IBTM world (formerly known as EIBTM) is the flagship event of the ibtm events portfolio and is the leading exhibition for the meetings industry. Held in the Spanish city of Barcelona, the three-day event (November 29 to December 1 this year) delivers a focused business environment, innovative and cutting edge educations sessions and a range of networking opportunities for exhibitors, hosted buyers and trade visitors.
We spoke to Graeme Barnett, senior exhibitions director, Reed Travel Exhibitions, for more:
Why Barcelona?
The decision to relocate to Barcelona 13 years ago was done with the incredible support from Barcelona Convention Bureau and the venue Fira de Barcelona, we could not have evolved and grown the show without their continued support, we have been very fortunate to find such great partners for our show.
How many new exhibitors will be present at the show this year and how many hosted buyers?
The show continues to reflect the incredible developments within the meetings industry, whether this is the new world class sporting venues and conventions centres or event technology there is always something new to see at the show.
Last year, we had over 15,000 meeting professionals attend the show the show and this year we are on track to deliver as similar number, the hosted buyer programme delivered nearly 4,000 international buyers who generated over 80,000 appointments over the three days of the show with exhibitors, which is a phenomenal amount of potential business.
What are the latest trends you have observed in the meetings and incentives segment?
It has been interesting looking at the changing trends and innovations within the meetings industry, I think technology will always play a huge part in defining the future of how events are both organised as well as enhancing the experience of delegates during events, the Technology Village at ibtm World has grown substantially and reflects the need for both organisers and attendees to stay up to date with what is new in the technology marketplace. There has also been a huge increase in the developments of meetings design, from the concept and psychology behind the design of the content through to the actual feel and look of new dynamic learning environments.
What else is new at ibtm world?
The 2016 edition of ibtm World will see some exciting developments for both the hosted buyers and the exhibitors, we will be introducing a new app, which will allow all the exhibitors to capture all their leads and contacts from the show which gives them a much more comprehensive way of tracking visitors to their stand.
Another innovation we are introducing for our hosted buyers, for the first time, will be able to take part in a matchmaking system that will provide tailored recommendations of suppliers that they could meet with, based on information provided about their business objectives at the time of registration. This matchmaking service has the potential to provide new meetings that had not been considered prior to receiving personalised recommendations.
We continue to look at ways in which we can showcase new technology and the evolution of the Innovation Zone creates a dynamic area where attendees can look, try and sample new gadgets and technology that can enhance your event. The winner and the top 10 of the Tech and Innovation Watch Awards will be showcasing their products in the Innovation Zone. We will be covering technology as a topic within the knowledge programme.