IBTM World 2025 Set to Deliver Its Most Global, Innovative and Future-Focused Edition Yet

IBTM World, the leading international trade show for the meetings and events industry, is preparing to return to Fira de Barcelona from 18–20 November 2025 with one of its most dynamic editions to date.

Building on the momentum of its successful 2024 show, this year’s event will combine record-breaking international exhibitor participation, groundbreaking technological innovation, and a future-focused conference programme that reflects the evolving expectations of the global business events community.

A Surge of New Global Destinations and Exhibitors

The 2025 show floor will welcome a wave of new international destinations, including the Cayman Islands, West Hollywood, and Fiera Milano, alongside debut appearances from Sarajevo and Sofia. After several years’ absence, Kazakhstan’s capital Astana will also return, as do VisitScotland and Buenos Aires. Abercrombie & Kent DMC joins the line-up for the first time, expanding the show’s global DMC representation.

Africa will present its strongest IBTM World showcase in more than a decade, with South Africa, Morocco, Egypt and Rwanda all returning with larger stands. They will be joined by new and returning partners from across the continent, including Rainbow Tourism Group (Zimbabwe), Business Class (Morocco), the Uganda Convention Bureau with 10 partners, and the Tunisia Convention Bureau—participating for the first time in over ten years.

Cruise brands will strengthen their presence too, with Norwegian Cruise Line, City Cruises and Century Cruises making their debut.

The expanded Hotel Pavilion will once again serve as a dedicated platform for both international chains and boutique hotels, with newcomers such as Wyndham Hotels, Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts, The Kimberly Hotel and Impulsive Group joining the offer.

Innovation at the Heart of the 2025 Edition

Reflecting the industry’s accelerating digital transformation, IBTM World 2025 will welcome a significantly expanded Event Tech & Services area, featuring exhibitors such as Cvent, Newhotel Software and vFairs. MESA (Meetings & Events Support Association) also returns with a larger stand and an expanded group of suppliers.

This focus on innovation will come to life on the Future Stage, where the world’s most advanced humanoid robot, Ameca, will make her IBTM World debut. Designed by Engineered Arts and powered by the WAIYS AI platform, Ameca will join industry thought leader Julius Solaris for a live session exploring the future of human–AI interaction and the provocative question: “Is AI ready to take over events?”

People. Power. Potential. — A Conference Programme for a New Era

More than 12,000 event professionals are expected to attend the 2025 edition, centred around the theme People. Power. Potential. Keynote speakers include renowned behavioural science expert Nathalie Nahai, influential author and experience economy pioneer B. Joseph Pine II, and high-performance strategist David Osgathorp.

The conference programme will span Event Tech & Innovation, Insights & Trends, Experience Design and Engagement, Sustainable Impact, Purpose and Wellbeing, Brand and Marketing, and Next-Gen Talent.

To support emerging innovators, IBTM World has launched IBTM Ignite, giving over 80 start-ups the opportunity to pitch their solutions to industry leaders and investors across sectors including sustainability, event tech and inclusive talent sourcing.

Returning for its second year, the Forum for Advocacy will unite global policymakers and senior leaders to champion the economic and societal impact of business events. Meanwhile, Exceptional Experiences brings together leading companies such as WeTransfer, Canva, Shutterstock, Amazon and UTA to showcase transformative tools for event design and engagement.

Unmatched Global Reach and Business Opportunities

This year’s edition will welcome nearly 2,479 exhibitors from more than 140 countries, with pre-booked meetings already surpassing 78,000, reinforcing IBTM World’s position as the most efficient place to generate a year’s worth of business connections in just three days.

Claudia Hall, IBTM World Exhibition Director, said: “IBTM World has always been a launchpad for new ideas, but this year we’re taking an even bolder step into the future. From exploring human–AI interaction on our Future Stage to welcoming trailblazing start-ups through IBTM Ignite, our 2025 edition is all about unlocking the potential of what comes next for our industry.”

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