We’re excited to announce that our 2020 ‘Event Business Accelerator’, an investment and mentoring programme for event industry entrepreneurs, is open for applications.
Back after a successful launch in 2019, the programme gives people with an idea, product or service related to the events industry the opportunity to participate in an intensive mentoring programme, provided in partnership with MPI, culminating in a live pitch for funding and potential future mentorship to a panel of potential investors at IBTM World.
What do our past participants say?
Bernadette Palombo, the founder of the Event Professionals Journal, said:
“We actually launched Event Professionals Journal at IBTM World 2019, so the event marked a major personal milestone for me. Being part of the EBA was invaluable in getting the product ready to launch and having the opportunity to showcase it to so many people at IBTM World meant that sales really took off immediately – something that would have taken much longer if I hadn’t been part of the programme.”
Who are the judges and mentors?
This year’s mentors are Richard John, Chief Operating Officer of Realise; Giorgia Sanfiori, Executive and Team Coach; Viona Terleth, a Business and Personal Development expert in the international MICE Industry; serial entrepreneur, Majbritt Sandberg; and Ingrid Rip, a Certified Event Designer and Trainer.
The panel who will be judging the live pitches includes Lori Pugh Marcum, the co-creator of the IBTM EBA and Head of Meeting Innovation for MPI; David Preston, CEO of Realise; Mark Riches, Advisor, NED and SME Investor; and serial entrepreneur, author and keynote speaker Jason Allen Scott.
Find out more about each of the judges and mentors here.
A word from IBTM World’s Event Director, David Thompson
David Thompson, the Event Director of IBTM World, is delighted to announce the launch of this year’s Event Business Accelerator:
“Now, more than ever, it is essential that we support and nurture innovation in the industry and this initiative aims to do this in a comprehensive and sustained way. It’s been fantastic to see last year’s finalists successfully grow their businesses over the past few months and we’re looking forward to supporting more new ideas and businesses through this year’s scheme.”
We can’t wait to see what ideas you submit!
Details of the EBA 2020 programme
Applications for the Event Business Accelerator have been open since 1 July 2020 and will close on 31 August 2020. You can read the Terms and Conditions of the competition here.
We’re looking for any entrepreneurs with a business that has been in existence for no longer than three years, who have a bright idea for an events business, product or service, or who have up to three years’ experience in running their own business related to the events industry.
To apply, simply complete the application form with the details of your business proposition. The entries will be scored by the panel of industry judges, with finalists being selected and announced in mid-September.
Complimentary travel and accommodation are provided for finalists, whose live pitches may secure financial investment for their business and/or mentorship at the discretion of members of the judging panel.
For more information please see https://www.ibtmworld.com/Whats-on/ibtm-accelerate/event-business-accelerator/