IBTM World 2026 has unveiled the first major announcements for its conference programme, taking place from 17–19 November at Fira Barcelona, where storytelling, AI, creativity, resilience and leadership will take centre stage.
Introducing brand-new feature, the Skills Exchange, as well as bestselling author and leading global thinker Will Storr, this year’s programme has been built around a simple question: How do event professionals thrive in an industry that’s changing faster than ever?
Launching day two’s Exceptional Experiences programme – targeting in-house event leaders and marketers – and taking place on the Main Stage so all visitors can attend, bestselling author and storytelling expert Will Storr will challenge the audience to rethink how experiences are designed, remembered and shared.
In his session, ‘The Storytelling Brain: what neuroscience tells us about creating experiences that stick’, Will explores the neuroscience behind why some experiences stay with us long after they end, while others are quickly forgotten.
Delivered in conversation with Founder of ICONIC and Podcast StoryCo, James Kirkham, the session will explore the role of emotion, memory and human behaviour when designing experiences that create lasting impact.
Complementing the Main Stage programme is IBTM World’s new Skills Exchange – a collaborative learning experience where event professionals don’t just hear new ideas, they put them into practice.
Whether joining a Lunch & Learn, Brain & Brew or Sips & Skills workshop, Skills Exchange is a dynamic, community focused setting which blends curated learning with networking where attendees can collaborate with peers, tackle real industry challenges and leave with practical ideas they can immediately apply.
Highlights include Designing Belonging, a Lunch & Learn exploring how event professionals can create experiences where attendees genuinely feel connected. Led by Naomi Clare, CEO and Founder of StoryCraft Lab and Engagement Strategy lecturer at NYU, and joined by Betsy Rives, Workplace Experience Strategist at Google, the session will explore how belonging can become an intentional outcome of every event.
Creativity also takes centre stage with Structuring Creative Thinking for Better Events, where Ravid Kuperberg, Partner and Trainer at Mindscapes, demonstrates that creativity isn’t simply a talent – it’s a skill that can be developed. Drawing on the thinking techniques behind work that has won 53 Cannes Lions Awards, attendees will discover practical tools to challenge conventional thinking and design experiences that capture attention and create lasting impact.
Day two focuses on resilience, equipping event professionals with practical strategies to thrive in an industry defined by constant change. In the interactive workshop Shift Happens, former military leader Ronnie Robson and defence specialist Libby Vallance-Bull, Co-Founder and Director of Black & White Consulting, will guide attendees through real-world scenarios, group exercises and practical techniques to build confidence, adaptability and resilience.
On the final day, the focus turns to careers and leadership. Lauren Spearman, founder of Careering, leads an interactive workshop exploring what personal brand really means beyond LinkedIn profiles and follower counts. Through guided reflection, discussion and practical exercises, attendees will identify their unique strengths, define how they want to be recognised professionally and leave with a clearer plan for their future career development.
IBTM World’s conference programme has been redesigned around the realities of today’s business events industry, helping professionals respond to disruption with practical ideas, new skills and fresh perspectives. It includes an engaging mix of Main Stage sessions featuring big ideas from visionary keynote speakers from inside and outside of the industry; Future Stage sessions exploring breakthrough innovations, disruptive ideas and emerging trends from destinations, venues and event technology; Ignite Start-up showcases from emerging companies developing new approaches to event planning, delivery and measurement; and sessions on AI such as AI for Events – Demo Day LIVE’ delivered in partnership with Boldpush, offering attendees the chance to see how AI is transforming event planning through a series of live demonstrations.
Lucy Dyer, Conference Manager, IBTM World, said: “IBTM World is known for its innovative education programme, and so we are delighted to introduce a new feature this year which shakes up the traditional conference set up. The Skills Exchange is designed to foster community and collaboration, ensuring everyone feels welcome to create a relaxed and supportive learning environment.
“We are also thrilled to welcome Will Storr to the event. Will is an incredible communicator and a passionate advocate for the power of storytelling, and I am sure this will be a fascinating and thought-provoking session. Our role is to help event professionals navigate change with confidence, combining inspiring ideas, practical learning and meaningful connections that create lasting value long after the event. We want attendees to leave inspired with fresh thinking, bold ideas and valuable connections to take the next steps in their careers.”
Register to attend the event here.
