Organisers RX Global have opened registration for meetings and events industry show IBTM World 2026. It will take place this year at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona, 17-19 November and have a main focus theme of ‘The Age of Disruption’, designed to reflect the pressures shaping the industry today, including rapid AI adoption, tighter budgets, rising attendee expectations and increasing demand to demonstrate event ROI.
Event planners will have the opportunity to get hands-on with the tools and technologies shaping the future of events at this year’s show. They’ll test AI in real-world scenarios, compare event technology side by side, meet suppliers solving the same challenges and learn directly from peers navigating the same pressures.
There will be a dedicated Event Tech and Services zone and ‘AI for Events – Demo Day LIVE’, delivered in partnership with Boldpush, will give attendees the chance to see how AI is already transforming event planning through a series of live demonstrations.
The IBTM Ignite start-up showcase will return in 2026, giving attendees early access to emerging companies developing new approaches to event planning, delivery and measurement.
The conference programme has been redesigned around the challenges event planners are dealing with.
Sessions will include looking at the next generation of event spaces and how they are evolving to meet changing needs, and will explore sustainability, tech integration, accessibility and the infrastructure powering the events of the next decade.
Claudia Hall, exhibition director, IBTM World, said: “IBTM World has always been about doing business and intentional networking, but today’s industry is looking for much more than a traditional exhibition. We’re continually evolving the event to deliver richer experiences and more immersive, engaging environments that reflect the realities of our changing industry. Our role is to create an environment where event professionals can step away from the day-to-day, exchange ideas, discover new approaches and return with fresh thinking that makes a real difference. That’s what we are building for IBTM World 2026.”
Register to attend the event here.
