The forum enjoys broad support from leading event industry organisations, making it ideally placed to be a catalyst for change and amplify the existing conversation around promotion issues. PCMA, ICCA, the Events Industry Council and the Strategic Alliance of National Convention Bureaux of Europe are among the associations welcoming the initiative, as are the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC), City Destinations Alliance and The Iceberg.
The Advocacy Forum, which will bring together an international group of high-level leaders, policymakers and influencers, will be opened by IBTM World Exhibition Director Claudia Hall on Monday 18 November 2024. The event, which will take place at the Hotel Torre Melina Gran Meliá, will be a powerful prelude to IBTM World, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary in Barcelona the following day.
Sherrif Karamat, President and CEO of PCMA, will speak on the role, position and purpose of the industry. His address will be followed by key findings from the latest Global Destinations Report, analysed by Sarah Fleming, Managing Director of SFA Connect.
Next, American Express Global Business Travel's Head of Global Sustainability Meetings & Events, Eloísa Urrutia, and Barcelona Convention Bureau Director, Christoph Tessmar, will discuss how business events can counteract the challenges of overtourism and climate change by making a positive contribution to local economies.
The forum will close with a debate on the political agenda to agree on what the business events industry stands for and where it can unleash its greatest potential.
“We look forward to supporting the long-term growth of the business events sector and ensuring it continues on its path towards a sustainable and diverse future, one that is inclusive and accessible to all, and continues to have a positive impact on global communities and the world it inhabits,” said IBTM World Exhibitions Director Claudia Hall.
Following the forum, guests will have the opportunity to continue informal discussions at the Meetings Leadership Network reception. The outcomes of the Advocacy Forum will be discussed further starting at 3:00 pm on Tuesday 19 November on the Impact Stage at IBTM World.
Source: IBTM World.