IBTM World 2025 Association Leaders Forum Details Revealed

IBTM World, the leading global trade show for the meetings and events industry, has revealed the themes and speakers for its 2025 Association Leaders Forum, which gathers together senior association professionals to explore bold, practical solutions to today’s most pressing challenges. 

Designed in partnership with ESAE (European Society of Association Executives), this year’s Association Leaders Forum examines the role of Association events in building strong communities, with a focus on the key role of strategic thinking to engage delegates and energise teams.

Taking place on day one of IBTM World, the forum will offer a full and interactive programme of provocative debates, real-world case studies, and expert insights on AI, sustainable destinations, event innovation, impact, and technology.

Speakers will include Sven Bossu, CEO, AIPC; Amy Hissrich, Vice-President, International Affairs ASAE; Angela Guillemet, Executive Director, INCON; and Stylianos Filopoulos, CEO, Association by Design.

The day’s sessions will be punctuated by networking sessions where attendees can make valuable new connections and meet with existing industry colleagues.

Claudia Hall, IBTM World Exhibition Director, said: “Our Association Leaders Forum has evolved since its inception in 2022 to become the go-to yearly meeting point for association professionals. With a packed programme of topical and engaging sessions designed in partnership with the prestigious ESAE, our forum is the platform for association leaders to exchange ideas, learn, and advance knowledge and best practice. It offers a crucial peer-to-peer setting that supports the sector’s advancement, and future prosperity.”

Liesbeth Switten, ESAE Vice-President, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with IBTM World on its Association Leaders Forum for the third year running. As a key date in the global events calendar, it is the ideal setting for Association professionals to come together to discuss the important topics shaping the future of the industry. We have an inspiring and thought-provoking programme planned for this year and we look forward to welcoming some of the leading voices in the Association sector.” 

The ESAE is the leading organisation in Europe for Association professionals. It facilitates the exchange of best practice among peers and ensures that current and future leaders understand Association business and strategy.

ENDS

For all media enquiries, additional comment and request for interview please contact

Lesley Whyte and Emily Stewart at Davies Tanner

Tel: +44 (0)1892 619100

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Notes to Editors:

About IBTM

IBTM is a world-leading showcase for the meetings and events industry with a portfolio of events and products offering business solutions across four continents. The portfolio includes IBTM World and IBTM Americas.

IBTM World, the leading global event for the meetings and events industry, is the must-attend three-day event for the worldwide meeting, incentives, conference and events industry. Thousands of meetings and events buyers, suppliers and international trade media visit Fira Barcelona every November for IBTM’s flagship show. 2024 is the 37th anniversary of IBTM World and the 20th year the event has been hosted in Barcelona.

Next event: Tuesday 19 November to Thursday 21 November 2024 at Fira Barcelona

IBTM Americas, the leading event for the meetings and events industry in North America, Latin America, Europe and beyond, is the must-attend two-day event for the region’s meeting, incentives, conference and events industry.

Next event: Wednesday 20 to Thursday 21 August 2025 at Centro Citibanamex in Mexico City.

About RX  

RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people.  RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information, visit www.rxglobal.com. 

 
About RELX

RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs more than 36,000 people over 40% of whom are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York stock exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX.

*Note: Current market capitalisation can be found at http://www.relx.com/investors

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