IBTM
World has revealed the first details of its 2023
conference programme.
The programme aims to highlight how a culture of inclusion and diversity is the key to achieving better business results by giving a platform to voices from as many different backgrounds, perspectives, and identities as possible.
The first
keynote speaker, Maria Teixidor, will lead the way on the Main Stage
with a fireside address on the first day of the show titled ‘Beyond the Pitch: Maria Teixidor Unveils the Playbook for
Leadership, Culture, and Equality at Barcelona FC’.
Teixidor will share
her personal experience as a woman within one of the world’s most renowned
men’s football clubs. As a previous member of the board of directors of
Barcelona FC, and the first woman to hold the position of board of directors' secretary, she will share insights into the
multifaceted world of football leadership, delving into the strategies and
values that underpin the creation of a thriving team culture and a devoted fan
base.
Other programme highlights include Ellie
Middleton, an autistic and ADHD speaker, writer and creator. Middleton was diagnosed with both autism and ADHD
at the age of 24, and since then, she has gone on to build an audience of almost
400,000 people online, write her first book with Penguin Life, and work with
global brands like Disney, Google, Samsung and LinkedIn to change the narrative
on neurodivergence.
Her
session, titled ‘The future of events: neuro inclusion as a
channel to cultivating belonging’, will see her join a discussion
with representatives from Google and FIRST about embracing neurodiversity when
designing experiences to show how events can truly resonate with all brain
types.
Recognising
that not every attendee accesses content in the same way, this year IBTM World
has launched Workplace Revolution, a space where delegates can
hold conversations in a relaxed, campfire-style
setting.
Speakers
include CEO of equity, diversity and inclusion consultancy SLS 360, Samantha
Stimpson B.Ed MA, who will host a practical workshop, titled "Creating
diverse cultures: why, how, when ...’ Stimpson promises to equip delegates
with the knowledge, tools, and strategies they will need to create these
cultures within their organisations and will demonstrate how such cultures can
drive innovation and boost productivity.
Also at
Workplace Revolution, will be Richard John, C.O.O at Realise Me Ltd, a
specialist events services agency, with his session ‘Diversifying the
Workplace: tapping into the potential of those with learning difficulties’.
Richard will be joined by representatives from Hilton Birmingham Metropole
and The Power of Events, as well as Samantha Stimpson, as they
delve into how hiring people with intellectual disability, or those from
disenfranchised parts of society, can be a meaningful, powerful and beneficial
option for event businesses.
Vasyl Zhygalo,
IBTM World’s portfolio director, said: “This year’s show is all about
illustrating to event professionals their role and influence in shaping
business culture. For this culture to thrive, building an environment of
inclusivity is essential. This is why we’re delighted to be welcoming such a dynamic
range of industry titans to IBTM World 2023.
“Our market-leading conference
programme gives these incredible speakers a platform to share their experiences
and insights with our wonderful delegates, enabling all voices to be heard and
respected, innovation to grow and, consequently, better business results to be
achieved.”
