IBTM Global Forum on Children's Rights to Spotlight Advocacy in the Events Industry

Exploring how the global events sector can effectively communicate its economic and social contributions, while identifying key areas needing further attention, will be the main focus of IBTM World in collaboration with The Business of Events.

The forum, supported by major industry organizations such as PCMA, ICCA, the Events Industry Council, and the Strategic Alliance of National Convention Bureaux of Europe, aims to elevate the ongoing discussions surrounding advocacy issues. Other organizations involved include the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC), City Destinations Alliance, and The Iceberg.

Scheduled to open on November 18, 2024, at Hotel Torre Melina Gran Meliá, the forum will kick off with a keynote by Claudia Hall, IBTM World Exhibition Director. This gathering of top industry leaders and policymakers will set the stage for IBTM World’s 20th-anniversary celebration in Barcelona the next day.

Sherrif Karamat, President and CEO of PCMA, will lead discussions on the purpose and role of the events industry, followed by insights from the Global Destinations Report presented by Sarah Fleming, Managing Director of SFA Connect.

Further discussions will center around sustainability, with contributions from Eloísa Urrutia, Head of Global Sustainability Meetings & Events at American Express Global Business Travel, and Christoph Tessmar, Director of the Barcelona Convention Bureau. They will explore how business events can mitigate the impacts of overtourism and climate change while benefiting local economies.

The forum will conclude with a debate on the industry's political agenda and strategies to maximize its potential. Claudia Hall emphasized the importance of fostering a sustainable, inclusive, and accessible future for the sector.

A networking reception for the Meetings Leadership Network will follow, with further discussions taking place on November 19 on IBTM World’s Impact Stage.