IBTM World report explores global trends shaping the events industry

A new report from IBTM World is presenting insights on the influence of artificial intelligence on the meetings and events industry, the growing importance of accessibility - from physical, to sensory and intellectual - and the economic outlook for businesses working in meetings and events

Released in conjunction with this year's IBTM World, taking place in the Spanish city of Barcelona from Tuesday 28th to Thursday 30th November, the IBTM World Trends Report 2024 also covers the global outlook from a geological position, investigating the move from an Atlantic to a Pacific economy, the complexities of the Middle East and Africa, and the powerhouse of the Asia-Pacific region.

At the same time, the report looks at the fortunes of vertical industries, from esports to pharmaceuticals, and how the dynamics of these industries are impacting their meetings and events spend.

Looking forward, Alistair Turner, Managing Director of Eight PR & Marketing, stated “it is no understatement to say that 2024 will be one of the most important years of the 21st century.

“The economic, political and ecological outlook of our planet is on a knife edge and the advent of AI can swing it in a number of ways. Our industry has a crucial say in these outcomes and this year’s report looks to understand what this role should be, and how we can act to create positive environments around the biggest conversations of our time.

“This report is at the same time scary, optimistic, insightful, and in-depth. We’ve once again benefited from over 60 sources and some of the great thinkers, both within and outside of our industry. The results are fascinating and I’m looking forward to trying to bring them to life at IBTM World 2023.”

The report also looks at the influence of ‘Generation Me’, examining hyper-personalisation, the role of accessibility, and issues around individual security, data, and agency in the creation of experiences, events and meetings.

IBTM World is an annual global event for the meetings, incentives, conferences, and events industry.

Click here to download the IBTM World Trends Report 2024.

Image courtesy of Business Events Australia.