IBTM has shared a first glimpse of its Trends Report 2025, due to be launched on the first day of its flagship show IBTM World in Barcelona. The report draws attention to the emergence of regions such as the Middle East and Africa, which have both developed significant events infrastructure in recent years, and are now looking for people to power it.
It also highlights the sector’s struggle to match recruitment to demand globally as the industry continues to grow rapidly post-pandemic. To meet these new challenges, IBTM’s report singles out a new type of event professional – one that branches away from the traditional ‘college graduate’ mould. It cites older people looking for a new career or those that enjoy travelling as two areas of the job market where new talent could be found.
The annual report, written by managing director of Eight PR & Marketing, Alistair Turner, will be unveiled on IBTM World’s Main Stage on day one of the show. As well as its focus on talent, the report will delve into trends such as transformationalism, digital rejection, globalisation, the influence of artificial intelligence and the changing workplace.
IBTM World exhibition director Claudia Hall said: “Our Trends Report sets out a comprehensive lay of the land so all event professionals can better understand and navigate the landscape they’re operating in for the year ahead. “As we head into 2025, one thing is clear above all else – it is people that are powering the future potential of the M&E industry.”
For the first time, individual regional reports on Africa, Asia Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East will also be released alongside the main report. IBTM World will run from 19-21 November at Fira Barcelona.
