IBTM World Unveils Dr Eliza Filby Keynote on AI, Society and the Future of Human Behaviour
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To kick off its November program, IBTM World will feature historian of the present and award-winning author, Dr. Eliza Filby, as its opening keynote speaker. Dr. Filby will discuss the most recent social and economic changes and their impact on different generations and how technology has altered our day-to-day lives. Dr. Filby’s session is titled, “Now and Next: Understanding People in a Changing World,” and will cover the impact of artificial intelligence on our ability to connect with one another, the kind of experiences people expect and how quickly people’s expectations change. She will cover all of this in the context of what the future of experiences may look like around the globe.
Filby will take the stage on Tuesday 17 November at 09:00 to deliver her keynote, “Now and Next: Understanding People in a Changing World”, exploring how global disruption is transforming human behaviour, connections and expectations.
The session will examine the impact of major forces influencing today’s world, including geopolitical uncertainty, economic change, artificial intelligence, demographic transformation and evolving generational attitudes. Filby will analyse how these shifts are affecting the way people interact, work, consume information and engage with organisations, offering IBTM World audiences valuable insights into the audiences of tomorrow.
Her keynote will provide a broader perspective on the trends shaping future behaviour and highlight the importance of understanding changing expectations in an era of continuous transformation.
Filby is the author of three books, including Inheritocracy: It’s Time to Talk About the Bank of Mum and Dad, which explores how family wealth and inheritance are influencing opportunity, social mobility and the experience of adulthood. She is also the founder of All Relative, an organisation that works with businesses worldwide to navigate major changes in work, wealth and society.
Her expertise has supported collaborations with global organisations including Google, PwC, UBS, Pictet and Aviva, with her research and advisory work covering generational change, artificial intelligence, the future of work, longevity, family wealth and evolving consumer behaviour.
A holder of a PhD in contemporary history from the University of Warwick, Filby has taught at King’s College London and Renmin University in Beijing. She has delivered international lectures, including at Harvard Law School, and contributes a fortnightly money column to The Times.
Through her unique combination of historical research, social analysis and future-focused thinking, Filby’s opening keynote at IBTM World will provide attendees with valuable perspectives on the forces influencing people, businesses and global communities.
Claudia Hall, Exhibition Director, IBTM World, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Dr Eliza Filby to IBTM World as our opening keynote speaker. Dr Eliza has a fantastic ability to make sense of the big changes happening in society and explain what they mean for people and businesses. At a time when our industry is adapting to rapid technological change and shifting expectations, her perspective will give our audience a chance to step back and look at the bigger picture.”
Dr Filby added: “As technology becomes more embedded in our lives, the value of bringing people together will only grow. Events create something profoundly human: the chance to meet, exchange ideas, build trust and belong. I’m delighted to be opening IBTM World and exploring what human connection will mean for the generations coming next.”
IBTM World will also feature a diverse line-up of influential speakers on its Main Stage, bringing together expertise from leadership, technology, experience design and human behaviour to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping the global events industry.
Lieutenant Colonel James Shaw LVO will share insights from his role in planning and delivering the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, one of the most widely viewed events in history. His session will examine the importance of precision, preparation and decision-making when managing occasions where there is no margin for error. The discussion will highlight how lessons from high-pressure operations can be applied to business strategy, event management and large-scale experiences.
Megan Henshall, Head of Partnership Strategy, Workplace Experience at Google, will join Al Turner, Managing Director of Eight PR and Marketing, to discuss insights from this year’s IBTM Trends Report, Disruption to Belonging in the New World of Experience. The session will explore how organisations can create stronger human connections during periods of rapid transformation, with a focus on artificial intelligence, global economic changes and shifting demographics.
Drawing on her experience across design, human behaviour and workplace innovation, Henshall will examine how thoughtfully created experiences can help people adapt to change while supporting engagement, connection and belonging.
Adding a creative and interactive dimension to the Main Stage programme, therapist and DJ Hesta Prynn will explore the influence of music on confidence, mindset and emotional preparation. Her session will look at how sound and rhythm can help individuals feel more energised and ready before important moments.
The event is expected to welcome more than 12,000 event professionals and 2,500 exhibitors at IBTM World 2026, creating a global meeting point for industry leaders, event specialists, technology providers, creative partners, experiential experts, innovators and hospitality brands.
Across three days, the event will provide opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, business meetings and discussions focused on the future direction of the international events industry.
