A new Start-Up Pavilion has been created at ibtm world 2017 where tech and experiential start-up companies can exhibit, giving them the opportunity to showcase their product to more than 15,000 highly influential MICE industry professionals.

The three-day event takes place Nov. 28-30 at Fira Gran Via Barcelona in Spain.

Companies eligible to exhibit in the Start-Up Pavilion must be two years or younger, with five or fewer full-time employees and with an annual turnover of less than $600,000.

As part of the exhibiting package, they will receive their own personalised diary, with the opportunity to arrange pre-scheduled appointments with high-profile meetings and events planners interested in meeting technology providers.

“With so many tech companies entering the industry, it’s fantastic that ibtm world is offering a platform for smaller, younger companies to showcase their ideas and how they’ve put them into action,” said James Morgan, founder of Event Tech Lab.

He added, “By showcasing the newest technologies and solutions for the MICE industry, ibtm world is once again demonstrating its commitment to innovation. The exposure that start-up technology companies can gain from exhibiting at this international event is unparalleled. The advantages of an international shop window, combined with the connections they can make and the potential business they could come away with proves that it’s an unmissable event.”

Kerry Prince, portfolio director, ibtm events, said: “For the past 30 years our focus has always been and continues to be on providing our customers with the best possible experience, which includes access to the latest and most exciting innovations in the industry. The Start-Up Pavilion is not only a cost-effective opportunity for younger companies to gain exposure in the industry but also a real draw for our Hosted Buyers and trade visitors looking to experience and invest in the very latest event technology.

Prince added, “We are leading the way in the industry by showcasing the newest technologies and educating through our market-leading Knowledge Programme. Speakers such as Yancey Strickler and features such as our Innovation Zone and Technology and Services Zone will ensure we remain ahead of the curve for the next 30 years.”

This year’s Knowledge Programme is headlined by two globally renowned keynote speakers, one of whom is co-founder and CEO of Kickstarter, Yancey Strickler. The sessions have been designed to deliver tangible take-away learnings covering themes including industry trends; innovation, disruption and technology and professional and staff development, amongst others.

In 2016, almost 15,000 delegates attended ibtm world, and more than 67,000 pre-scheduled meetings were arranged during the three-day show.