B. Joseph Pine II leads formidable line-up of speakers for IBTM World’s Exceptional Experiences programme

Exceptional Experiences is making its triumphant return to IBTM World 2025, with WeTransfer, Canva, Shutterstock, Amazon and UTA among industry heavyweights eager to share their unparalleled insights and expertise when the event industry’s leading global trade show returns to the iconic Fira de Barcelona from November 18 to 20.

Unveiled to rave reviews at IBTM World 2024, which is organised by global events planner RX, Exceptional Experiences will launch with a powerful keynote address by author B. Joseph Pine II. Designed to showcase groundbreaking solutions to help in-house event professionals and marketers create event experiences that fuel business growth, the programme, run in partnership with The Thought Partnership, will take attendees on an inspiration-packed journey from psychology to community to brand experiences and everything in-between.

Split into two parts, the first, on day one of IBTM World, brings together senior executives, VPs and influential leaders - including Motorola, Uber, Smartly and Microsoft - for an exclusive, invite-only workshop. The second, on day two of the show, will see industry trailblazers unleash their knowledge in the Exceptional Experiences Forum - a series of dedicated education sessions open to all. 

In an electrifying line-up, B. Joseph Pine II will open the forum with a revolutionary keynote address exploring the ‘transformation economy’. Building on insights unveiled in his first book on the experience economy, Joseph will utilise his upcoming book, ‘The Transformation Economy: Guiding Customers to Achieve Their Aspirations’, to reveal how event experiences are evolving, and to equip attendees with the tools they need to design events that connect deeply and deliver greater value in the ‘transformation economy’ era.

Other unmissable speakers taking to IBTM’s Main Stage include Canva’s Global Head of Experiential, Jimmy Knowles, who will take a deep dive into winning the eyeballs, attention and loyalty of the digital-native and social-first Gen Z and Alpha generations.

In an illuminating session titled ‘It’s a match! The psychology of meaningful connection’, Shutterstock’s Global Head of Communications, Lori Rodney, joins forces with C2’s VP for Growth & Partnerships, Jesse Gainer, to give attendees the lowdown on intentional networking – from facilitating serendipity and bonding with delegates pre-event to maintaining a long-lasting bond post-event.

Leading a scintillating session on the formidable role of senior executives, Todd Hansen, Executive Producer at Web Summit, and Berit Block, Global Marketing Director, B2B at WeTransfer, lay bare how events and communities can become powerful platforms for senior executives to build trust and turn company values into lived, shared experiences.

In the ever-changing world of events, Ella Weston’s fascinating session, ‘The most expensive selfie wall you’ll never build again’, could not be more timely. The Senior Vice President of Marketing at WPP delves into 10 key B2B marketing trends, providing real-world examples of how leading brands are shifting from awareness-first to growth-driven experiential marketing.

Ready to get into the mind of the modern-day delegate? Drawing on their vast experience to dissect the relationship between brands, events and people, Behavioural Scientist, Lea Karem, and Event Psychologist, Kelly McCormack lead a riveting discussion about how people are changing and how these new behaviours are affecting the way they interact.

Closing the Exceptional Experiences Forum with a bang is Hesta Prynn - internationally acclaimed DJ, radio host and licensed therapist who is bringing her signature ‘inner mix’ experience to the IBTM Main Stage for the first time. Fusing music, psychology and neuroscience, Hesta’s thrilling interactive session will transform how attendees think, feel and connect as they break through stress, reconnect to their own voice and create a clear vision for what is next.

Claudia Hall, IBTM World Exhibition Director, said: “At its heart, Exceptional Experiences is about unleashing the collective creativity of our industry. It’s a space for daring ideas, for learning from the brightest minds, and for discovering new ways to design experiences that inspire transformation and growth. Together, we’re building a future where events don’t just deliver impact – they create magic.”

ENDS

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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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