IBTM World 2023: Business roars back in Barcelona

Thursday, November 30, 2023

IBTM World 2023 marked a milestone as its most successful edition to date. With an impressive 132,000 connections forged and a substantial increase in the adoption of advanced lead scanning technology, the event solidified its standing as the premier smart event in the meetings and events industry.

The show welcomed 2,250 exhibitors from over 150 countries, alongside nearly 4,000 buyers. Leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance attendee experiences, IBTM World 2023 introduced the WalkMe guidance tool to its leading matchmaking platform, opened the platform to visitor buyers, and unveiled the innovative Exhibitor Dashboard for real-time assessment of connections’ impact.

Yugashnee Naicker, Group Manager (Sales) at Peermont, expressed the success of the show, noting the quality of buyers and significant returns on investment. The event witnessed the issuance of contracts and the generation of excellent leads within the first two days.

This global trade show celebrated the pivotal role of event professionals in shaping culture and influencing the future of business through the #CultureCreators campaign. Diverse and inclusive ideas, community building, and innovation took center stage, promising a bright future for the events industry.

Yassine Belamine, a Hosted Buyer and Founder of Quantum Corporate, highlighted the event’s consistency in fostering valuable connections leading to substantial business opportunities over the years.

The show’s education program underwent a revamp, introducing new theaters and features to address diverse attendee needs. The Impact Stage, in collaboration with The Business of Events, showcased work in sustainability, D&I, experience, and design. ‘Refuel,’ a hub for well-being, provided a space for relaxation and recharging.

IBTM World 2023 also featured the launch of insightful reports, including the Culture Report exploring the impact of the work-from-home culture on event professionals. The Industry Trends Report delved into shifting demographics, AI’s influence, and the importance of diversity and inclusion.

Looking ahead, IBTM announced the launch of IBTM World Asia-Pacific, scheduled for spring 2025 in Hong Kong. Claudia Hall, IBTM World Event Director, expressed excitement about the successful edition and thanked venue partners Barcelona Convention Bureau and Fira, Barcelona, anticipating another successful event in the coming year.

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