Organisers make final call for industry’s Culture Creators ahead of IBTM World 2023 opening

Global meetings industry event, IBTM World 2023, takes place 28-30 November in Barcelona with organisers revealing that 4,700 approved buyers from 110 countries are due to attend the Fira. Organisers add that 60,000 pre-scheduled appointments have been made via their matchmaking platform in the past week. IBTM World has promoted its #culturecreators campaign for this year, placing additional emphasis on empowering events professionals to forge communities, make valuable connections, design incredible experiences, and create culture with their own events. A new ‘Culture Creators Report’ will be launched on Day 3 (30 November) at 12.30 and is designed, organisers say, as a global temperature check for the meetings and events industry. The report was compiled using comprehensive industry case studies and surveys and will be discussed on the Main Stage during a panel discussion with representatives from Forbes and Sportradar. The IBTM World Trends report 2024 will also be revealed at the show, and is expected to tackle some of the most important issues of our time, including sustainability, technology, personalisation, diversity and inclusion and the emergence of AI. Alistair Turner will bring his findings to life through multiple sessions on the Main Stage throughout the week. The education programme will this year feature several new-look stages and themes and there will be eminent keynotes from within and outside of the industry to kick-off each day. Speakers include Maria Teixidor – the first woman to hold the position of Board of Directors secretary at Barcelona FC – on Day 1; Lars Silberbaur – who on Day 2 will share his experience in building cultural legacies at Lego, MTV & the Olympics; and Day 3’s keynote will be a conversation between CEO of Braindate, Christine Renaud, and industry influencer, Julius Solaris. IBTM World will also offer networking opportunities, including the Welcome Party, which takes place within the venue at the end of Day 1. This year i, will this year celebrate Barcelona’s waterfront and beaches, with installations, entertainment, a live band, and a ‘sea to table’ menu. Networking Hour will see the show floor come to life with culture and festivities at the end Day 2, with hospitality planned from Denmark, Paris, Aruba, Hong Kong, Canada, Croatia, Malaysia, and many others. Club Night will this year return to Opium on the evening of Day 2. IBTM badge holders receive free entry to the club until 2am. Claudia Hall, IBTM World event director, said: “I’m hugely excited for IBTM World next week. The team has designed a thoughtful, impactful, and inspirational programme of sessions and events, and worked hard to bring together thousands of quality buyers and suppliers, for three days of productive business meetings and connections. I’m looking forward to my first IBTM World as event director, and I hope to meet as many people as possible on the show floor and in our networking events throughout the week.” Visitor and press registration is still open for IBTM World 2023. Register before 27 November to avoid the onsite registration fee.