Tuesday, November 19, 2024
On Monday, the IBTM World Forum for Advocacy and The Business of Events convened 80 top officials and politicians from all over the world to discuss the economic and social effects of international business activities.
The event, which was held at Barcelona’s Torre Melina Gran Melia Hotel, immediately sparked lively and thought-provoking conversations.
Sherrif Karamat, President of PCMA, set a bold tone by urging Destination Marketing Organizations ( DMOs ) to redefine their roles as” Destination Stewards”. He stressed the need for the company events industry to develop its advocacy beyond hospitality ministries, ensuring all state departments recognize the firm’s contributions to job creation, training, and innovation.
The community therefore turned its focus to the results of the just released Global Destinations Report, a joint effort by SFA Connect, ICC Belfast, and IBTM World. Major obstacles, particularly in regions where the value of the company events industry is not fully appreciated, were highlighted in the report, including staffing shortages and the difficulty of obtaining funding.
Both Christoph Tessmar, Director of the Barcelona Convention Bureau and Elosa Urrutia, Head of Global Sustainability Meetings & Occasions at American Express Global Business Travel, shared insights on how company activities can promote positive community influence and combat issues like over-tourism and climate change.
Participants exchanged ideas and reflections during the closing session of the community.
Ana Maria Viscasillas, Chair of the Events Industry Council, said:” My important conclusion is that as a global economy, we need to function on our communications. We have a significant impact on 27 million work, so we need to share more information. There’s no government, no organisation, no association and no industry that does n’t benefit from meetings and business events. Without them, there’s no imagination, no creativity and no effect. Economic and urban transformation are impacted by the US’s$ 1. 6 trillion in overall GDP, which is supported by global business situations. We need to promote more of our revolutionary tales, showing our true effect”.
The London Convention Bureau’s head of Europe, Barbara Jamison, leader of City Destinations Alliance, said:” One way that London has been able to engage more officials is by partnering with subsequent Deputy Mayors for Business and embedding them into our organization. Three Assistant Mayors of Business Act then serve as London & Partners ‘ Chairpersons. More people have been engaged in the function of convention bureaus and the impact of events, thanks to it.
Þórdís Lóa, President of the City of Reykjavik, said:” I have learned a lot now, especially around the importance of distinguishing between the value of business activities and the problems of over-tourism. I’ll bring Reykjavik up to remind us how important it is to spread the word about how beneficial company commerce is to our society and economy.
After the Forum, spectators gathered for casual debate at the Meetings Leadership Network Reception, held on the restaurant’s rooftop terrace.
IBTM World Exhibition Director, Claudia Hall, said:” The Forum was a great preface to IBTM World 2024. It’s important to define our role as an industry, and I want to bless all the organizations and associations that have supported and participated in this initiative to help promote campaigning ahead of the 20th anniversary of IBTM World.
The IBTM World Forum for Advocacy, in collaboration with The Business of Events, received support from PCMA, ICCA, the Events Industry Council, the Strategic Alliance of The National Convention Bureaux of Europe, the Joint Meetings Industry Council ( JMIC ), City Destinations Alliance, and The Iceberg.