Event Preview: IBTM World Already Setting Records for First-Time Exhibitors

November 13, 2019

The organizers of IBTM World are feeling pretty good going into next week’s event, set to take place Nov. 19-21 in Barcelona. This year, the event has double the number of first-time exhibitors compared to 2018, according to show officials. 

Of the more than 2,600 exhibitors confirmed to attend the 2019 event, at least 35 have never participated before. The countries of Mallorca, Greece, Azerbaijan, Macau, South Korea and Croatia are among the first-time exhibitors.

Other new exhibitors this year include The Hoxton, Israel Ministry of Tourism, The Gleneagles Hotel, Renfe, Goyang CVB, Maison Albar Hotels, Silver Tours, Istanbul Convention and Visitors Bureau, GatherNext, Travel Ray Software, Guidebook UK Ltd, bnetwork and Virtway Events.

“We are delighted that so many new exhibitors have chosen to attend IBTM World this year,” said David Thompson, event director for IBTM World. “This is fantastic for the growth of our industry, and great news for our Hosted Buyers and visitors, as it offers them an incredibly broad and diverse range of exhibitors to do business with.”

He continued, “In addition to the new exhibitors, we look forward to welcoming back our many established exhibitors for what is set to be an action-packed and rewarding few days.”

Nearly 2,700 hosted buyers will also attend IBTM World, with strong representation from associations and corporate buyers. Across the three-day event, they will have the opportunity to attend educational programs, hear from four keynote speakers (including consultant and writer Lucy Bloom, business professor Margarita Mayo, digital philosopher and “professional disruptor” Aric Dromi, and cave diver John Volanthen) and experience a new speaker showcase event.

Also new this year are the IBTM Accelerate Zone, meant to help attract and nurture entrepreneurial talent, as well as a roster of social events, including a street-festival-inspired welcome party and lively networking hours.

Post-event, many hosted buyers will be embarking on tours of destinations such as Zagreb, Croatia; Catalonia, Spain (U.S. only); Copenhagen (China only); and Noordwijk, the Netherlands (U.S., Canada, North and West Europe).

To learn more about IBTM World, go here.

 

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MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.