IBTM Ignite, a programme connecting investors with the next generation of businesses shaping the future of the events industry, is set to return in November to IBTM World for 2026 with a fresh line up of investors and start-ups.
Delivered in partnership with growth consultancy and M&A specialist allpoints, Ignite combines investment-ready support, live pitching and structured introductions with access to the IBTM World community.
Running across the three days of IBTM World 2026, IBTM Ignite will take place on the show floor at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona, 17-19 November 2026.
Organisers expect 15 investors to attend IBTM Ignite, including Alex Martinez, Investor, Altb2b, bringing experience, networks and investment insight to a curated cohort of emerging businesses.
The challenge of turning a promising idea into a sustainable business remains tough. Just 38.4% of UK businesses started in 2019 survived five years.*
Since its launch, Ignite has already helped participating businesses secure £3.5m in investment. This year it expects to showcase at least 30 qualified start-ups, building on a debut year that saw more than 80 start-ups apply.
Selected Ignite founders will receive investment-readiness training before taking to IBTM World’s Future Stage to pitch live, with investors and audiences responding in real time. The Ignite Lounge will create a dedicated space for investors and emerging businesses to continue those conversations, followed by structured meetings within three to four weeks of the show. New for 2026, the Investors’ Choice Award will be judged across the three days by the investor cohort, with the winner announced on day three.
Max Fellows, founder and CEO of allpoints said: “Ignite’s first year proved there’s real appetite for this. It has never been harder to launch and scale a business within the events industry, but through Ignite, we are creating a unique opportunity for start-ups and scale-ups to not only get incubated and developed, but receive expert feedback, build relationships with active investors and, where there is the right fit, access investment of between £50-£250k.”
Claudia Hall, exhibition director, IBTM World, said: “IBTM Ignite is a truly special programme for us because it brings the people and ideas that will shape the future of our industry into one place. In partnership with allpoints, we’re building on the foundations of last year with a more ambitious programme, bringing together an exceptional cohort of event start-ups and scale-ups with investors, buyers and industry leaders.
“We want to give the next generation of event businesses the opportunity to be seen, heard and backed. Ignite creates the conversations and connections that can turn great ideas into real opportunities – helping promising businesses grow and our industry move forward.”
Register to attend the event here.
*Source: Office for National Statistics, Business Demography, latest five-year survival data.
