The highly anticipated live and in-person return of IBTM World Barcelona is scheduled to take place at Fira de Barcelona, ​​Spain, from November 30 to December 2, 2021. The association program, scheduled for day one of the event, was created, for the first time, with the support of the four main global organizations of association professionals: European Society of Association Executives (ESAE), American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), African Society of Association Executives ( AfSAE) and the Asia-Pacific Federation of Associative Organizations (APFAO), as well as the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).

There are three main themes for the first afternoon sessions: Inspiring, Exchanging and Resolving, designed to spark new ideas, encourage peer learning and sharing of best practices, and bring tangible solutions to real people. problems that the associations and events sector is currently facing. The program includes case studies, speeches and panel discussions from some of the leading organizations in the voluntary sector.

There will be a presentation by the Deputy Special Envoy for the 2021 United Nations Food Systems Summit, Dr Martin Frick (photo), who will investigate the legacy and key lessons of the event that will have held in New York in September.

Additionally, The Presidents Talk will bring together the four Presidents of ESAE, AfSAE, APFAO and ASAE for an open discussion on their learnings from Covid-19 and future challenges. They will offer an overview of the different regions and types of associations. The leaders of associations from around the world will then share a peer-to-peer exchange of good practices, with a focus on two types of associations: commercial and professional companies.

The day will end with experts from the association presenting solutions and helpful advice on four key topics: technology, facilitation, pricing and legacy. Speakers include association leaders Senthil Gopinath (ICCA), Zena Burgess (APS), Alessandro Cortese (ESTRO / AIP), Chloé Menhinick (ICA / Gaining Edge), Lynda J. Patterson (AMPED), Jane Cunningham (Best Cities Global Alliance) and Charlie Villasenor (PASIA).

Mike Morrissey, President of ESAE, said: “It is essential to bring together this collective knowledge and experiences of associations across Europe to meet leading colleagues in the global meetings and events industry, so as we rediscover the importance of face-to-face networking. and share and start together to define a new chapter after the pandemic. “

Stylianos Filopoulos, curator of the IBTM World Barcelona Association Knowledge Program, added: “The program draws on the experience, creativity and diversity of speakers and audiences to present and inspire new ways of working.

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