Europe
IBTM exhibition director, Claudia Hall, officially opened the 2025 edition of IBTM World in Barcelona, 18 November, with a ribbon cutting alongside several event partners. The event began with an opening keynote from behavioural science advisor and rare polymath, Nathalie Nahai, which explored ‘The Power of Human Connection & Empathy in the Age of AI’. Reflecting on her session, she said: “I w...
IBTM World organisers say the 2025 edition of the show, which opens in Barcelona on 18 November, will take a long look at the meetings and events industry’s future and promise to showcase the world’s most advanced humanoid robot on the show’s Main Stage. Offering a glimpse into how AI can meaningfully enhance communication in public-facing environments, ‘Ameca’ is at the forefront of human-robot i...
Leading global tourism and business events industry consulting firm, GainingEdge, has published the third edition of its ‘Leveraging Intellectual Capital Global Report’, a comprehensive analysis of how destinations engage their local scientists, academics, professionals, and innovators who serve on the governing bodies of international associations, to attract international meetings and strengthen...
IMEX isn’t just a trade show – it’s woven into Frankfurt’s identity. For over two decades, its alliance with Messe Frankfurt has elevated the city to a global hub for meetings and events, generating hundreds of millions in economic impact and attracting professionals worldwide. This collaboration between IMEX, Messe Frankfurt, and the city exemplifies how partnership and vision can shape a d...
The recently concluded ICCA Annual Congress in Porto, drew over 1,500 industry leaders to reimagine international meetings through sustainability, innovation, and human-centred design. The Porto Congress – spread across many venues in the city – hosted four transformative days that challenged delegates to think beyond immediate concerns and embrace long-term, meaningful impact. The programme span...
B2B travel technology marketplace HBX Group has announced the 2026 editions of its flagship MarketHub events, will take place across Asia, Europe and the Americas under the theme ‘Unlocked’, chosen to reflect, the company says, “the fast-evolving state of travel and technology in 2026”. The Mallorca-based group’s first event of the year, MarketHub Asia, will be held from 3–6 February 2026 at the H...
Destinations International (DI), the international association for destination organisations, is marking World Tourism Lexicon Day, 13 November, with the release of its 2025 Tourism Lexicons. The association says the move reaffirms the belief that destination promotion is a common good and that updated lexicons reinforce destination promotion and advance destination advocacy through a resonant, sh...
Iva Popova, marketing communications manager, Kenes Group, flags a project delivering positive environmental action Global PCO and event management specialists Kenes Group is celebrating 60 years advancing medical and scientific knowledge through international congresses and events with a bold reforestation initiative in Africa.The company is looking beyond milestones and towards measurable impact...
London-based consultancy allpoints will support emerging event start-ups at IBTM World 2025. Founder Max Fellows will serve as special advisor, lead consultant partner and judge for the new Ignite: BeFuture Start-Up Pitches, taking place from 18–20 November at Fira Barcelona Gran Via. The competition will feature 36 entrepreneurs from across Europe pitching for funding and mentorship. Fellows has ...
Confex 2026 has unveiled part of its conference agenda, with several sessions set to spark debate among international organisers, destinations and association planners. From workforce readiness to city competitiveness and event-tech innovation, these talks explore how the conference world is changing. The next edition of Confex takes place on 26-27 February at Excel London, bringing together thous...
In an industry defined by constant evolution, very few organisations can claim six decades of continuous innovation, global impact, and resilience. Kenes Group, a global Professional Congress Organisation (PCO) and Association Management (AMC), is one of them. Founded in 1965, Kenes Group has grown from a pioneering start-up into a global player with 360 professionals across 15 offices worldwide. ...
IBTM World 2025 will host its most internationally diverse edition yet, featuring a record number of new and returning exhibitors when it returns to Fira de Barcelona from 18-20 November. New destinations on the show floor include West Hollywood, the Cayman Islands, Fiera Milano, Sarajevo and Sofia. Astana will return after several years away, joined by VisitScotland and Buenos Aires. Abercrombie ...