Leaders Forum returns to IBTM World, which runs from 17 to 19 November 2026 at Fira Barcelona Gran Via, and this year’s edition takes place on the afternoon of Tuesday 17 November.
No traditional conference
Developed in collaboration with the European Society of Association Executives (ESAE), a long-standing partner of Boardroom, it carries the theme “Navigating Risks while Amplifying Value: Rethinking Association Strategies.”
The programme starts from the questions that keep association leaders awake right now: financial resilience and revenue diversification, member engagement, rising costs and geopolitical uncertainty. And it is not a traditional conference with a row of presentations. Short expert insights and lightning presentations open each topic, then the room gets to work, in facilitated group discussions and workshops, with groups reporting back at the end. Delegates contribute, learn from one another and leave with solutions they can apply in their own organisations.
They will be in good hands. The sessions are hosted by Strategic Event Host Magali Minet and Olivier Nussbaum, Managing Director of Brussels Booking Desk and Co-Chair of the Event Management Community within ESAE, who will guide the discussions and keep each one focused on practical outcomes.
What it will be about
Risk is on everyone’s agenda, so it is only natural that a good part of the afternoon is dedicated to it. Risk Mitigation in Practice will look at the risks associations face in their operations, finances and events, from geopolitical uncertainty to rising costs. Participants identify the ones that matter most to their own organisations and compare the mitigation measures that have worked for others.
Strategies to Increase Value and Achieve Resilience then turns from defence to growth. It looks at new business models and sources of revenue, and at ways to raise the value delivered to members, as a way of making the organisation more resilient.
The afternoon closes with networking drinks, a chance to continue the conversation with senior association leaders from around the world.
The Association Leaders Forum is open to Hosted Buyers and Visitor Buyers. Interested? Visit this website.