IBTM World 2018 to tap into Disney magic for creativity stream

IBTM has announced Duncan Wardle, one of the primary creative forces behind The Walt Disney Company, as the first of three keynote speakers lined up for the IBTM World 2018 trade show in Barcelona, 27-29 November. Wardle’s session, ‘Think Different the Disney Way’, will lead the ‘innovation, technology and creativity stream’ of the Knowledge Programme, and will kick-off the schedule on Day 2. He will attempt to show how leveraging creative thinking can generate unexpected business results. Wardle was part of the team that led the delivery of EuroDisney and Disney cruises and he held several roles in the company before being appointed vice-president of Innovation and Creativity. He is now an independent consultant, working with companies such as Coca Cola, Ford and Johnson & Johnson. The full programme of 63 sessions that form this year’s IBTM World Knowledge Programme cover seven topical content themes all aimed at inspiring and educating on the latest industry issues and hot topics.  Shane Hannam, new portfolio director, IBTM, commented: “We’re delighted to announce our first keynote speaker for IBTM World 2018. We look to inspire people with fresh-thinking from outside of the industry, and Duncan really epitomises this. He will give real life examples from his time at Disney, including sharing a toolkit to inspire and different way of thinking to drive change in the culture of a business – something that will be of direct benefit to our customers.” IBTM World has announced new exhibitors including Tourism New Zealand, Plus DMC Group, Standard International Management hotel group and creative technology company Codemodeon. Shane said this year’s event would centred around the theme of technology and how it could enhance every aspect of producing great events.  IBTM’s flagship show at Fira Gran Via Barcelona, IBTM World 2017 saw almost 3,000 exhibiting companies from 150 countries and 3,463 buyers who took part in a total of 74,000 pre-scheduled meetings over the three days. For pictures from IBTM World 2017, click here.