Through interactive sessions, knowledge sharing and
play, the Association Leaders’ Forum at IBTM World will explore the major issues
currently plaguing the association world.
Attendees will get the opportunity to participate in
the sharing of case studies, interactive sessions and round table discussions themed
around sustainability, diversity and inclusion, socioeconomic instability,
wellbeing, and creativity. There will also be opportunities to discuss how
associations can leverage these challenges to increase the
impact of their future events.
The programme will also
encourage association professionals to harness the power of play through its partnership
with MeetDenmark. Utilising the colourful little bricks, Lego Serious Play
sessions aim to get delegates sharing ideas and learning what in-person events
of purpose-driven organisations will look like in the future.
The Association Leaders’ Forum has been curated by
international association consultant, Stylianos Filopoulos and will take place
at Fira Barcelona on 28 November, a day before the main IBTM World event kicks
off.
“The Association
Leaders’ Forum is a cultural melting pot, where association leaders from around
the world come together in the forum’s safe space, to exchange best practices
and learn from each other,” said Stylianos Filopoulos.
“This year we take a
step forward and transform the forum to an innovation lab, where people will
listen to amazing stories from thought leaders, and they will have the
chance to experience innovative event formats.
“We will discuss
trending topics from wellbeing to diversity and from rising costs to new
business models and we will try to see how events can build legacies in fluid
and uncertain times. Be ready for some serious play.”
Another highlights of the
Forum is the Presidents’ Talk, which will open the programme and bring together
all five Association Executive Society leaders. This interactive session is an
opportunity for association professionals to hear how different global
associations innovated and solved problems in the design and delivery of their
own international events, as well as a chance to discover different cultures
and celebrate diversity and points of convergence.
Michelle Mason, American
Society of Association Executives President / CEO, said: “There
is tremendous need for knowledge-sharing and collaboration on the common issues
and challenges we’re facing as a global sector, and the more we dialogue with
each other at innovative conferences like IBTM World, the better we’ll be
prepared to advance this diverse and vibrant community.”
IBTM World 2022 will
focus on culture creation as its theme, bringing together attendees to discover
how modern business challenges are creating opportunities across the industry,
and exploring the convergence of events and business culture. The theme of 'culture creation' will permeate
the event, from the tailored association programme to the inspirational
Knowledge Programme and networking events.
A desire to travel led Holly Patrick to the business meetings and events world and she’s never looked back. Holly takes a particular interest in event sustainability and creating a diverse and inclusive industry. When she’s not working, she can be found rolling skating along Brighton seafront listening to an eclectic playlist, featuring the likes of Patti Smith, Sean Paul, and Arooj Aftab.
