Business boom as ibtm world sets the agenda for the industry in 2016 and beyond

Riding a growth wave, ibtm world closed on Thursday in Barcelona where the global industry showed that it was in good shape. Illustrating how the good news is spreading Rob Davidson’s annual Industry Trends Watch Report also showed that corporate, association and incentive travel is on the up.

“Connections means everything” was a theme of the week, and with more than 80,000 appointments scheduled before the start of the show, many more were added with trade visitors. This year levels were at an all time high with Spain’s economic recovery helping the boom and adding extra appointments and business opportunities for the 4,000 Hosted Buyers attending.

“The Spanish economy is clearly on the rise, we knew about it before the show but the stats so far illustrate that the country’s events industry and that of Europe in general is back to centre stage. Many exhibitors have been telling me about the quality of business they are doing with international meeting planners as well as those planning regional specific events in the country,” said Graeme Barnett, Senior Exhibition Director, ibtm world.

Adel El Haggar, Egypt Tourism Federation commented that “Spain is a big incoming market for MICE so much so there are Egyptian companies that now specialize in MICE in Spain and Latin America.“Hosted Buyer, Rafael Guerrero, Viajes In-Out Travel, commented, “This year I have received more requests from Spanish companies who are interested in incentives. I see a clear recuperation of the sector.”

Spanish buyer Raul de Gregorio of T&C also recognized his own company’s economic growth saying that he sends some 50% of their staff to the show and “we have organized events in more than 8 countries worldwide this year.”Elsewhere on the show floor international business was bullish. “Although there are now many MICE events, ibtm world is the one that gathers most players worldwide,” commented Joaquim Pires, Turismo de Portugal.

“The organization of the event is great, the city of Barcelona is great, it works so what’s not to like”  said Gillian Taylor, Director of Business Development for Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre.

London & Partners had their biggest stand in recent years. “This year the show has been busy and we have received a lot of enquiries. There seems to be a buzz about the show floor which is great.”First time exhibitor Global Hospitality Management from Algeria said they were “testing the water at ibtm world, and appointments should lead to business in the future.” They also said they had met journalists from around the world. “It has definitely been worthwhile having a stand here,” added Paul D’Arcy.

The global industry also used ibtm world as their annual meeting place by organizing co-located events which this year included the ICCA Forum for Young Professionals, the AIPC Operations Summit, the CIC Board Meeting, JMIC Board Meeting and the Spain DMC Awards, where ibtm world was presented with the 2015 Excellence Award.