IBTM World reveals first details of its 2025 Association Leaders Forum
Association Event Innovation and AI Take Centre Stage at IBTM World 2025
The upcoming IBTM World 2025 is set to shine a spotlight on the ever-evolving landscape of association events, with a dedicated focus on innovation, artificial intelligence, sustainable destinations, and strategic community-building. The Association Leaders Forum, a cornerstone of the event, will gather senior figures from global associations for a day of immersive dialogue and actionable insights—presenting a crucial opportunity for Africa’s meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sector to align with new international standards and technologies.
In collaboration with the European Society of Association Executives (ESAE), this year’s forum is tailored to dissect the intricate relationship between association events and the strength of their wider communities. The central question driving the programme is how strategic planning and innovative thinking can not only engage event participants, but also energise the teams behind them. Africa’s vibrant association sector, which is increasingly seeking global recognition, stands to benefit greatly by integrating these international best practices into local event management and destination marketing.
The forum, unfolding on the first day of IBTM World, will feature a series of interactive debates, in-depth case studies, and expert-led sessions delving into the most urgent topics facing association professionals today. Sessions will cover the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on association management, advancements in sustainable event destinations, and the latest in event technology and innovation. These areas are particularly relevant for African destinations aiming to leapfrog traditional models and establish themselves as competitive, future-ready hubs for international meetings and congresses.
Among the distinguished speakers are Sven Bossu, CEO of AIPC; Amy Hissrich, Vice-President, International Affairs at ASAE; Angela Guillemet, Executive Director of INCON; and Stylianos Filopoulos, CEO of Association by Design. Their collective experience spans the globe and covers every facet of association leadership, bringing a wealth of knowledge on how to turn bold concepts into practical, impactful strategies. Their perspectives will be invaluable for African event professionals navigating a rapidly digitizing and increasingly competitive global marketplace.
Recognising the value of relationship-building, the forum’s agenda is interwoven with dynamic networking sessions. These periods are designed not just for casual conversation, but for fostering meaningful connections and nurturing potential collaborations. For African industry stakeholders, such environments are vital for forging partnerships with established international associations, unlocking access to new markets and enhancing the continent’s visibility on the global stage.
Claudia Hall, the Exhibition Director of IBTM World, reflected on the evolution of the Association Leaders Forum since its inception in 2022. She noted its growing status as the leading annual gathering for association professionals, and highlighted the importance of this year’s collaboration with ESAE. According to Hall, the forum’s robust agenda and high-level peer-to-peer exchanges are essential for driving sector advancement and ensuring the future prosperity of associations worldwide. This aligns closely with the aspirations of Africa’s own events industry, which is eager to adopt global insights and foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
Echoing this sentiment, Liesbeth Switten, Vice-President of ESAE, spoke of the value in maintaining a third consecutive partnership with IBTM World. She stressed the forum’s pivotal role as a touchstone in the international events calendar, offering association leaders a unique space to explore the trends and innovations that will shape the industry’s trajectory. For African professionals, this year’s programme promises a wealth of inspiration and practical takeaways, as well as access to some of the most influential voices in the association world.
The ESAE’s mission is to facilitate the exchange of best practices among association leaders, ensuring both current and next-generation executives are equipped with the strategic acumen needed to thrive. As Africa’s association sector matures, engagement with ESAE’s methodologies and frameworks can offer a significant competitive edge—particularly in adapting to new modes of global collaboration, digital integration, and sustainable event planning.
The 2025 edition of IBTM World’s Association Leaders Forum comes at a time when the global meetings and events sector is undergoing fundamental change. The widespread adoption of artificial intelligence is reshaping everything from delegate engagement to logistical planning, while sustainability is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’ but a business imperative. African destinations—already renowned for their hospitality and unique cultural offerings—are increasingly expected to demonstrate environmental responsibility, technological adaptability, and the ability to deliver seamless, high-value experiences for international delegates.
Furthermore, the forum’s focus on event innovation reflects a broader shift in the industry: from traditional conference formats to more dynamic, hybrid, and inclusive models. This trend is particularly significant for Africa, where digital infrastructure is rapidly improving and there is a growing appetite for virtual participation alongside in-person attendance. By leveraging these new approaches, African associations and destinations can broaden their reach, tap into global networks, and create more resilient business models.
For professionals across sub-Saharan Africa, the insights and connections gained from the IBTM World Association Leaders Forum represent far more than just professional development—they are a blueprint for transforming the continent’s event landscape over the coming decade. By adopting forward-thinking strategies, embracing digital and sustainable solutions, and building strong international partnerships, Africa is poised to become an essential player in the global association and meetings sector.
The momentum generated by this year’s Association Leaders Forum will ripple through the industry, inspiring African event organisers and association leaders to reimagine their roles, upskill their teams, and invest in the future. As the global conversation continues to evolve, Africa’s meetings and events sector has a unique opportunity to both influence and benefit from the new age of association event leadership.
