IBTM WORLD 2016 – INDUSTRY LED CONFERENCE PROGRAMME LAUNCHED

• ACS KNOWLEDGE VILLAGE TO PROVIDE BACK-TO-BACK 
• SESSIONS ON THE SHOW FLOOR

Created by the industry for the industry is the theme of this year’s ibtm world 2016 education programme following ten months of consultation and research with international buyers and suppliers.

Set to take place in the ACS Knowledge Village from the first day of the event in Barcelona this November (www.ibtmworld.com) the sessions will provide interactive workshops, high-level debates, game-changing topics and presentations on global issues that affect the industry right now and in the future.

ibtm world Senior Exhibition Director, Graeme Barnett outlined why the research was necessary: “As the leading international event that really closes one year to the next, we want the industry to lead the way for this year’s programme as there are so many topics which clearly affect their business lives on a day to day basis. We have now aggregated that research and have created an innovative, immersive conference programme inspired by those who will be attending ibtm world 2016.”

Rurring themes from the research identified the following topics:

1. Safety, Security and Risk Management – in today’s turbulent world, crisis management, security issues and safety topics are high on the industry agenda.
2. Innovation, Disruption & Technology – what is shaking up the sector? Emerging technologies, how can new technology better affect? the client experience will become sessions.
3. Professional Development/Staff recruitment and retention – issues relating to work/life balance, how to retain quality staff, inspirational leadership techniques form the agenda
4. Client Engagement – social media, case studies, networking tools and marketing feature in this theme.
5. The impact of Brexit on the meetings industry – this will be addressed from many sides, both facing Europe and the UK as well as implications for others around the world. 

This year’s ibtm world Industry Trends Watch Report will once again, be delivered by Rob Davidson, Managing Director MICE Knowledge, on the opening morning of the show.

“Rob’s session is the industry’s annual opportunity to take away trends, facts and stats from an international perspective. So popular, he will deliver it twice so that all attendees including exhibitors get a chance to hear from the expert at the end of this year how the MICE industry looks heading into 2017”, added Barnett.

The industry research applauded ibtm world for bringing the ACS Knowledge Village to the show floor for the first time last year, so once again it will be in the same position, with a new look and feel and once again showcasing the ultimate in meetings design, to be unveiled online at www.ibtmworld.com over the coming weeks.

“Both suppliers and buyers asked that the sessions not only address their business issues but are also available to them to drop in between their own appointment schedules. Locating the theatres on the show floor gives them easy accessibility.” added Barnett.