IBTM has announced the first details of its Knowledge Program for IBTM World Barcelona, taking place at Fira Barcelona from November 30 to December 2, 2021.

David Thompson, Event Director, said: “Alongside quality face-to-face meetings and exciting networking opportunities, we know that knowledge acquisition is a key driver for attendance at IBTM World. Our Knowledge Program provides access to over 65 expert speakers from a broad range of industries, specially curated to deliver insight, inspiration and fresh ideas on subjects relevant to the events industry now. We are also delighted to confirm that the Knowledge Program will be fully CMP accredited.”

Designed to provide tangible learnings and innovative solutions for attendees in a post-pandemic world, the conference program includes three keynote speakers, as well as a packed schedule of sessions around four topical themes: Trends and technology; gamification and engagement; the future of event planning (including sustainability, safety and security and government support); and career and personal development.

Keynote speakers are drawn from complementary industries outside of meetings and events and include Alba del Villa Olano, an expert in digitization and internationalization. Alba has spoken at more than 20 international conferences and founded and directed several digital projects. A visiting professor at the University of Navarra and consultant for several leading Spanish companies, Alba will discuss how the digitalization process affects the events industry and offer ideas on how event organizers can adapt to the changing landscape.

On day two, ex-Deutsche Bank and PwC employee and founder and CEO of TLC Lions, Gian Power, will present an interactive and educational keynote session on the power of storytelling. Gian will share his inspiring story and explore what he’s learned about happiness and authenticity in the workplace. During this impactful session, attendees will be provided with resources and tips to implement into their own lives, as well as takeaways for their organizations.

On the final day, the founder of Wavelength Marketing, Darren Coleman, will explore how event organizers can harness the power of experiences to make their events stand out. With over 20 years’ brand marketing experience spanning both B2B and B2C, keynote speaker Darren has helped organizations such as Orange, Nikon, Standard Life, Pepsi, BUPA, and UK Trade & Investment address a range of brand-related issues.

A further 65 Knowledge Program sessions will be delivered by a diverse range of expert speakers from organizations including the United Nations Climate Change, LinkedIn, CrowdComms, American Express Meetings and Events, ICCA, VisitScotland, BBC Creative and more.

The program also includes a specially curated Association Program which will follow three core themes: inspire, exchange and solve. Designed to spark fresh ideas, encourage peer-to-peer learning and deliver tangible solutions to issues facing the associations and events sector now, the tailored program includes case studies, speeches, and panel sessions from some of the leading organizations in the association sector.

IBTM Accelerate will return to help answer delegates’ questions on the future of the events industry. Featuring interactive discussion, new ideas and inspirational short talks, IBTM Accelerate will showcase solutions, applications and technologies on specific meetings and events industry challenges. The program will address issues such as the change in consumer behavior, the role of technology, sustainability, and the future of the events industry.

In addition, IBTM’s Elite Corporate Program will explore key insights specifically focused on the needs of corporate Hosted Buyers. Themes include the future of the meetings experience, re-starting events and evaluating their success, and peer-to-peer learning and insights. This tailored program of sessions will take place on day two and is supported by American Express Meetings & Events.

IBTM World Barcelona has been granted preferred provider status from the Events Industry Council (EIC) for its Knowledge Program. This allows delegates to gain Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) points for each education session attended.

For more information and to register for the event, click here.