RX brand IBTM has unveiled a new format for the subsidiary event, organised in partnership with the European Society of Association Executives (ESAE). The gathering, which provides a platform for peer-to-peer knowledge exchange and discussion amongst association executives, will feature presentations, lightning talks and interactive debates.
One of the major debates will address “the elephant in the room”: travel and sustainability – and will be moderated by the Secretary General of The International Association of Public Transport (UITP), Mohamed Mezghani.
Acknowledging that hundreds of thousands of delegates travel around the world each year to attend conferences and events, the debate will consider game changing questions including whether a sustainable future is possible if we continue to travel the way we do, the efficiency of carbon offsets and whether the impact of conference subject matter makes the carbon price an acceptable evil.
Following the debate, a panel of association leaders will discuss embedding ESG in decision making and operations, as well as exploring diversity, equity and inclusion, sustainability and corporate social responsibility.
Other sessions will dive into these key responsibility topics further, with lighting sessions on ESG, and impact versus environment. Artificial intelligence will also be the subject of a lighting talk.
“When associations come together to share knowledge and ideas, we know they can really make a difference,” said Mike Morrissey, ESAE president and CEO of the European Cancer Organisation, who will also open the forum with a keynote on association trends for 2024.
“This forum is a space for association and events professionals to debate the issues that are unique to them. We are delighted to be working with IBTM on the content for this important event and invite all association events professionals to join us, make connections and share their inspiration and ideas.”
The forum on November 28 is open to association buyers attending IBTM World Barcelona, one of the major international business events trade shows.
