IBTM World 2025 Launches Registration with Enhanced Buyer Experience and Hotel Pavilion
Registration is now open for IBTM World 2025, set to take place from 18–20 November at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona. As the premier global event for the business events and experiences industry, this year’s edition is poised to deliver a fresh, more flexible experience for all attendees—especially those from Africa’s fast-rising MICE sector.
One of the headline changes for 2025 is the enhanced offering for Visitor Buyers. Responding to feedback from previous editions, IBTM World now gives buyers the freedom to tailor their own schedules, choosing exactly how many meetings to hold and when. The new self-scheduling system empowers Visitor Buyers to book appointments directly with exhibitors and access priority time slots, putting control firmly in their hands. This approach is designed to help buyers make the most of the event, focusing their time on the connections and products that matter most to their business.
Visitor Buyers will also enjoy a range of exclusive perks. Access to The Lounge provides a quiet space for work or private meetings, as well as opportunities to network with peers. Daily lunch is included, with an expanded selection from the IBTM Food Court’s vendors, ensuring that attendees can recharge and refuel without leaving the venue. These benefits come alongside full access to the show floor, a comprehensive three-day education programme, and IBTM World’s signature networking events. The new Visitor Buyer ticket is priced at €399, with an increase to €499 for those registering after 16 September—a change introduced to cover the enhanced experience.
For Hosted Buyers, the event continues to offer an all-inclusive experience. Hosted Buyers receive a personalized appointment diary, with meetings matched according to business interests and preferences via IBTM’s advanced matchmaking system. They can also directly request appointments with exhibitors. In addition to floor and conference access, Hosted Buyers benefit from VIP extras such as lounge entry and daily lunch vouchers, plus substantial contributions towards flights, airport transfers, and accommodation in a 4–5-star hotel. This package is designed to attract top-tier decision-makers from across the globe, including African professionals eager to expand their networks and knowledge base.
Trade visitors can look forward to exploring the full spectrum of the show, which features over 2,350 exhibitors and a dynamic conference programme. Those who register before 20 October can attend free of charge, while late registrants will pay €100. This ensures broad accessibility for those wishing to keep up with the latest trends and solutions in the events industry.
IBTM World 2025 brings back several standout features that are highly relevant to Africa’s evolving business events market. The Exceptional Experiences programme, following its successful debut in 2024, will once again spotlight innovative strategies to help in-house event professionals and marketers create impactful business experiences. High-profile brands—including TikTok, Canva, Grazia, and PWC—are already confirmed, providing invaluable insights for professionals seeking to elevate their event offerings.
The Hotel Pavilion returns for its second year, serving as a dedicated showcase for independent and boutique hotel brands. Designed with a luxury hotel ambiance, this space gives smaller hotel groups the chance to present their offerings to a global audience. Confirmed participants include Obvio Hotels, Millennium Hotels & Resorts, Regnum Hotels, and The Palm Experience Hotels—names that African hospitality professionals will want to watch for partnership and benchmarking opportunities.
Another highlight is The Future Stage, curated for event planners and strategists who want to stay at the cutting edge. This stage will dive deep into the trends and tools shaping the future of business events. Tech and Innovation Sessions, hosted by renowned industry expert Julius Solaris, will feature trailblazing speakers, disruptive technologies, and practical solutions for the challenges ahead. For African event professionals, these sessions offer a rare chance to learn directly from global leaders in event technology and marketing innovation.
The 2024 edition of IBTM World set new benchmarks, with over 73,000 pre-scheduled business meetings and a 22% increase in Hosted Buyer participation compared to 2023. A record 2,350 exhibitors convened in Barcelona, underscoring the show’s status as the leading marketplace for the business events and experiences sector.
For Africa’s travel trade, IBTM World 2025 is more than a trade show—it is a platform for business growth, learning, and international networking. The event’s emphasis on flexibility, buyer empowerment, and specialist content aligns perfectly with the continent’s rising appetite for MICE opportunities and cross-border collaboration. As African destinations and service providers seek to expand their share of the global events market, IBTM World offers a timely gateway to new partnerships, cutting-edge knowledge, and the inspiration needed to drive the industry forward.
With registration now live, the countdown begins for what promises to be the most engaging and impactful IBTM World yet—a must-attend for anyone invested in shaping the future of business events, both within Africa and on the global stage.
