Attendee safety takes centre stage ahead of face-to-face tradeshow
IBTM World Barcelona has revealed the health and safety measures for its in-person event, which this year will take place between 30 November – 2 December at Fira Barcelona.
The business events industry is preparing to reconnect in-person in the Catalonian capital for three days packed with inspiring education, quality one-to-one business meetings and networking while respecting a robust set of safety measures. All attendees are encouraged to plan their travel to the venue and print their badges ahead of time to allow for a smooth entry at the event.
Inside the venue, attendees are required to wear masks and maintain a 1.5 metre social distancing as per the current Spanish regulations. Exhibitors will incorporate this requirement into their stand design and stand demonstrations will be one-to-one to avoid congregations. Other measures in place include increased ventilation incorporating outdoor fresh air, hand sanitiser stations and the highest standards of cleaning before, during and after the event.
IBTM World Barcelona is a forum to connect with existing contacts as well as create valuable new ones, and an elbow bump is the recommended greeting to ensure a safe, seamless and productive event experience for all attendees. Event health and safety precautionary guidelines are subject to change as directed by the local authorities.
David Thompson, Event Director, said: “It has been exciting to see the incredible response and appetite from our community to get back to doing business in person. Our primary focus this year remains on the safety of our exhibitors, partners, visitors and employees so that everyone involved has a fantastic and fruitful event experience. We are cutting no corners and we will apply all safety guidelines and regulations with the utmost diligence to ensure attendees can wholeheartedly and confidently focus on the power of doing business face-to-face and benefit from the practical takeaways and business relations acquired on the show floor.”
Kerry Prince, Brand Director, RX (the organisers of IBTM World), said: “Having already successfully run a series of events in 2021 as part of our RX portfolio, we have been able to take some of the learnings from those shows and apply them to the strategic planning of IBTM World. Our team has worked extensively with industry peers to create a safe working standard called “All Secure” for holding events in a COVID-impacted world, and IBTM is working closely with the local authorities and the Fira Barcelona to implement all other necessary precautions.”
Global suppliers and destinations attending include Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, Melia Hotels & Resorts, Conference Compass, Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority, Munich Convention Bureau, Latvia Tourism and Flanders Meeting and Convention Centre, Croatian Tourist Board, Basquetour, Visit Czech Republic, Visit Austria and Visit Norway.