Media registration has officially opened for IBTM World 2026, the global business events and experiences industry gathering, which is set to return to Fira Barcelona from 17 to 19 November 2026.
The three-day event is expected to bring together more than 2,500 destinations, hotels, venues, event technology suppliers and event startups, alongside more than 12,000 international event professionals. The programme will focus on business meetings, industry learning, networking and new opportunities across the global business events sector.
IBTM World 2026 to Focus on the Age of Disruption
The central theme of IBTM World 2026 will be “The Age of Disruption”, reflecting the significant changes currently affecting the business events industry.
Rapid adoption of artificial intelligence, tighter event budgets, changing attendee expectations and growing pressure to demonstrate measurable event return on investment are among the key issues shaping the sector.
Through its conference and networking programme, IBTM World 2026 will explore how event professionals, destinations, venues and suppliers can respond to these changes while developing experiences that deliver greater value for organisers and attendees.
Media Registration Opens for IBTM World 2026
Media professionals covering the business events, meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions sectors can now register for a complimentary media pass for IBTM World 2026.
The media programme is expected to provide journalists and industry media with access to the event’s exhibitors, speakers, educational sessions and business events professionals attending the show.
The opening of media registration comes ahead of the event’s return to its established venue at Fira Barcelona in November.
Dr Eliza Filby to Deliver Opening Keynote
Historian, Sunday Times best-selling author and international speaker Dr Eliza Filby will deliver the opening keynote at IBTM World 2026.
Her session, titled “Now and Next: Understanding People in a Changing World,” will examine the impact of major social and technological changes on people, communication and experiences.
The keynote will address how disruption is influencing the way people interact and understand the world around them, providing business events professionals with insights into changing behaviours and expectations.
Will Storr to Lead Exceptional Experiences Programme
The second day of IBTM World 2026 will feature bestselling author and global thinker Will Storr, who will open the show’s Exceptional Experiences programme.
Storr’s session, “The Storytelling Brain: What Neuroscience Tells Us About Creating Experiences That Stick,” will explore the relationship between neuroscience, storytelling and memorable experiences.
The session is expected to examine why certain experiences remain memorable and how understanding the human brain can help event professionals create stronger and more engaging experiences for audiences.
IBTM Ignite to Support Event Startups
One of the major features of IBTM World 2026 will be IBTM Ignite, delivered in partnership with allpoints.
The programme will connect more than 30 startups with over 15 investors, while also providing opportunities to meet potential customers and strategic partners.
Participating startups will receive support covering pitch development and investor readiness. The programme will also include a meetings diary with guaranteed appointment blocks and a live Future Stage pitch.
IBTM Ignite is designed to give emerging event businesses a platform to increase their visibility, establish industry connections and develop potential commercial opportunities.
The Skills Exchange Introduces Collaborative Learning
IBTM World 2026 will also introduce The Skills Exchange, a new learning and networking experience for event professionals.
The programme will combine practical learning with community interaction through formats including Lunch & Learn, Brain & Brew and Sips & Skills workshops.
The initiative is designed to provide participants with an opportunity to exchange ideas, explore new approaches and connect with other professionals in an informal learning environment.
Hotel Pavilion Expands at IBTM World 2026
The Hotel Pavilion will return as a dedicated showcase for the hotel and hospitality industry.
Organisers say the pavilion will be larger and more diverse in 2026, bringing together both returning exhibitors and new hospitality brands.
The dedicated area will provide event professionals with an opportunity to explore accommodation and hospitality solutions while connecting directly with brands serving the global business events market.
Event Tech and Services Zone Highlights Industry Innovation
Technology will remain a major part of IBTM World 2026, with the Event Tech and Services zone bringing together a broad range of technology and service providers.
The zone will feature areas including AI platforms, registration systems, production technology and experiential solutions.
Event planners will be able to compare different solutions, interact directly with suppliers and explore technologies that can support event planning, delivery and audience engagement.
The growing importance of event technology reflects the wider transformation taking place across the meetings and events industry, particularly as organisers seek to improve efficiency while delivering more personalised experiences.
AI for Events – Demo Day LIVE Comes to IBTM World
A new feature for 2026 will be AI for Events – Demo Day LIVE, delivered in partnership with Boldpush.
The programme will use live demonstrations to show how artificial intelligence is being applied to event planning and related processes.
Rather than focusing only on theoretical discussions around AI, the initiative will give attendees the opportunity to see technology applications in action.
With AI increasingly being adopted across event marketing, registration, planning, content creation and attendee engagement, the demonstrations are expected to provide practical insights for professionals evaluating new technology solutions.
IBTM World 2026 to Bring Global Business Events Community Together
With thousands of exhibitors and international event professionals expected to attend, IBTM World 2026 will provide a major meeting point for the global business events community.
Destinations, hotels, venues, technology companies, startups and other industry suppliers will have opportunities to connect with planners and buyers from international markets.
The event’s combination of business meetings, education, networking and technology showcases is designed to address both immediate business needs and longer-term changes affecting the events industry.
IBTM World 2026 Date, Venue and Registration
IBTM World 2026 will take place from 17 to 19 November 2026 at Fira Barcelona, Spain.
Media professionals can register for a complimentary media pass through the official event registration process. The media pass is intended for eligible media representatives covering the business events and experiences industry.
With the event centred on disruption, technology, AI, changing attendee expectations and event ROI, IBTM World 2026 is set to provide an international platform for discussions and business connections across the meetings and events ecosystem.
IBTM World 2026
The upcoming edition will combine established features with new programmes designed to reflect the changing priorities of the global events industry. From startup investment and hotel showcases to practical skills development and AI demonstrations, IBTM World 2026 will bring multiple areas of the business events ecosystem together under one roof.
As the industry continues to adapt to technological advances, evolving audience expectations and greater pressure to demonstrate business value, the November event in Barcelona will provide an opportunity for professionals to exchange ideas, discover solutions and build new international connections.
