BARCELONA—RX Global’s recent IBTM World 2022 shattered organizers’ expectations by breaking a key record, hosting more one-to-one business meetings per attendee than in 2019. More than 100,000 business meetings took place and more than 10,000 attendees gathered in Barcelona for the three days of the event on Nov. 29-Dec. 1.
Combined with similar success stories from other industry trade shows, from IMEX America in October to PCMA’s Convening Leaders back in January, it’s strong evidence that—despite economic struggles, visa delays and the conflict in Ukraine—the business events industry is positioned to see an upswing heading into 2023.
More than 2,200 exhibiting companies from 150 countries around the world were on the show floor in Barcelona, including the CVBs of Spain, Ireland, Brussels, Croatia, The Czech Republic, Canada, Malaysia, Jordan, Bahrain, Canada, Miami, Las Vegas and Boston, as well as Meliá Hotels and Barceló Hotels. There were 3,500 corporate and association buyers in the house, from organizations ranging from the European Union of Medicine in Assurance and Social Security to Pfizer to SAUDI Telecom.
Related. IBTM World Optimistic As European Business Events Continue to Rebound
The education program focused on the event’s core theme of culture creation, with sessions on career development, branding and user experiences. In addition, there was the Association Leaders’ Forum Corporate Experiences Day, focusing on the latest technology and sustainability developments in the industry. A preview of the annual IBTM 2023 World Trends Watch report was presented by its author, Alistair Turner, MD of Eight PR, who explored how current world events are shaping culture, and influencing both the events we create and the people that attend them. (Download the report here.)
IBTM has signed a new three-year contract with Barcelona Convention Bureau and Fira de Barcelona, continuing its 18-year relationship; next year’s event will once again be held at Fira Gran Via November 28-30.
“The industry’s recovery post-pandemic has been wonderful to see, and I am delighted that IBTM World 2022 has been able to play such a valuable role in supporting that recovery,” David Thompson, IBTM World Event Director, said. “It is clear that the events industry has the desire, determination and ingenuity to meet challenges head on and find innovative solutions that create new opportunities in a changing global landscape. Despite the many issues facing the world, I have no doubt that the industry will continue to thrive in 2023 as the resilience, adaptability and creativity of the wonderful people who make this industry what it is continues to shine.”
Reach David Thompson at dthompson@reedexpo.co.uk
