Despite earlier announcements, this year’s edition of IBTM World will assume a virtual-only form. The organisers’ decision was impacted by travel restrictions that continue to be unpredictable and might make it difficult to guarantee required attendance figures.

“Whilst we have been planning positively for a live event in December, and we know that people want to get back to meeting face-to-face, the situation across Europe and the wider world remains very changeable. Therefore, even though the show is still some months away, we believe we have a responsibility to provide clarity to enable our partners, exhibitors, buyers and visitors to plan for the future. This has been a difficult decision to take and we are very disappointed that we will not be able to bring the industry together in person in 2020 – the first year since 1988 that IBTM World will not take place as a live event,” said David Thompson, Event Director, IBTM World.

IBTM World is one of the most established trade shows for the meetings and events industry, both as regards the number of buyers and the effectiveness of business talks. Every edition attracts more than 4,000 professionals from all over the world involved in planning meetings and events, decision-making and budgeting. Each year Polish Tourism Organisation presents the Polish national stand at the Barcelona-based event.