Through interactive sessions, knowledge sharing and play, the Association Leaders’ Forum at IBTM World will explore the major issues currently plaguing the association world.
Attendees will get the opportunity to participate in the sharing of case studies, interactive sessions and round table discussions themed around sustainability, diversity and inclusion, socioeconomic instability, wellbeing, and creativity. There will also be opportunities to discuss how associations can leverage these challenges to increase the impact of their future events.
The programme will also encourage association professionals to harness the power of play through its partnership with MeetDenmark. Utilising the colourful little bricks, Lego Serious Play sessions aim to get delegates sharing ideas and learning what in-person events of purpose-driven organisations will look like in the future.
The Association Leaders’ Forum has been curated by international association consultant, Stylianos Filopoulos and will take place at Fira Barcelona on 28 November, a day before the main IBTM World event kicks off.
“The Association Leaders’ Forum is a cultural melting pot, where association leaders from around the world come together in the forum’s safe space, to exchange best practices and learn from each other,” said Stylianos Filopoulos.
“This year we take a step forward and transform the forum to an innovation lab, where people will listen to amazing stories from thought leaders, and they will have the chance to experience innovative event formats.
“We will discuss trending topics from wellbeing to diversity and from rising costs to new business models and we will try to see how events can build legacies in fluid and uncertain times. Be ready for some serious play.”
Another highlights of the Forum is the Presidents’ Talk, which will open the programme and bring together all five Association Executive Society leaders. This interactive session is an opportunity for association professionals to hear how different global associations innovated and solved problems in the design and delivery of their own international events, as well as a chance to discover different cultures and celebrate diversity and points of convergence.
Michelle Mason, American Society of Association Executives President / CEO, said: “There is tremendous need for knowledge-sharing and collaboration on the common issues and challenges we’re facing as a global sector, and the more we dialogue with each other at innovative conferences like IBTM World, the better we’ll be prepared to advance this diverse and vibrant community.”
IBTM World 2022 will focus on culture creation as its theme, bringing together attendees to discover how modern business challenges are creating opportunities across the industry, and exploring the convergence of events and business culture. The theme of 'culture creation' will permeate the event, from the tailored association programme to the inspirational Knowledge Programme and networking events.
