BARCELONA—IBTM World 2022 is off to a strong start with many exhibitors planning to return for the first time in three years. The program will focus on culture and there will also be some changes to the format of the industry-leading show, which will take place Nov. 29-Dec. 1 at the Fira de Barcelona.
“IBTM World will be hosting 2,500 event destinations, hotels, venues and suppliers as well as 2,500 buyers from over 150 countries, which will see the event grow by over 60% in size compared to 2021,” David Thompson, Event Director, said. “With a total of 10,000 attendees, the show anticipates over 60,000 meaningful one-to-one business meetings to take place over the three days.”
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The flagship Barcelona show will welcome back several exhibitors who are returning for the first time since before the pandemic. Brazil will return to the event after a three-year hiatus, with a 160% increase in its stand compared to 2018. Distant Frontiers, one of India’s largest DMC networks, will also return after a three-year absence. Also in attendance will be convention bureaus ranging from Croatia to Canada, along with various hotels companies, including Meliá Hotels and Barceló Hotels.
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A format change was designed to give buyers time to attend the educational sessions. This year the Corporate Buyer Program and the Association Program will take place on Monday, Nov. 28, the day before the official start of the event. IBTM’s new Cultural Roadshows will showcase how various destinations integrate their cultures into the events they host, and the education and networking events will also reflect the cultural theme.
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“IBTM World is a place where opportunity and connection thrive from creating real, human, cross-team and cross-business cultures,” Thompson said. “We recognize that workplaces around the world have changed, and the office culture of the past has disappeared, so coming to IBTM World will bring back the togetherness, sharing of ideas and engaging with like-minded peers that we all crave. IBTM World is where new business culture thrives.”
Reach David Thompson at dthompson@reedexpo.co.uk
