This year The Business of Events has helped curate content for the destination stream on the Impact Stage at IBTM World, which takes place in Barcelona from 28th to 30th of November 2023. The sessions have been curated with advocacy in mind, and we’ll showcase what work is being done to drive business events forwards to arrange of initiatives.
You can download and save your copy of the Impact Stage Agenda by clicking here.
Martin Fullard, Director, News & Content, said: “The stage will feature thought-provoking discussions, insightful panels, and engaging presentations led by industry experts, all contributing to the collective effort of enhancing the impact of events on destinations worldwide.
“To work with IBTM World is vital for us to continue our work, and we are delighted to be able to collaborate to populate the Impact Stage in Barcelona. We have a stellar line-up of speakers and contributors will look forward to engaging with IBTM’s delegates.”
Below are the sessions in which The Business of Events is involved.
Register to attend IBTM World here.
Tuesday 28th November
Wales: When Major Venues and Destinations Work Together
12:30 – 12:50
Join Ian Edwards, CEO of ICC Wales and Celtic Manor, as he shares his expertise on the transformative power of major venues in positioning Wales as a world-class destination for business events. Discover the strategies and success stories that have reshaped the landscape of Welsh tourism and the business events industry.
Key Discussion Points:
The Evolution of ICC Wales and Celtic Manor: Learn how a major venue can evolve and adapt to meet the dynamic demands of the business events sector, catalyzing growth and development.
A Destination’s Secret Weapon: Understand how major venues can serve as a destination’s secret weapon, drawing international attention and attracting high-profile events.
Collaboration and Synergy: Explore the crucial role of collaboration between major venues and destination marketing organizations in driving economic impact and tourism growth.
Case Studies in Success: Dive into real-world examples of how ICC Wales and Celtic Manor have leveraged their event venue assets to host significant business events and elevate Wales on the global stage.
Sustainable Growth: Delve into the sustainable practices and responsible tourism initiatives that contribute to the long-term success of both major venues and their partnering destinations.
The Business of Events: Global Destination Report
13:00 – 13:20
The Business of Events: Global Destination Report in partnership with Meet in Ireland was commissioned by brand communications agency Davies Tanner and researcher SFA Connect to establish how the industry has changed in the last 12 months.
The research focuses on funding, sentiment, and legacy, with the objective to demonstrate to governments and policymakers the benefits of having a strong and supported business events sector.
This session will include the exclusive launch of the report and discussed by leading destination experts, including Tourism Ireland’s David Boyce and SFA Connect’s Sarah Fleming.
Building Bridges – How Do You Drive The Long-Term Impact of International Conferences in a Destination? (Hosted by Antwerp CVB)
13:30 – 13:50
Do you want to create a lasting impact with your conference but you don’t know where to start or create a long-term plan? Get inspired by our speakers, who are experts on how to create a long-lasting meaningful impact with conferences. Join us for a lively and enlightening debate and be the driving force for a lasting impact.
Speakers include: Gemmeke de Jongh, International Association Expert, Visit Flanders, Jan Van den Broeck, Head of PCO and DMC, Event Masters and Dominique Jansen, Sales, Antwerp Convention Bureau
Impact of Conference Ambassador Recognition (Hosted by Failte Ireland)
14:00 – 14:20
This session will provide an overview of the Conference Ambassador Recognition Awards (CARA), which acknowledge leaders in Fáilte Ireland Ireland’s Conference Ambassador network, promoting innovation and excellence in tourism. For 2023, we introduced two new awards: Social Impact and Sustainability Spotlight, which highlight conferences contributing to positive economic, social, and environmental legacies. Our discussion will emphasise the importance of recognising conferences that create a positive impact on destinations.
Future Meeting Space – Redefining Event Attendance (Hosted by German Convention Bureau)
14:30 – 14:50
The world of events has been transformed in recent years by multi-layered challenges – this also affects the reasons why people attend business events in the first place. In its research focus “Redefining Event Attendance”, the Innovation Network 2022 has therefore looked at the changing motivation for event attendance and business travel from the participants’ point of view.
The Future Meeting Space Innovation Network was founded in 2015 by the GCB German Convention Bureau e.V. and the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO. The central goal of the initiative is to strengthen the role of business events as a driver of innovation and an essential instrument of corporate communication.
Speaker: Matthias Schultze, Managing Director, GCB German Convention Bureau e.V
Wednesday 29th November
Sustainable Aviation Fuel: Managing Emissions for More Sustainable Meetings
11:00 – 11:20
Sustainable Aviation Fuel: managing emissions for more sustainable meetings
This conference session will explore Amex Global Business Travel’s (GBT) significant role in promoting environmentally responsible business travel, including the scaling of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) alongside clients.
This discussion is particularly relevant to business meeting managers and the global meetings industry. We’ll delve into the challenges corporations face in reducing emissions from air travel, GBT’s support in achieving sustainability, SAF’s role in decarbonising aviation, and the importance of collaboration across the aviation value chain and destinations.
Join us on this journey towards a greener future for business meetings and travel.
Martin Fullard will speak to AMEX’s Nicole Sautter.
Thursday 30th November
ICCA Advocacy Alliance: How Destinations Can Make a Difference
12:00 – 12:20
The Business of Events, an independent Think tank for the global business events sector, and ICCA, are working together to develop the ICCA Advocacy Alliance.
In this session, delegates will hear how this initiative will use advocacy and policy development to increase the profile of the business events sector, increase the volume of international events in their destination and create a stronger business events sector for all.
Speakers include ICCA CEO Senthil Gopinath and Petra Stušek, Managing Director of Ljubljana Tourism.
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