-Largest African presence in over a decade, plus new destinations, cruise lines and hotel brands-

11 November 2025: IBTM World, the leading international trade show for the meetings and events industry, has announced a further wave of exciting new international exhibitors for this year’s event, which is due to take place at Fira de Barcelona from November 18 to 20. Building on momentum from its successful 2024 edition, the latest exhibitors reinforce IBTM World’s position as the must-attend event for the global business events community.

A world of new destinations

Newcomers joining the IBTM World show floor for the first time include West Hollywood, the Cayman Islands and Fiera Milano, as well as European capital cities, Sarajevo and Sofia. Meanwhile, Astana, capital of Kazakhstan, returns after several years absence, alongside VisitScotland and Buenos Aires, both rejoining the show’s global line-up. 
Abercrombie & Kent DMC is also making its debut, further expanding the international DMC representation at the event.

Africa’s largest showcase in over a decade

This year’s edition will feature the strongest African presence at IBTM World in over 10 years, with South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, and Rwanda all returning with expanded stands. They will be joined by Rainbow Tourism Group from Zimbabwe, and a host of new and returning partners from across the continent. Among them are Business Class, a new Moroccan DMC; the Uganda Convention Bureau with 10 partners, returning after a year’s break; and the Tunisia Convention Bureau, also joined by 10 partners, marking the country’s first participation in more than a decade.

Cruise sector to make waves

The 2025 show will also welcome several cruise line exhibitors for the first time, including Norwegian Cruise Line, City Cruises (offering unforgettable events on the River Thames), and Century Cruises, offering river and coastal experiences across China, Japan and Vietnam.

Increased hotel representation 

After a successful launch in 2024, IBTM World’s Hotel Pavilion will see an expanded presence from both international chains and boutique groups this year. Wyndham Hotels, Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts, The Kimberly Hotel, and Impulsive Group will all make their debut appearances, alongside returning independents such as The Muse New York, Regnum Carya, The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama, and Viceroy at Ombria Algarve.

Innovation in event services

In the event technology and services sector, Newhotel Software, vFairs, and Cvent join the exhibitor line-up for the first time, underscoring the industry’s ongoing digital evolution. MESA (Meetings & Events Support Association) will also return with a significantly expanded stand, more than doubling the number of participating suppliers compared to last year.

Claudia Hall, IBTM World Exhibition Director, said: “We’re thrilled to see the continued growth and diversification of our exhibitor community. The addition of new destinations, hotel brands, and event service providers - alongside the largest African presence in more than a decade - highlights the strength and global reach of our industry. IBTM World 2025 is shaping up to be one of our most dynamic editions yet, and we look forward to bringing the world together once again in Barcelona.”

For more information about IBTM World 2025, please visit: https://www.ibtmworld.com/en-gb.html
ENDS
For all media enquiries, additional comment and request for interview please contact
Emily Stewart and Hollie Luxford at Davies Tanner:
Tel: +44 (0)1892 619100
ibtmpr@daviestanner.com
Notes to Editors

About IBTM
IBTM is a world-leading showcase for the meetings and events industry with a portfolio of events and products offering business solutions across four continents. The portfolio includes IBTM World and IBTM Americas.

IBTM World, the leading global event for the meetings and events industry, is the must-attend three-day event for the worldwide meeting, incentives, conference and events industry. Thousands of meetings and events buyers, suppliers and international trade media visit Fira Barcelona every November for IBTM’s flagship show.

Next event: Tuesday 18 November to Thursday 20 November 2025 at Fira Barcelona

IBTM Americas, the leading event for the meetings and events industry in North America, Latin America, Europe and beyond, is the must-attend two-day event for the region’s meeting, incentives, conference and events industry.

Next event: Wednesday 19 to Thursday 20 August 2026 at Centro Banamex in Mexico City.

About IBTM @ ATM
IBTM @ ATM is the dedicated business events hub within Arabian Travel Market (ATM), connecting the global meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) community with the Middle East’s rapidly expanding meetings and mega events sector.

The feature brings together association planners, conference organisers, corporate buyers, and incentive agencies with destinations, venues, DMCs, and business event suppliers specialising in world-class events. With a comprehensive hosted buyer programme, targeted networking, pre-scheduled appointments, and a dedicated Business Events Stage featuring expert-led sessions, IBTM @ ATM is the essential platform for driving innovation, collaboration, and growth across the global meetings industry.

Next event: Monday 4 to Thursday 7 May 2026 at DWTC Dubai, UAE

About RX
RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people.  RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information, visit www.rxglobal.com. 

About RELX
RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs more than 36,000 people over 40% of whom are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York stock exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX.

*Note: Current market capitalisation can be found at http://www.relx.com/investors