IBTM’s annual IBTM Trends Watch report has predicted a bright year ahead for the meetings and events industry, thanks to a renewed resilience and confidence driven by the past few years of economic and geopolitical instability.
The report was presented on the opening day of IBTM World, Reed Travel Exhibition’s annual business travel and meetings expo in Barcelona.
While recognising that there are still uncertain times ahead, the report points to an industry that is focused on “getting on with business”. This is underpinned by significant optimism amongst meetings and events professionals as they continue to adapt to the ‘new normal’, embracing new technologies and investing in staff, communications, knowledge and relationships to secure their future and thrive.
Rob Davidson (above), managing director of research firm Mice Knowledge, and Alistair Turner, managing director of EIGHT PR & Marketing, compiled the report, using over 25 key sources of existing industry data and interviews with industry luminaries to deliver a concise synthesis of industry performance in 2017 and predictions for 2018.
Commenting on the findings, Davidson said: “There’s no getting away from the fact that there is still a period of uncertainty ahead, with several evolving and new economic and geopolitical developments continuing to play out across the globe.
“However, our industry is approaching this proactively, continuing to ‘take care of business’ both literally and figuratively, which points to a very positive year ahead.”
“It’s essential that business events professionals continue to discuss and debate the possible impacts of different scenarios in order that they can adapt and react in a considered manner,” said Alistair Turner.
“As we head into 2018 the hesitancy of previous years has been replaced by renewed confidence, manifesting itself as a more responsible and positive industry that increasingly operates without borders.”
Kerry Prince, IBTM portfolio director, said: “Given that we’re in a period of change and uncertainty, this year more than ever our IBTM Trends Watch report is a useful tool for meetings and events professionals looking for a concise evaluation of the global events market and forecasting for 2018.”
