IBTM World has revealed the first details of its 2023 conference programme, showcasing an array of forward-thinking, imaginative and inspiring speakers whose sessions will empower event professionals to drive the future of business by embracing and celebrating diversity.
On the Main Stage
The first keynote speaker, Maria Teixidor, will lead the way on the Main Stage with an enlightening fireside address on the first day of the show.
The exclusive interview, titled ‘Beyond the Pitch: Maria Teixidor Unveils the Playbook for Leadership, Culture, and Equality at Barcelona FC’, will see Maria share her personal experience as a woman within one of the world’s most renowned men’s football clubs. As a previous member of the Board of Directors of Barcelona FC, and the first woman to hold the position of Board of Directors’ Secretary, she will share thought-provoking insights into the multifaceted world of football leadership, delving into the strategies and values that underpin the creation of a thriving team culture and a devoted fan base.
An icon in women’s football, having also held responsibility for the growth of the female team, Maria will reveal how she successfully navigated the challenges of working in a male-dominated industry, and share actionable steps for achieving gender equality.
This first keynote address perfectly embodies the essence of IBTM World’s 2023 conference programme, giving a platform to voices from as many different backgrounds, perspectives, and identities as possible, all of whom will challenge, inspire and energise delegates to steer the events industry into an inclusive and prosperous future.
This includes Ellie Middleton, an autistic and ADHD speaker, writer and creator. After a lifetime of feeling misunderstood, Ellie was diagnosed with both autism and ADHD at the age of 24. Since then, she has gone on to build an audience of almost 400,000 people online, write her first book with Penguin Life, and work with global brands like Disney, Google, Samsung and LinkedIn to change the narrative on neurodivergence.
Her stimulating session, titled ‘The future of events: neuro inclusion as a channel to cultivating belonging’, will see her join a lively discussion, with representatives from Google and FIRST, about embracing neurodiversity when designing experiences to show how events can truly resonate with all brain types.
The team behind IBTM firmly believe that both Maria and Ellie’s insights are of great benefit to anyone, regardless of background or identity, who is experiencing that challenging or adverse working environments are hindering their professional success.
Continuing the Conversation
Recognising that not every attendee accesses content in the same way, this year IBTM World has launched Workplace Revolution, a welcoming space where delegates can hold conversations with inspirational figures in a relaxed, campfire-style setting.
These figures include CEO of equity, diversity and inclusion consultancy SLS 360, Samantha Stimpson B.Ed MA, who will host a practical workshop, titled “Creating diverse cultures: why, how, when …’ Samantha promises to equip delegates with the knowledge, tools, and strategies they will need to create these cultures within their organisations and will demonstrate how such cultures can drive innovation and boost productivity.
Also at Workplace Revolution, will be Richard John, C.O.O at Realise Me Ltd, a specialist events services agency, with his session ‘Diversifying the Workplace: tapping into the potential of those with learning difficulties’. Richard will be joined by representatives from Hilton Birmingham Metropole and The Power of Events, as well as Samantha Stimpson, as they delve into how hiring people with intellectual disability, or those from disenfranchised parts of society, can be a meaningful, powerful and beneficial option for event businesses.
Vasyl Zhygalo, IBTM World’s Portfolio Director, said: “This year’s show is all about illustrating to event professionals their role and influence in shaping business culture. For this culture to thrive, building an environment of inclusivity is essential. This is why we’re delighted to be welcoming such a dynamic range of industry titans to IBTM World 2023. Our market-leading conference programme gives these incredible speakers a platform to share their experiences and insights with our wonderful delegates, enabling all voices to be heard and respected, innovation to grow and, consequently, better business results to be achieved.”
