Exceptional Experiences is making its triumphant return to IBTM World 2025, with WeTransfer, Canva, Shutterstock, Amazon and UTA among industry heavyweights eager to share their unparalleled insights and expertise when the event industry’s leading global trade show returns to the iconic Fira de Barcelona from November 18 to 20.
Unveiled to rave reviews at IBTM World 2024, which is organised by global events planner RX, Exceptional Experiences will launch with a powerful keynote address by author B. Joseph Pine II. Designed to showcase groundbreaking solutions to help in-house event professionals and marketers create event experiences that fuel business growth, the programme, run in partnership with The Thought Partnership, will take attendees on an inspiration-packed journey from psychology to community to brand experiences and everything in-between.
Split into two parts, the first, on the first day of IBTM World, brings together senior executives, VPs, and influential leaders – including Motorola, Uber, Smartly, and Microsoft – for an exclusive, invite-only workshop. The second, on day two of the show, will feature industry trailblazers sharing their knowledge in the Exceptional Experiences Forum – a series of dedicated education sessions open to all.
An expert guide
In an electrifying line-up, B. Joseph Pine II will open the Forum with a revolutionary keynote address exploring the ‘transformation economy.’ Building on insights unveiled in his first book on the experience economy, Joseph will utilise his upcoming book, The Transformation Economy: Guiding Customers to Achieve Their Aspirations, to reveal how event experiences are evolving, and to equip attendees with the tools they need to design events that connect deeply and deliver greater value in the ‘transformation economy’ era.
Other unmissable speakers taking to IBTM’s Main Stage include Canva’s Global Head of Experiential, Jimmy Knowles, who will take a deep dive into winning the eyeballs, attention and loyalty of the digital-native and social-first Gen Z and Alpha generations.
In an illuminating session titled “It’s a match! The psychology of meaningful connection”, as well as insights from Shutterstock’s Global Head of Communications, Lori Rodney, and C2’s VP for Growth & Partnerships, Jesse Gainer, will provide attendees with a comprehensive overview of intentional networking. From facilitating serendipity and bonding with delegates pre-event to maintaining a long-lasting bond post-event, attendees will gain valuable knowledge.
Event planning 101
Leading a scintillating session on the formidable role of senior executives, Todd Hansen, Executive Producer at Web Summit, and Berit Block, Global Marketing Director, B2B at WeTransfer, lay bare how events and communities can become powerful platforms for senior executives to build trust and turn company values into lived, shared experiences.
In the ever-changing world of events, Ella Weston’s fascinating session, “The most expensive selfie wall you’ll never build again”, could not be more timely. The Senior Vice President of Marketing at WPP delves into ten key B2B marketing trends, providing real-world examples of how leading brands are shifting from awareness-first to growth-driven experiential marketing.
The ultimate A to Z
Ready to get into the mind of the modern-day delegate? Drawing on their vast experience to dissect the relationship between brands, events and people, Behavioural Scientist, Lea Karem, and Event Psychologist, Kelly McCormack lead a riveting discussion about how people are changing and how these new behaviours are affecting the way they interact.
Closing the Exceptional Experiences Forum with a bang is Hesta Prynn – internationally acclaimed DJ, radio host and licensed therapist who is bringing her signature “inner mix” experience to the IBTM Main Stage for the first time. Fusing music, psychology, and neuroscience, Hesta’s thrilling interactive session will transform how attendees think, feel, and connect as they break through stress, reconnect to their own voice, and create a clear vision for what is next.
Claudia Hall, IBTM World Exhibition Director, said: “At its heart, Exceptional Experiences is about unleashing the collective creativity of our industry. It’s a space for daring ideas, for learning from the brightest minds, and for discovering new ways to design experiences that inspire transformation and growth. Together, we’re building a future where events don’t just deliver impact – they create magic.”
