Barcelona, Spain | November 17–19, 2026: IBTM World 2026, part of RX Global, is set to return to Fira Gran Via, Barcelona, from November 17 to 19, 2026, bringing together global business event professionals, technology providers, startups, investors and industry leaders to explore the future of meetings and events.
The 2026 edition of IBTM World is expanding its Event Tech & Services offering, creating a major destination for professionals looking to discover practical technology, explore emerging innovations and identify solutions that can improve event experiences and business outcomes.
IBTM World 2026 Focuses on Practical Event Technology
Technology is rapidly transforming the business events industry. From artificial intelligence and event management platforms to matchmaking systems, attendee engagement tools and immersive experiences, new solutions are entering the market at an unprecedented pace.
For event professionals, however, the challenge is no longer simply finding new technology. The bigger question is determining which solutions can deliver genuine value.
IBTM World 2026 is responding to this challenge by focusing its expanded Event Tech & Services Zone on practical, real-world applications. The programme will help planners understand how technology can be used to create stronger attendee experiences, make informed decisions, improve operational efficiency and deliver measurable business results.
Rather than focusing on technology for technology’s sake, the event will provide opportunities for visitors to compare solutions, attend live demonstrations and engage directly with technology companies and their teams.
One of the Industry’s Major Event Technology Showcases
The Event Technology & Services Zone at IBTM World 2026 is expected to become one of the industry’s largest showcases dedicated to event technology.
The zone will bring together more than 100 startups, 15+ investors, a dedicated Future Stage, a Technology Zone and major exhibitors, giving business event professionals access to a broad ecosystem of emerging and established technology providers.
Visitors will be able to explore solutions covering event management, business matchmaking, attendee engagement, analytics, hybrid events and immersive experiences.
The objective is to help event planners understand how these technologies can contribute to more connected, efficient and impactful events.
Leading event technology providers participating in the zone include Events Air, vFairs, ACS audiovisual solutions and Swoogo, alongside companies specialising in experiential technology, artificial intelligence and audience engagement.
AI Takes Centre Stage at IBTM World 2026
Artificial intelligence will be one of the major themes at IBTM World 2026, with event professionals getting the opportunity to see AI-powered solutions in action.
A new highlight for the 2026 edition is AI for Events – Demo Day LIVE, taking place on Thursday, November 19, in partnership with consulting and media company Boldpush.
The programme will feature ten selected companies showcasing practical AI applications designed to improve different aspects of business events.
The selected companies are Advcy, CueForge, Eventflow, Event Labs, Exhibitly, ExpoBooth, Highbar, Magipic, Memnto Photo and uchop.
Their solutions will focus on areas including smarter networking, stronger audience engagement, improved event operations and creating more memorable experiences.
Attendees will have the opportunity to test the technologies, watch demonstrations and interact directly with the teams developing these solutions.
AI Demo Exhibition Area and Future Stage
The AI programme at IBTM World 2026 will extend beyond product demonstrations. The event will feature a dedicated AI Demo Exhibition Area, where visitors can explore emerging solutions and understand their potential applications.
The programme will also include fast-paced Lightning Demo Sessions, giving technology companies an opportunity to demonstrate their products and capabilities in a concise and practical format.
The Future Stage will further explore the role of artificial intelligence in business events, focusing on practical applications rather than theoretical discussions.
This approach is expected to give event planners a clearer understanding of how AI can be incorporated into event strategies and operations.
Event Technology Designed to Deliver Business Value
As event organisers face increasing pressure to demonstrate return on investment, technology is becoming an increasingly important part of event planning and delivery.
However, choosing the right technology can be challenging due to the rapidly expanding number of platforms, AI applications and digital tools available in the market.
IBTM World 2026 aims to address this challenge by connecting event professionals directly with technology providers and innovators.
The Event Tech & Services Zone will provide a space where planners can compare different solutions, understand their capabilities and identify technologies that could help solve specific business challenges.
From improving attendee matchmaking to analysing event data and creating personalised experiences, the technology showcased at the event will cover multiple stages of the business event journey.
IBTM Ignite Returns in 2026
Another major feature of the expanded technology offering is the return of IBTM Ignite, the startup programme designed to connect emerging companies with international buyers and investors.
IBTM Ignite made its debut in 2025, attracting more than 80 startups, with 35 selected to participate in a dedicated programme featuring live pitching, exhibition opportunities and direct commercial engagement.
Following its successful first edition, the programme will expand in 2026 with a new group of innovative startups.
The participating startups will have the opportunity to showcase their products and services to thousands of international buyers attending IBTM World.
Investors to Support Emerging Event Technology Startups
IBTM Ignite will also bring together more than 15 investors who have experience building, acquiring and scaling businesses.
The investors are expected to provide participating startups with one-to-one advice while also exploring potential investment opportunities.
For startups operating in the business events technology sector, the programme provides access to an international audience of buyers, investors and industry professionals.
For visitors, IBTM Ignite offers an opportunity to discover emerging technologies and companies before they become mainstream.
This connection between startups, investors and buyers is expected to make the programme an important component of the technology ecosystem at IBTM World 2026.
Claudia Hall Highlights the Need for Practical Innovation
IBTM World 2026 Show Director Claudia Hall said event professionals are increasingly expected to deliver stronger attendee connections, demonstrate event impact and create more personalised experiences.
She highlighted technology as an important tool for achieving these objectives but noted that identifying where to begin and determining which solutions can genuinely deliver results remain significant challenges for event professionals.
The expanded technology programme is designed to address these challenges by bringing together people, partnerships and practical innovations that can help professionals create stronger events and generate greater commercial value.
A Global Meeting Point for Business Events Professionals
With its combination of international buyers, event organisers, technology providers, startups, investors and industry experts, IBTM World 2026 is positioned as a major global meeting point for the business events industry.
The event will provide opportunities for professionals to discover new technologies, develop partnerships, explore business opportunities and gain insights into the future direction of meetings and events.
The combination of the Event Tech & Services Zone, AI for Events – Demo Day LIVE and IBTM Ignite will create an extensive platform for discovering new ideas and technologies shaping the next generation of business events.
IBTM World 2026 to Drive the Next Generation of Business Events
As the business events sector continues to evolve, technology, artificial intelligence and startup innovation are becoming increasingly important to how events are designed, delivered and measured.
IBTM World 2026, taking place from November 17–19, 2026, at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona, will place these developments at the centre of its programme.
By combining established technology providers with emerging startups, investors and practical AI demonstrations, the event aims to help event professionals move beyond simply discovering new technology and instead identify solutions that can deliver measurable value.
With its expanded Event Tech & Services offering, AI-focused programming and returning IBTM Ignite startup initiative, IBTM World 2026 is set to provide an important platform for exploring the technologies, partnerships and ideas shaping the future of the global business events industry.
IBTM World 2026: Key Details
Event: IBTM World 2026
Date: November 17–19, 2026
Venue: Fira Gran Via
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Focus: Business Events, Meetings, Event Technology, AI, Startups and Innovation
Organizer: RX Global
Key Highlights: Event Tech & Services Zone, AI for Events – Demo Day LIVE, Future Stage and IBTM Ignite
