IBTM World exceeds 2019 exhibitor levels

Organisers of IBTM World said they have already sold 85% of exhibiting space for this year’s event, with numbers significantly ahead of both this time last year and 2019. With two months still to go until the event opens in Fira, Barcelona on 28 November, organisers said several destinations have increased their presence at the show, with some returning for the first time since the pandemic. Regionally, The Americas has grown extensively year-on-year, with Mexico, Costa Rica and Los Angeles returning for the first time since 2019. From Asia, Jakarta will make its debut, and Hong Kong and Macao are both back with a bigger presence than in previous years. From the MENA region Jordan, Morocco and Abu Dhabi have considerably increased their stand space. This year Morocco has also invested in sponsorship and will host a “special activation” at the event’s Hosted Buyer Lounge. In Europe, Antwerp will have a larger presence than previously alongside its new convention bureau, while France and Paris will take larger stands to promote opportunities around the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris. Barcelona will also be strongly represented, as will London, which will launch a new campaign designed to inspire attendees, as well as a practical guide on ‘How to Do London’, where it will give tips on organising an event after Brexit. The hotel sector will also feature prominently this year, with major international brands attending including Hilton; first-time exhibitor Choice Hotels International; H10 Hotels; and Melia Hotels International. Vasyl Zhygalo, IBTM World portfolio director, said: “The resurgence in exhibitor numbers illustrates the importance of IBTM World in creating a platform for connection and community. “The vast and diverse exhibitor participation represents more opportunities to do business, as well as indicating the robustness of the global business events sector.”