Birmingham & West Midlands UK, Toronto, Inter MICE Asia, Emirate of Ajman, and Ayana Hospitality, are among the new additions.

IBTM is set to welcome new exhibitors from across the globe to the 2024 edition of its flagship IBTM World event. The leading international trade show for the meetings and events industry will return to its iconic home at Fira de Barcelona from November 19 to 21, and exhibitors have already expressed significant interest.

Asia, the Middle East, Africa, North America, the Caribbean, and Europe are all regions with new destinations poised to debut at this year’s event. This includes Birmingham and West Midlands from the UK. A strong showing from the Asia region will see China’s capital city, Beijing, and the first-ever exhibitor from Uzbekistan, Inter MICE Asia, make their inaugural appearances, while Sri Lanka will be returning for the first time since 2019.

Toronto, Canada’s most populous city, is spreading its wings to take on a stand of its own, while Mauritius is flying the flag for East Africa. From the Middle East, the Emirate of Ajman, one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates, is attending for the first time, while the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean is preparing for a much-anticipated come-back after five years away.

Claudia Hall, IBTM World Exhibition Director, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome so many new faces to IBTM World this year. It is a true testament to the confidence exhibitors feel in the value the show provides for them. Our theme for 2024 is ‘People. Power. Potential.’ emphasises the belief that what people need to succeed is other people, and our new exhibitors exemplify this wholeheartedly. Their presence will only enhance the industry-leading quality of connections our wonderful delegates find here, and we can’t wait to expand attendees’ opportunities with ever more dynamic and exciting destinations and hotels.”

Making the most of IBTM World’s invigorating new Hotel Pavilion feature, a dedicated space for independent and small group hotels to showcase their offer, is Nobu Hotel Shoreditch London and luxury Japanese hotel Rihga Royal Hotel Osaka. Also new to the 2024 hotel line-up are Ayana Hospitality, a chain of luxury hotels and resorts in Indonesia. Greek hotel chain Civitel Hotels and Resorts and Italian hotel chain JADA Hotels Collection will introduce themselves to visitors for the first time, as will OKU Hotels, a group of luxury hotels across the Mediterranean.

While many new exhibitors are preparing to launch their offerings at IBTM World, many returning exhibitors are expanding their presence at the 2024 show. Bruges is almost tripling the stand space it had in 2023. Slovenia and Serbia are growing their stands by 25 per cent and 22 per cent, respectively, while Antwerp will return with its largest representation ever, increasing its stand by 23 per cent following the success of last year’s show.