IBTM World 2026 to Showcase the Future of Event Technology in Barcelona
IBTM World 2026, organized by RX Global, will return to Fira Gran Via in Barcelona, Spain, from 17–19 November 2026, bringing together global meetings and events professionals for three days of networking, innovation and business opportunities. This year’s edition places a stronger emphasis on event technology by significantly expanding its Event Tech & Services Zone, creating one of the industry’s largest showcases of practical event solutions.
Designed to connect buyers, suppliers, innovators and technology providers, IBTM World 2026 aims to help event professionals discover solutions that improve event planning, enhance attendee engagement and deliver measurable business outcomes.
Expanded Event Tech & Services Zone to Feature Practical Innovation
As the business events industry rapidly embraces digital transformation, IBTM World 2026 is responding with an expanded technology offering focused on real-world applications rather than technology for technology’s sake.
The Event Tech & Services Zone will enable visitors to compare leading event management platforms, experience live product demonstrations and interact directly with solution providers. The exhibition will feature technologies covering event management systems, AI-powered networking, attendee engagement, matchmaking platforms, analytics, hybrid event solutions and immersive event experiences.
More than 100 startups, 15+ investors, a dedicated Future Stage, a specialized Technology Zone, and major exhibitors will create a comprehensive destination for professionals seeking innovative event solutions.
Leading Technology Companies to Exhibit
Several established event technology companies will participate in the expanded showcase, including EventsAir, vFairs, ACS Audiovisual Solutions, and Swoogo. These exhibitors will present the latest innovations designed to streamline event operations, improve audience experiences and enhance business performance.
The exhibition will also feature specialists in artificial intelligence, experiential technology and audience engagement, offering attendees valuable insights into emerging trends transforming the global events industry.
AI Takes Center Stage at IBTM World 2026
Artificial intelligence will be one of the major highlights of IBTM World 2026, with the launch of AI for Events – Demo Day LIVE, taking place on Thursday, 19 November 2026.
Delivered in partnership with consulting and media company Boldpush, the initiative will give event professionals an opportunity to experience AI-powered event solutions in action through live demonstrations and interactive sessions.
Ten selected companies—Advcy, CueForge, Event Flow App, Event Labs, Exhibitly, ExpoBooth, Highbar, Magipic, Memnto Photo and uchop—will demonstrate practical AI applications that improve networking, attendee engagement, operational efficiency and event experiences.
Visitors will be able to test these solutions firsthand, interact with product teams and evaluate technologies that can support smarter event management.
Dedicated AI Exhibition and Future Stage
The AI programme at IBTM World 2026 will include a dedicated AI Demo Exhibition Area, fast-paced Lightning Demo Sessions and educational content hosted on the Future Stage.
These sessions will explore practical use cases for artificial intelligence across business events, helping planners understand how AI can enhance personalization, automate workflows, improve data analysis and deliver stronger event ROI.
Rather than focusing on theoretical concepts, the programme has been designed to provide actionable insights that event organizers can implement immediately.
Claudia Hall Highlights the Importance of Practical Technology
Commenting on the expanded technology offering, Claudia Hall, Show Director of IBTM World 2026, said event professionals are under increasing pressure to create meaningful attendee connections while demonstrating measurable event impact.
She noted that although technology offers enormous potential, many planners struggle to identify which solutions provide genuine business value. The goal of IBTM World 2026 is to bring together the right people, partnerships and practical innovations that help organizers build stronger events and achieve better commercial outcomes.
IBTM Ignite Returns to Support Event Tech Startups
Following a successful launch last year, IBTM Ignite will return as a key feature of the Event Tech & Services Zone at IBTM World 2026.
The startup programme connects emerging event technology companies with international buyers and investors, creating opportunities for innovation, investment and commercial partnerships.
Its inaugural edition attracted more than 80 startups, with 35 companies selected to participate in a programme featuring live pitching sessions, exhibition opportunities and direct engagement with industry decision-makers.
The 2026 edition is expected to welcome an even larger group of innovative startups, showcasing next-generation products and services to thousands of hosted buyers and event professionals from around the world.
Investors to Support Emerging Innovation
More than 15 experienced investors are expected to participate in IBTM Ignite, providing one-to-one mentoring while also exploring investment opportunities in promising event technology businesses.
The programme gives startups valuable exposure while enabling buyers to discover innovative products before they enter the mainstream market.
This unique combination of startup showcases, investor engagement and buyer networking makes IBTM World 2026 an important platform for accelerating innovation across the meetings and events industry.
A Comprehensive Destination for Event Innovation
By combining the expanded Event Tech & Services Zone, AI for Events – Demo Day LIVE, and IBTM Ignite, IBTM World 2026 is creating one of the most comprehensive destinations for discovering the technologies, startups and industry leaders shaping the future of business events.
From artificial intelligence and event automation to immersive experiences and networking solutions, the exhibition will provide event professionals with practical tools and valuable partnerships to stay ahead in an increasingly technology-driven industry.
As the global meetings and events sector continues to evolve, IBTM World 2026 promises to be an essential event for professionals seeking innovation, collaboration and sustainable business growth.
