IBTM World Barcelona Knowledge Programme revealed

IBTM has announced first details of its Knowledge Programme for IBTM World Barcelona, due to take place at Fira Barcelona from 30 November to 2 December.

Designed to provide tangible learnings and innovative solutions for ibtm attendees in a post-pandemic world, the conference programme includes three keynote speakers, as well as a packed schedule of sessions around four topical themes: Trends and technology; gamification and engagement; the future of event planning (including sustainability, safety and security and government support); and career and personal development.

Keynote speakers are drawn from complementary industries outside of meetings and events, and include expert in digitisation and internationalisation, Alba del Villa Olano. Alba has spoken at more than 20 international conferences and founded and directed several digital projects. A visiting professor at the University of Navarra and consultant for several leading Spanish companies, Alba will discuss how the digitalisation process affects the events industry and offer ideas on how event organisers can adapt to the changing landscape.

On day two of ibtm world, ex-Deutsche Bank and PwC employee and founder and CEO of 1TLC Lions, Gian Power, will present an interactive and educational keynote session on the power of storytelling. Gian will share his inspiring story and explore what he’s learned about happiness and authenticity in the workplace. During this impactful session, attendees will be provided with resources and tips to implement into their own lives, as well as takeaways for their organisations.

On the final day, founder of Wavelength Marketing, Darren Coleman, will explore how event organisers can harness the power of experiences to make their events stand out. With over 20 years’ brand marketing experience spanning both B2B and B2C, keynote speaker Darren has helped organisations such as Orange, Nikon, Standard Life, Pepsi, BUPA, and UK Trade & Investment address a range of brand-related issues.

A further 65 Knowledge Programme sessions will be delivered by a diverse range of expert speakers from organisations including the United Nations Climate Change, LinkedIn, CrowdComms, American Express Meetings and Events, ICCA, VisitScotland, BBC Creative and more.

The programme also includes a specially curated Association Programme which will follow three core themes: inspire, exchange and solve. Designed to spark fresh ideas, encourage peer-to-peer learning and deliver tangible solutions to real issues facing the associations and events sector now, the tailored programme includes case studies, speeches and panel sessions from some of the leading organisations in the association sector.

IBTM Accelerate will return to help answer delegates’ questions on the future of the events industry. Featuring interactive discussion, new ideas and inspirational short talks, IBTM Accelerate will showcase solutions, applications and technologies on specific meetings and events industry challenges. The programme will address issues such as the change in consumer behaviour, the role of technology, sustainability, and the future of the events industry.

In addition, IBTM’s Elite Corporate Programme will explore key insights specifically focused on the needs of corporate Hosted Buyers. Themes include: the future of the meetings experience, re-starting events and evaluating their success, and peer-to-peer learning and insights. This tailored programme of sessions will take place on day two and is supported by American Express Meetings & Events.

IBTM World Barcelona has been granted preferred provider status from the Events Industry Council (EIC) for its Knowledge Programme. This allows delegates to gain Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) points for each education session attended.

David Thompson, Event Director, said: “Alongside quality face-to-face meetings and exciting networking opportunities, we know that knowledge acquisition is a key driver for attendance at IBTM World. Our Knowledge Programme provides access to over 65 expert speakers from a broad range of industries, specially curated to deliver insight, inspiration and fresh ideas on subjects relevant to the events industry now. We are also delighted to confirm that the Knowledge Programme will be fully CMP accredited.”

For more information and to register for the event, please click here.