID-19 test during the event. All visitors will be able to purchase PCR testing at the venue should they need to.
Under the theme of “New Business, New Tech, New World,” buyers can attend tailored education sessions in the Knowledge Program, kicked off by three keynote speakers from outside the industry who will lead sessions around four topical 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 also be separate buyer-led Association and Elite Corporate Programs.
David Thompson, event director, says, “We’re so excited to get back to some form of normality where buyers can benefit from our sophisticated appointment system and our extensive education program, as well as the latest cutting-edge technology and high-quality in-person networking events at Fira.
“Despite the travel restrictions, we have a strong international exhibitor mix this year, with several major organizations from the Middle East and North America, alongside robust representation from Europe with stand holders either exhibiting for the first time or returning with even larger stands or more stand sharers after a hiatus. We’re looking forward to welcoming back all buyers to this year’s in-person event.”
So far buyers representing 55 countries have been confirmed, with delegates from globally renowned businesses including: agencies Helmsbriscoe, HPN Global – World, First Incentive Travel, Follow red Branding Experiences, and GPM LiveMarketing GmbH; corporates Engie, Oriflame Cosmetics, Saudi Aramco, Citigroup Inc., BBVA France, Ansell Healthcare Europe, Knauf Gips KG, SAUDI Telecom Company, Ebs, Pfizer, Abbott, Novartis, OP’COM, Donnelly Spire Ltd., Ferronordic, Michelin, General Motors; and International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property -AIPPI-, European Union of Medicine in Assurance and Social Security, China Electronics Chamber of Commerce, Centers for Disease Control, European Society of Cardiology associations.
Commenting on the benefits of attending IBTM World as a Hosted Buyer, Fong Ling Loh, manager, Incentive Travel Unit, AIA Malaysia, commented following her attendance during the last in-person event in 2019: “This is my first time attending IBTM World. I have really enjoyed it; it has been very informative and supportive. As a result of attending this show, I have arranged to make exploratory visits to Sweden, Thailand, Amsterdam, and Korea next year. All the destinations have been promoted very well, and I enjoyed learning about places such as Jordan, Georgia, Estonia, Munich, Croatia and Japan, which I am also interested in exploring.”
New exhibitors confirmed for this year include CVBs of France, Monaco, South Africa, Australia, Germany, Estonia, Valencia, and Istanbul; hotel brands Hilton and Hyatt; DMCs from the United States and Algeria; Manchester City Football Club; Romanian tourist attraction, Salina Turda salt cave; Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority; Melia Hotels & Resorts; Conference Compass; and Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority, among many others.
IBTM is a world-leading showcase for the meetings and events industry with a portfolio of events and products offering business solutions across five continents. The portfolio includes IBTM World, IBTM Africa, IBTM Americas, IBTM Asia Pacific, IBTM Wired and IBTM Connect. For more info, visit www.ibtmevents.com
