{"id":7080962,"date":"2026-11-14T15:50:40","date_gmt":"2026-11-14T15:50:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/accountants4yourbusiness.co.uk\/?p=7080962"},"modified":"2026-11-14T15:50:40","modified_gmt":"2026-11-14T15:50:40","slug":"the-people-and-connections-behind-ibtm-world-event-industry-newsevent-industry-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/accountants4yourbusiness.co.uk\/?p=7080962","title":{"rendered":"the people and connections behind IBTM World \u2013 Event Industry NewsEvent Industry News"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div> <!-- image --><\/p>\n<div class=\"td-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.eventindustrynews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/More-than-meetings-the-people-and-connections-behind-IBTM-World-NETWORKING-HOUR-2025_009.webp\" data-caption=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"696\" height=\"464\" class=\"entry-thumb td-modal-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.eventindustrynews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/More-than-meetings-the-people-and-connections-behind-IBTM-World-NETWORKING-HOUR-2025_009-696x464.webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.eventindustrynews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/More-than-meetings-the-people-and-connections-behind-IBTM-World-NETWORKING-HOUR-2025_009-696x464.webp 696w, https:\/\/www.eventindustrynews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/More-than-meetings-the-people-and-connections-behind-IBTM-World-NETWORKING-HOUR-2025_009-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.eventindustrynews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/More-than-meetings-the-people-and-connections-behind-IBTM-World-NETWORKING-HOUR-2025_009-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.eventindustrynews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/More-than-meetings-the-people-and-connections-behind-IBTM-World-NETWORKING-HOUR-2025_009-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.eventindustrynews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/More-than-meetings-the-people-and-connections-behind-IBTM-World-NETWORKING-HOUR-2025_009-630x420.webp 630w, https:\/\/www.eventindustrynews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/More-than-meetings-the-people-and-connections-behind-IBTM-World-NETWORKING-HOUR-2025_009-150x100.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.eventindustrynews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/More-than-meetings-the-people-and-connections-behind-IBTM-World-NETWORKING-HOUR-2025_009-1068x712.webp 1068w, https:\/\/www.eventindustrynews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/More-than-meetings-the-people-and-connections-behind-IBTM-World-NETWORKING-HOUR-2025_009.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" alt=\"More than meetings the people and connections behind IBTM World NETWORKING HOUR 2025 009\" title=\"More than meetings the people and connections behind IBTM World NETWORKING HOUR 2025_009\"\/><\/a><\/div>\n<p> <!-- content --><\/p>\n<div class=\"gein gein-16\">\n<div class=\"gein-single aein-654\"><a class=\"gofollow\" data-track=\"NjU0LDE2LDEsNjA=\" href=\"https:\/\/shm.to\/oxford-town-hall-chirstmas-parties-ToN\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"More than meetings: the people and connections behind IBTM World - Event Industry News\" alt=\"Oxford Town Hall Exclusive Christmas Parties Banner 2 (975 x 90 px)\" src=\"https:\/\/www.eventindustrynews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Oxford-Town-Hall-Exclusive-Christmas-Parties-Banner-2-975-x-90-px.png\"\/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bringing the global meetings and events industry together has always been about more than just doing business. Ahead of IBTM World, which begins in less than a week at Fira de Barcelona, we ask attendees what makes in-person connections so important, from building a sense of community and strengthening relationships to sparking unexpected conversations and fresh ideas.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Community and belonging<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The value of coming together lies as much in the people, shared experiences and collective energy as it does in the business opportunities created. According to the Events Industry Council\u2019s 2026 research, 70% of respondents considered relationship-building through face-to-face interaction the event outcome most difficult to replicate, with a further 12% specifically identifying community, trust and emotional engagement as being directly tied to face-to-face interactions.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThere\u2019s always a special feeling when the global meetings industry comes to your home city,\u201d says Albert Bonjoch, Catalunya Convention Bureau. \u201cIt\u2019s a chance to reconnect with friends and colleagues from across the world, discover new ideas and feel the incredible energy that makes our industry so special.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><!-- Either there are no banners, they are disabled or none qualified for this location! --><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Martin Boyle, CEO, IAPCO, community is a key reason to attend. As well as offering a platform to launch new products and services, for him \u201cequally valuable is the opportunity to reconnect with our global community of Members, Partners and industry colleagues. IBTM World brings together the people and organisations shaping our profession, creating space for meaningful conversations, stronger relationships and new opportunities for collaboration.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the strengths of bringing an entire industry together is the opportunity to find your own community within it. Events like IBTM World offer the scale to connect with the wider industry, but also more focused environments, from the Forum for Advocacy to IBTM Ignite, in which people with shared interests, challenges and ambitions can meet.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.eventindustrynews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/IBTM-WORLD-2025_063.webp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noopener\"><img title=\"More than meetings: the people and connections behind IBTM World - Event Industry News\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.eventindustrynews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/IBTM-WORLD-2025_063-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"IBTM WORLD 2025 063\" class=\"wp-image-1689572 lazyload\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" title=\"More than meetings: the people and connections behind IBTM World - Event Industry News\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.eventindustrynews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/IBTM-WORLD-2025_063-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"IBTM WORLD 2025 063\" class=\"wp-image-1689572\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.eventindustrynews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/IBTM-WORLD-2025_063-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.eventindustrynews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/IBTM-WORLD-2025_063-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.eventindustrynews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/IBTM-WORLD-2025_063-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.eventindustrynews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/IBTM-WORLD-2025_063-630x420.webp 630w, https:\/\/www.eventindustrynews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/IBTM-WORLD-2025_063-150x100.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.eventindustrynews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/IBTM-WORLD-2025_063-696x464.webp 696w, https:\/\/www.eventindustrynews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/IBTM-WORLD-2025_063-1068x712.webp 1068w, https:\/\/www.eventindustrynews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/IBTM-WORLD-2025_063.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Serendipity and discovery<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some of the most valuable opportunities at shows like IBTM World come from conversations that weren\u2019t planned, unexpected introductions and ideas exchanged informally.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou can\u2019t underestimate the importance of meeting someone in person,\u201d says Joris Bo\u00e4sson Borger, International Conference Advisor, The Hague &amp; Partners. \u201cSometimes a quick coffee or an unexpected conversation can lead to a really interesting opportunity further down the line. And that\u2019s ultimately why we\u2019re there: to build relationships and turn those conversations into future business.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Alistair Turner, Managing Director, Ei8ht Pr &amp; Marketing agrees about the variety of possible unexpected encounters at a face-to-face event<strong>: \u201c<\/strong>Every moment has value. Productive business meetings, brilliant education, catching up with old colleagues, and meeting stakeholders. You learn, you meet, and you do business. At the end of it all you feel frazzled, enriched, nourished and in a much better place personally and professionally than when you walked through the door.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Joris adds: \u201cIBTM is one of those events where you can have a very full diary and still end up having some of your best conversations completely by chance.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Making meaningful connections<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In an industry built on relationships, the real value that shows like IBTM World create is the opportunity to develop those connections through meaningful conversations, shared experiences and face-to-face interactions.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Max Fellows, Founder of Allpoints, says one of the drivers for attending is the opportunity for quality connections: \u201cEveryone\u2019s there. Agency owners, buyers, suppliers, investors, all in one place for three days. You can have more useful conversations in three days in Barcelona than in months of calls back home.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Albert Bonjoch, Catalunya Convention Bureau, agrees: \u201cIn just a few days, you can strengthen existing relationships, discover new opportunities and gain valuable insights into the latest trends shaping the industry,\u201d says \u201cThe concentration of decision makers and international buyers makes it an essential event for us.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Robert Wright, Founder and Chief Executive, The Business of Events, says: \u201cAs well as Barcelona being one of my favourite cities to visit, and taking the opportunity to eat some great seafood at my favourite place in the Mercado La Boqueria, I\u2019m really looking forward to connecting with our clients and partners during the week who are both exhibiting and visiting the show. The ability to meet with so many people over a such a short period of time makes it a really valuable experience.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIBTM World brings together the right people, expertise and opportunities under one roof. It is about building long-term partnerships and turning international connections into future business,\u201d says Nuno Santos, Venue Manager, Arena Liga Portugal.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img title=\"More than meetings: the people and connections behind IBTM World - Event Industry News\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.eventindustrynews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/IBTM-WORLD-2025_044-1024x709.webp\" alt=\"IBTM WORLD 2025 044\" class=\"wp-image-1689573 lazyload\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" title=\"More than meetings: the people and connections behind IBTM World - Event Industry News\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"709\" src=\"https:\/\/www.eventindustrynews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/IBTM-WORLD-2025_044-1024x709.webp\" alt=\"IBTM WORLD 2025 044\" class=\"wp-image-1689573\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.eventindustrynews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/IBTM-WORLD-2025_044-1024x709.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.eventindustrynews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/IBTM-WORLD-2025_044-300x208.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.eventindustrynews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/IBTM-WORLD-2025_044-768x532.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.eventindustrynews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/IBTM-WORLD-2025_044-606x420.webp 606w, https:\/\/www.eventindustrynews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/IBTM-WORLD-2025_044-150x104.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.eventindustrynews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/IBTM-WORLD-2025_044-218x150.webp 218w, https:\/\/www.eventindustrynews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/IBTM-WORLD-2025_044-696x482.webp 696w, https:\/\/www.eventindustrynews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/IBTM-WORLD-2025_044-1068x740.webp 1068w, https:\/\/www.eventindustrynews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/IBTM-WORLD-2025_044-100x70.webp 100w, https:\/\/www.eventindustrynews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/IBTM-WORLD-2025_044.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\/><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The experience beyond the meetings<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ultimately, the value of bringing people together is reflected not just in the connections made or business generated, but in the relationships and sense of belonging that keep people coming back year after year.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI have been attending IBTM World every year since 1998,\u201d says Robert Wright, The Business of Events, \u201cand it\u2019s definitely the highlight of my work calendar. It\u2019s also a kind of \u2018end of term\u2019 event, given it\u2019s the last major event of the year, so it\u2019s a great way to round off 2026.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe energy, the networking opportunities and the international atmosphere make it a unique event,\u201d says Albert Bonjoch, Catalunya Convention Bureau. \u201cOf course, after several intense days of meetings and activities, I have one tradition: I take Friday off. A little bit of bleisure is the perfect way to end IBTM week in Barcelona!\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There\u2019s still time to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/email.cisionone.cision.com\/c\/eJwszUuO6yAQheHVwAyreBkYMMjE24igKN-g2M5toGMlq2-l1dPvSOcvUXk0wClKF4wJ0oTAbxEwrDBr8kXNLsyEQM6vTidJVmUAXuOcVovGIhYq61XKNaF3AKtnBnotdK9fYk91o9bFXIL12c_ZCJPd206fgW_xNsb_zvSFqYWp5TzPqeaxn4-2lQkfO1MLHeJfZmrptBEOMSreafTpNvaN71RqEo02Sp1ELfEXrn_A9EUHkE7xFu_1_X4xA_SkY9SjfPfRXged_VPhfTSi_XOgQYF0UgqyUgqjwQnvlBIl2JQDWIse-TOqnwAAAP__huVgwg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">register to attend<\/a>\u00a0as a visitor<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/email.cisionone.cision.com\/c\/eJwszE3u2yAQQPHTwA6LGfO5YJFNrhEBM25QbKc1NFZy-irVf_ue9KOEoRotOYGPxkQwMcp7QvRIGgwzUwGA7KNDZwIhVuPcLFtyebHV2FqJabkBLLkGr_UShNG9ET_aH7XltvLRlaNoQwmuGGWK_9jpO-Sa7mP87mK-CLwKvJ7nObUytvN5rDTV5ybwyrv6Vab72Fa5MbWsDl45d1aN0v9w-wlivsxRg0d5pEf7fN7CaH7xPtpOf_s43juf_YvKPg7m7QvMGjV4AMUWQJlZexU8oqJoc4na2hqqfCX8FwAA__98v1oS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ibtmworld.com<\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"gein gein-14\">\n<div class=\"gein-single aein-551\"><a class=\"gofollow\" data-track=\"NTUxLDE0LDEsNjA=\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eventindustrynews.com\/newsletter\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"More than meetings: the people and connections behind IBTM World - Event Industry News\" alt=\"EIN nesletter signup banner\" src=\"https:\/\/www.eventindustrynews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/EIN-nesletter-signup-banner.png\"\/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Bringing the global meetings and events industry together has always been about more than just doing business. Ahead of IBTM World, which begins in less than a week at Fira de Barcelona, we ask attendees what makes in-person connections so important, from building a sense of community and strengthening relationships to sparking unexpected conversations and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7080963,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[152274,158007,195316,2,238451,238452,238453,238454,101207,88,105102],"tags":[13571,9252,238455,11315,1820,220994,3794,2379],"dealstore":[],"offerexpiration":[],"class_list":["post-7080962","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-conference-news","category-event-profs","category-exhibition-news","category-featured","category-fira-de-barcelona","category-global-events","category-ibtm","category-ibtm-world","category-meetings","category-news","category-uk-and-europe","tag-connections","tag-event","tag-ibtm","tag-industry","tag-news","tag-newsevent","tag-people","tag-world"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>the people and connections behind IBTM World \u2013 Event Industry NewsEvent Industry News - Som2ny Network<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/accountants4yourbusiness.co.uk\/?p=7080962\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"the people and connections behind IBTM World \u2013 Event Industry NewsEvent Industry News - Som2ny Network\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Bringing the global meetings and events industry together has always been about more than just doing business. 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