Blab Tech
IBTM World 2026 Returns to Barcelona with Expanded Event Tech Showcase and AI Demo Day
IBTM World 2026, RX Global’s flagship trade show, is set to light up Barcelona’s Fira Gran Via from 17 to 19 November. The three‑day event will bring together more than 2,200 exhibitors from over 100 countries, with a new focus on the theme “The Age of Disruption.” The show will spotlight how rapid AI adoption, tighter budgets, and shifting attendee expectations are reshaping the events industry.
At the heart of the show is the enlarged Event Technology & Services Zone, now one of the largest technology showcases in the meetings and events sector. More than 100 startups will line the floor, joined by 15+ investors, a dedicated Future Stage, and a Technology Zone that hosts live demos and face‑to‑face meetings. Major players such as EventsAir, vFairs, ACS Audiovisual Solutions and Swoogo will occupy the space, alongside specialists in experiential technology, AI and audience engagement.
The expanded tech offering aims to help planners navigate the growing array of digital tools. According to the event’s press release, the focus is on practical, real‑world solutions that enable better experiences, smarter decisions and stronger business outcomes. Planners can compare products side‑by‑side, watch live demonstrations and meet the people behind the technology.
A headline attraction is the AI for Events – Demo Day LIVE on Thursday, 19 November. In partnership with consulting and media company Boldpush, the session will showcase ten selected companies: Advcy, CueForge, Event Flow App, Event Labs, Exhibitly, ExpoBooth, Highbar, Magipic, Memnto Photo and uchop. The demo day will present practical AI tools for networking, engagement, operations and event experience, and visitors will be able to test the solutions and meet the teams.
In addition to the demo day, the programme will feature a dedicated AI Demo Exhibition Area, fast‑paced Lightning Demo Sessions and Future Stage content that explores AI applications across business events.
IBTM Ignite, the show’s startup programme, returns in 2026. Building on last year’s success, the programme will welcome a new cohort of innovative start‑ups. In 2025, more than 80 start‑ups participated and 35 were selected for a dedicated programme that combined live pitching, exhibition opportunities and direct commercial engagement. The 2026 edition will again feature 15+ investors who have built, bought and scaled businesses in the events sector. Investors will provide one‑to‑one advice and may seek funding opportunities.
The Ignite programme offers visitors early access to emerging companies that are developing new approaches to event planning, delivery and measurement. According to the event’s website, the programme is designed to connect start‑ups with global buyers and investors, creating opportunities for early discovery before mainstream market entry.
Together, the expanded Event Tech & Services Zone, the AI Demo Day and IBTM Ignite create a comprehensive destination for discovering the people, technologies and ideas that are shaping the future of business events. The show will also feature a dedicated Future Stage and a number of major exhibitors, giving industry leaders a platform to discuss trends and challenges.
Planners and buyers can register for the event online. Start‑ups interested in applying to IBTM Ignite 2026 can submit applications through the show’s dedicated portal.
The 2026 edition of IBTM World will be held at the same venue as previous years, Fira Gran Via, a large trade fair complex in Barcelona that hosts a range of international events. The venue’s 240 000 m² of exhibition space and 5,600‑seat convention centre make it well suited for a multi‑day trade show.
In short, IBTM World 2026 will bring together a global community of exhibitors, investors and technology innovators, offering planners a platform to evaluate new tools, test AI solutions and connect with peers. The expanded tech showcase, AI Demo Day and Ignite programme aim to help event professionals navigate disruption and deliver stronger commercial value.
The show will run from 17 to 19 November 2026, and interested parties are encouraged to register early to secure appointments and access to the technology zone and demo sessions.
At the heart of the show is the enlarged Event Technology & Services Zone, now one of the largest technology showcases in the meetings and events sector. More than 100 startups will line the floor, joined by 15+ investors, a dedicated Future Stage, and a Technology Zone that hosts live demos and face‑to‑face meetings. Major players such as EventsAir, vFairs, ACS Audiovisual Solutions and Swoogo will occupy the space, alongside specialists in experiential technology, AI and audience engagement.
The expanded tech offering aims to help planners navigate the growing array of digital tools. According to the event’s press release, the focus is on practical, real‑world solutions that enable better experiences, smarter decisions and stronger business outcomes. Planners can compare products side‑by‑side, watch live demonstrations and meet the people behind the technology.
A headline attraction is the AI for Events – Demo Day LIVE on Thursday, 19 November. In partnership with consulting and media company Boldpush, the session will showcase ten selected companies: Advcy, CueForge, Event Flow App, Event Labs, Exhibitly, ExpoBooth, Highbar, Magipic, Memnto Photo and uchop. The demo day will present practical AI tools for networking, engagement, operations and event experience, and visitors will be able to test the solutions and meet the teams.
In addition to the demo day, the programme will feature a dedicated AI Demo Exhibition Area, fast‑paced Lightning Demo Sessions and Future Stage content that explores AI applications across business events.
IBTM Ignite, the show’s startup programme, returns in 2026. Building on last year’s success, the programme will welcome a new cohort of innovative start‑ups. In 2025, more than 80 start‑ups participated and 35 were selected for a dedicated programme that combined live pitching, exhibition opportunities and direct commercial engagement. The 2026 edition will again feature 15+ investors who have built, bought and scaled businesses in the events sector. Investors will provide one‑to‑one advice and may seek funding opportunities.
The Ignite programme offers visitors early access to emerging companies that are developing new approaches to event planning, delivery and measurement. According to the event’s website, the programme is designed to connect start‑ups with global buyers and investors, creating opportunities for early discovery before mainstream market entry.
Together, the expanded Event Tech & Services Zone, the AI Demo Day and IBTM Ignite create a comprehensive destination for discovering the people, technologies and ideas that are shaping the future of business events. The show will also feature a dedicated Future Stage and a number of major exhibitors, giving industry leaders a platform to discuss trends and challenges.
Planners and buyers can register for the event online. Start‑ups interested in applying to IBTM Ignite 2026 can submit applications through the show’s dedicated portal.
The 2026 edition of IBTM World will be held at the same venue as previous years, Fira Gran Via, a large trade fair complex in Barcelona that hosts a range of international events. The venue’s 240 000 m² of exhibition space and 5,600‑seat convention centre make it well suited for a multi‑day trade show.
In short, IBTM World 2026 will bring together a global community of exhibitors, investors and technology innovators, offering planners a platform to evaluate new tools, test AI solutions and connect with peers. The expanded tech showcase, AI Demo Day and Ignite programme aim to help event professionals navigate disruption and deliver stronger commercial value.
The show will run from 17 to 19 November 2026, and interested parties are encouraged to register early to secure appointments and access to the technology zone and demo sessions.
