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IBTM World 2024 was nothing short of an exhilarating experience—three days of diving into the cutting-edge of the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industry, all set against the picturesque backdrop of Barcelona. With our Project Manager and Experience Designer, Tracey-Lee on the ground, we set out to explore, learn, and bring back valuable insights for our clients in South Africa and beyond.
Day 1: Kicking Off IBTM World
We kicked off IBTM World with great anticipation, and it didn’t disappoint! Tracey-Lee hit the show floor, attending inspiring keynotes, insightful panels, and incredible networking opportunities—all aimed at exploring the future of events and conferences. We were thrilled to witness the vibrant energy of health professionals, innovators, and change-makers coming together in one place.
The sense of connection and innovation that filled the venue set a powerful tone for the rest of the event.
A Thought-Provoking Talk: "Tech Vs Human—The Exciting Future of Events"
One of the major highlights of the event was attending an electrifying session titled "Tech Vs Human: The Exciting Future of Events," featuring industry thought leaders Goc O’Callaghan, Julius Solaris, and Louisa O’Connor. Their perspectives on how technology and human creativity can intersect to shape the future of events were truly inspiring. From leveraging AI for personalisation to enhancing human connections in virtual environments, the session painted an exciting vision for the future.
Exploring Opportunities for South Africa
Another incredible moment was attending the press conference with our Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille.
She passionately spoke about South Africa's enticing offerings, showcasing why it remains a premier destination for business meetings and incentives.
Minister de Lille highlighted Meetings Africa 2024, set to take place from 24-26 February at the Sandton Convention Centre, where 40-50 African countries will come together to demonstrate the diverse business meeting opportunities across the continent. We couldn’t be more proud of how our nation and the continent at large are shaping up as a force in the global events industry.
Day 2 & 3: Networking and Immersive Experiences
Following the thought-provoking keynote, we ventured into a whirlwind of meetings with an incredible mix of people from all corners of the globe. These interactions ranged from discussing the latest trends in event technology to sharing best practices in sustainability and experiential design. Each conversation helped reinforce the idea that the world of events is continuously evolving, and staying connected globally is key to remaining on the leading edge.
Our Project Manager and Experience Designer explored every opportunity—immersing themselves in new concepts and tools that could make events more interactive, memorable, and effective. We also took the chance to experience Barcelona’s vibrant culture and connect with peers at local gatherings.
Wrapping Up With Inspiration
All too soon, it was time to wrap up our journey at IBTM World. We left feeling incredibly motivated, armed with fresh ideas and practical knowledge to help our clients host impactful and innovative events. From tech-driven solutions to the creative use of hybrid formats, the future of the MICE industry is filled with possibilities, and we can’t wait to leverage these learnings in our future projects.
This year’s IBTM World truly showed us that innovation, human connection, and creativity are at the heart of the industry’s future—a future that we’re eager to help shape.
Looking Ahead
We’re excited to continue the conversation and put all the incredible insights from IBTM World into action.
