IBTM World 2026 in Barcelona to Connect 30 Event Start-ups with Investors and Industry Leaders

The IBTM World 2026 in Barcelona will connect 30 event start-ups with investors and industry leaders through the returning IBTM Ignite programme. Taking place from 17 to 19 November, the initiative will support emerging businesses, encourage artificial intelligence innovation and create new opportunities for investment across the global meetings and events industry.

IBTM Ignite Returns to Support Business Growth

IBTM Ignite will return to IBTM World 2026 with a renewed focus on helping young businesses secure funding, develop partnerships and expand their commercial reach.

The programme, delivered in partnership with growth consultancy and mergers and acquisitions specialist allpoints, combines investment preparation, live business pitching and structured introductions to investors.

According to the organisers, participating businesses have secured £3.5 million in investment through the initiative to date.

This achievement highlights the growing importance of dedicated investment platforms within the international meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions sector.

For emerging companies, access to experienced investors and established industry professionals can provide valuable support during the early stages of business development.

Thirty Start-ups to Showcase New Industry Solutions

The 2026 programme will feature 30 qualified start-ups developing products and services designed to address challenges across the events industry.

Among the participating businesses are Always Friday and KNO Events, two technology companies focusing on improving event planning and operational efficiency.

Gianluca Sordano, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Always Friday, believes corporate event management has not evolved as quickly as other technology-driven services.

His company combines artificial intelligence, digital tools and professional event expertise to simplify the organisation of corporate gatherings.

The platform allows businesses to manage events independently or receive comprehensive planning support.

Artificial intelligence assists with researching venues, managing enquiries, coordinating stakeholders and completing administrative tasks.

Always Friday also aims to help venues identify suitable business opportunities and manage enquiries that cannot be accommodated directly.

The company will make its first public demonstration at IBTM World 2026.

KNO Events Focuses on Smarter Event Operations

KNO Events, founded by Shelby Crisan, addresses another major challenge facing professional event organisers.

Despite significant advances in attendee experiences, many event teams continue to depend on spreadsheets, email conversations and disconnected software systems.

Drawing on 20 years of event production experience, Crisan developed KNO Events to improve how organisers manage complex operational information.

The platform focuses on integrating event budgets, accommodation room blocks, catering requirements, contracted venues and supplier arrangements.

Its objective is to provide planners with a clearer understanding of their event portfolios while identifying operational issues requiring attention.

Both companies demonstrate how emerging technology businesses are seeking to modernise established industry practices.

Their participation also reflects growing interest in artificial intelligence as a tool for improving productivity and decision-making.

More Than Fifteen Investors Expected to Participate

Investment access will remain a central feature of IBTM Ignite.

More than 15 investors are expected to participate, providing emerging companies with opportunities to discuss funding, business models and expansion strategies.

Claire Grecian, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Circle Agency, is among the experienced industry investors involved.

Grecian believes innovative businesses need access to capital, mentorship and greater industry visibility.

She also sees artificial intelligence as an important technology for improving event planning, personalisation, accessibility and operational performance.

However, she emphasises that technology should support the fundamental purpose of live events: bringing people together.

For start-up founders, investment can accelerate product development, recruitment and entry into new markets.

Equally important are the commercial relationships and strategic guidance that experienced investors can provide.

Live Pitching to Create Commercial Opportunities

Selected founders will receive investment-readiness training before presenting their businesses on IBTM World’s Future Stage.

The live pitching sessions will allow investors and industry audiences to provide immediate feedback.

This process is designed to help entrepreneurs communicate their business models, explain market opportunities and strengthen their growth strategies.

For Always Friday, the programme offers an opportunity to demonstrate its technology to corporate buyers, venues, agencies and suppliers.

For KNO Events, it provides access to professionals who understand the operational challenges its platform aims to solve.

These interactions could lead to customer relationships, technology partnerships and future investment discussions.

The programme also provides investors with direct access to businesses developing solutions for the international events market.

Barcelona to Host Three Days of Industry Innovation

IBTM Ignite will operate throughout all three days of IBTM World 2026 at Fira Gran Via from 17 to 19 November.

The Barcelona exhibition will bring together meetings and events professionals, technology providers, corporate buyers and emerging entrepreneurs.

By combining industry networking with investment opportunities, IBTM Ignite aims to help innovative companies move beyond early development towards commercial expansion.

Its return also underlines the importance of technology investment, operational efficiency and entrepreneurship in shaping the future of business events.

For the wider travel and tourism industry, successful event technology businesses could support more efficient meetings, stronger venue partnerships and improved services for international corporate travellers.

IBTM World 2026 in Barcelona will connect 30 event start-ups with investors and industry leaders, strengthening opportunities for innovation and business growth. With £3.5 million in investment secured through previous participation, IBTM Ignite will support emerging technologies, encourage commercial partnerships and advance the international meetings and events industry.