IBTM World evolves every edition. What’s the single biggest shift attendees will notice this year and why did you prioritise it?
Every edition of IBTM World adapts to reflect where our industry is heading – and this year is no different. We’re thrilled to be launching IBTM Ignite – an entirely new programme designed to showcase and support the innovators shaping the future of the business events industry. We’re bringing together more than 80 startups from across the globe, many working in AI, sustainability, talent development and data analytics, to present, pitch and connect directly with investors, industry leaders and potential partners on the show floor.
What makes IBTM Ignite so exciting is that it’s not a commercial initiative; it’s about future-proofing our industry. The events sector is undergoing rapid transformation, and these startups are developing solutions that can help associations and organisers adapt, whether through smarter data use, more sustainable event models or enhanced attendee engagement. By creating a space where startups, investors and event professionals can meet, exchange ideas and explore partnerships, we’re translating research and development into real-world applications in real time – acting as a bridge between innovation and implementation.
Alongside this, we’ve also seen significant growth in our event tech and services area, reflecting an appetite for technology that drives efficiency, creativity and impact. With new exhibitors including Dryfta Event Tools, vFairs, Cvent, and Tron Event Agency, the expanded area offers attendees hands-on access to the tools and suppliers transforming how events are designed and delivered.
Associations, which are Boardroom’s target readers, are under pressure to deliver more with less. What new formats, partnerships, or tools at IBTM World specifically address association needs around community, legacy, and year-round engagement?
These pressures are exactly why we developed the Association Leaders Forum – a dedicated, high-impact programme designed specifically for senior association professionals to access practical tools, formats and partnerships that extend far beyond our annual show.
This year’s forum brings together real-world case studies, provocative debate and expert insight around the theme ‘Beyond Gatherings: Events as part of an Association’s Strategy’. It’s built on the understanding that associations don’t just run events – they build communities, create year-round touchpoints, and generate legacy. You’ll find sessions tailored to help associations think differently about formats, partnerships, and tools that support membership growth, delegate loyalty and sustainable event models.
We want associations to walk away from these sessions not just with inspiration, but with actionable frameworks for ongoing connection: how to map a delegate journey beyond the show-floor; how to leverage content from the event to fuel year-round engagement; and how to turn one-off attendances into community-based programmes.
In short, the Association Leaders Forum acts as the anchor in our conference programme for association-specific challenges – all done with a clear eye on practicality, value and resource-efficiency.
The Association Leaders Forum acts as the anchor in our conference programme for association-specific challenges – all done with a clear eye on practicality, value and resource-efficiency.
Beyond the buzzwords, where will we see AI and data used meaningfully on the show floor or in the knowledge programme – and how are you helping buyers cut through hype to practical adoption?
AI is transforming every aspect of the events industry – from how we plan and deliver, to how we measure and personalise experiences. Its ability to analyse vast data sets, enhance matchmaking, and optimise networking outcomes is extraordinary. But for all its strengths, there’s something it cannot replicate: the human touch. Personal relationships are central to great events, and that’s something we can’t lose sight of. The real opportunity lies in partnership: combining the precision of AI-driven insights with the creativity and empathy that only people can bring.
On the show floor this year, attendees will see that philosophy brought to life. Our AI translation service, powered by Wordly, is being used across multiple theatres to enhance accessibility and inclusivity – with sessions transcribed in real time and translated into more than 60 languages. We’re also piloting a new tool, Rozie, which uses AI to transcribe and summarise the key takeaways from sessions. Attendees can access summaries and highlights via QR codes, enabling them to stay fully engaged during talks without worrying about taking notes.
For buyers and association leaders, we’re conscious of the need to separate hype from real-world application. That’s why our conference programme includes sessions led by technology experts and practitioners who focus on how AI can be adopted in practice. Our opening keynote from Nathalie Nahai, behavioural science advisor and rare polymath, will set the tone by exploring how we can harness technology ethically and effectively, without losing sight of the human behaviours and relationships that underpin meaningful engagement.
Ultimately, our aim is to help event professionals and association leaders use AI and data not just to work smarter, but to deliver more inclusive, impactful, and human-centred events.
Sustainability and DEI are now table stakes. What concrete targets or metrics are you using this year to measure IBTM World’s impact?
At IBTM World, we recognise that sustainability and DEI are integral to how we operate, the value we deliver, and the legacy we leave. This year, we’ve sharpened our focus and will be measuring ourselves against clear metrics to ensure we continue to lead by example.
In alignment with RX Global’s ‘Roadmap to Net Zero’, which commits us to halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050, we’re actively measuring and reducing the show’s carbon footprint. This includes tracking total event emissions, as well as reducing single-use and non-recyclable materials. We’re also measuring the proportion of our supplier and venue spend directed towards partners with strong sustainability credentials, such as those using renewable energy or offering low-carbon logistics solutions.
Beyond environmental metrics, we’re also focused on embedding sustainability throughout our supply chain. Providing a tangible indicator of how deeply sustainability is being adopted across our event ecosystem, this year, we’re tracking the number and proportion of exhibitors, contractors and venues completing our sustainability questionnaire and committing to improvement plans.
We strongly believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation and progress, so this is something that is being championed in everything we do. We’re monitoring the gender balance and diversity of our speaker faculty and moderator panels, with a target to increase representation of under-represented groups year-on-year. We’re also tracking diversity within our hosted buyer and exhibiting communities, aiming to broaden participation from smaller associations, emerging markets, and new regions. In addition, we’re measuring supplier diversity by tracking the percentage of our third-party service providers that are small- or medium-sized enterprises, or from under-represented backgrounds.
At a local level, we’re prioritising investment in Barcelona’s supply chain and workforce, ensuring our event contributes positively to the host community. For us to achieve our ambitions, transparency is essential. We’re committed to publishing a dedicated sustainability and DEI report following the event, benchmarking our results against previous years and sharing key performance indicators publicly. By measuring and reporting our progress, we aim to ensure that IBTM World acts as a tangible driver of positive impact for the business events community we serve.
IBTM World is taking place in Fira Gran Via, Barcelona, from 18 to 20 November 2025.