IBTM World is reporting strong sign-up from hosted buyers for this year’s event at Fira Barcelona between 30 November and 2 December.
The event’s organisers have said there is a 1:2 ratio of international to European buyers with 37 per cent of hosted buyers being new to the portfolio. Of the total, 70 per cent are agencies, 20 per cent are corporate and 10 per cent are association buyers.
And hosted buyers attending the event in Barcelona will also receive free medical insurance, providing an added layer of security to their event experience.
The medical insurance will 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.
This year, buyers will also be able to attend tailored education sessions in the Knowledge Programme, 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 Programmes.
IBTM World event director, David Thompson, said: “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 programme, 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 organisations 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.”
Confirmed buyers represent 55 countries with delegates from 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.
For more information and to register for the event, please click here.
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.
