ibtm world: What the meetings industry needs

The MICE industry is converging on Barcelona again from 29 November to 1 December. Over 9,000 visitors can look forward to a comprehensive programme of events as well as all the destinations’ stands.

The hub for professional exchanges at ibtm world is the ACS Knowledge Village. There will be interactive workshops, discussions and presentations focusing on pressing issues of concern to event planners who operate internationally and indeed to the entire MICE sector, both now and in the future. The creators of the knowledge village are keen to emphasise the particular approach they took to shaping the content in the education programme. The programme was developed “out of the industry for the industry”, they say, which involved ten months of discussions and research activities with international buyers and providers. The hot topics to be addressed include security and risk management, innovation and technology, HR development and recruitment, customer retention – and in the light of recent events: the impact of Brexit on the MICE industry.

Industry expert Rob Davidson is making two appearances at the fair. The name of his company fits the occasion like a glove: Mice Knowledge. Davidson will be presenting this year’s Trends Watch report on the first and second days of the fair, illustrating what a highly eventful year 2016 has been, characterised by economic and geopolitical upheavals. Brexit undoubtedly did most to shake public confidence, but it was by no means the only such factor. The report presents the key figures for the MICE industry and forecasts demand for the coming year. In addition, the performance of important business sectors that are key sources of corporate events is analysed: the automotive industry, information technology, construction, pharmaceuticals and financial services. Other core elements of ibtm world include the Innovation Zone and the Technology & Services Zone, where providers will be presenting their solutions to the coming challenges in the meetings industry. 

New this year is the hotel pavilion, the aim of which is to enable smaller hotels, in particular, to exhibit at the fair. To this end, there are furnished, ready-made stands available in custom sizes with electricity provided. The exhibitors also receive a schedule containing prearranged meetings with hosted buyers. The presence of these additional exhibitors meets the needs of trade fair visitors who want to see new offerings from the hotel industry. Participating in the welcome reception is another promising way to make new business contacts. The reception takes place on 29 November. A particular highlight this year is a focus on Barcelona and the Catalan cuisine. Guests at the reception will be able to experiences this Catalan theme in a variety of ways. There will be a number of different areas and activities focusing on Catalan products, people and places (www.ibtmworld.com).