02 October 2025: IBTM has revealed behavioural science advisor and rare polymath with deep expertise in tech, marketing and psychology, Nathalie Nahai, as the opening keynote in a stellar line-up of distinguished speakers for its flagship IBTM World event, organised by global events planner RX.

The leading global trade show will explore its theme of People. Power. Potential throughout its conference programme, with day one sessions focusing on the collective power of people to achieve extraordinary results.

AI: perils and possibilities

Opening the show on day one, Nathalie’s thought-provoking talk will explore one of the most pressing issues of our age: ‘The power of human connection and empathy in the age of AI’.

With all the headlines surrounding the impact of AI on work, relationships, and our collective future, how can we discern fact from fiction, and distinguish AI hype from reality? Nathalie will explore the power of real connection in a technological age, and what it means to leverage AI without losing what makes us human. 

Taking a deep psychological dive, Nathalie will unpack some of the perils and possibilities of this moment - from the three types of human empathy (and whether AI can replicate this), to collaboration, creativity, and the power of real relationships to unlock human potential.

Shaping tomorrow

Picking up the people power baton will be Grace Blakeley, former economics commentator for the New Statesman, staff writer at Tribune Magazine and author of several books, including 'Vulture Capitalism: Corporate Crimes, Backdoor Bailouts and the Death of Freedom'.  

Grace will bring her trademark passion and intelligence to this incisive talk titled: 'Capitalism in crisis? Where next for the global economy, the climate, and democracy?’

Narrative impact

Sharing her expertise on neuroscience-backed storytelling will be six-time TEDx speaker and sought-after global keynote, Natalia Talkowska. Natalia’s session, ‘The neuroscience of storytelling for event success: influence, persuasion and unforgettable experiences’, will reveal how stories shape attention, trust, and emotion, and how to use them to craft experiences that stand out in a competitive market.

Delving deeper

Also on day one, Julius Solaris, founder of Boldpush, will be joined on stage by Ameca, the world’s most advanced humanoid robot to answer the question: is AI ready to take over events? In a riveting session about the future of events, discover what happens when robotics meets real intelligence.

In, ‘Different, Diverse, Dynamic: Could this be the ultimate conference model’ founder of The Big Festoon and seasoned diversity and inclusion speaker, Dani Wallace, will share a compelling case study about the benefits of working with an event’s community to shape content, increase diversity and develop an event with a look and feel like no other. 

Helping brands and organisers design experiences that resonate with the next generations is multi-award-winning behavioural scientist and founder of Mindscope, Lea Karam. In ‘Young People, Behaviours and Brands’, Lea will reveal how Gen Z and Gen Alpha are redefining their identities in a rapidly shifting cultural and media landscape. 

Claudia Hall, IBTM World Exhibition Director, said: “This year’s conference programme is one of our strongest yet. With a dynamic line-up of powerful voices from both inside and outside the industry, we’ve curated a platform designed to motivate, educate, and inspire.

“Our speakers share one goal: to equip event professionals with the knowledge, fresh thinking, and practical skills they can apply in their everyday work. The breadth and diversity of topics this year is second to none, and we are incredibly proud to present a programme that truly reflects the needs of our industry.”

Lucy Dyer, Conference Content Manager, IBTM World, said: “When creating the conference programme our aim was to empower and inspire with impactful stories, cutting-edge conversations, and challenging ideas. From the rise of AI to the global economy, this year’s conference programme debates big ideas and highlights the power of people to make a difference. I am thrilled to present our incredible speakers at this year’s event.”

For more information, please see: IBTM World - Session Directory - 18th Nov

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