IBTM Americas, which was held at Centro Citibanamex from August 18-19, has concluded with close to 8,000 business meetings taking place over the two-day event, around $1,000 million in business opportunities and an economic benefit of over 70 million Mexican pesos, bolstering the meetings industry in Mexico and Latin America. More than 2,000 people participated in the event, and over 350 exhibitor and co-exhibitor companies, 400 buyers, sponsors, and media re-connected face-to-face and sought new opportunities to develop business.
IBTM Americas was attended by Carlos Mackinlay, Minister of Tourism of Mexico City; Alejandro Ramírez, President of the Mexican Council of the Meetings Industry (COMIR); Ligia González, youth leader of the COMIR; María Teresa Villena Ramírez, International Official Commercial Economic Counselor of Peru in Mexico; and David Hidalgo, Director of IBTM Americas. Among the attendees were regional ministers of tourism, and presidents of different associations and media.
Commenting on the event, Alejandro Ramírez, president of COMIR, said: “Our job as an industry is to show that we are safe to carry out events with all measures; that we can have human relationships again and that we are capable of reigniting the sector. We have migrated to the digital era, but we will not stop meeting face-to-face; we see a promising future with a meaningful recovery”.
María Teresa Villena Ramírez, representative of Peru, guest country of IBTM Americas, shared Peru’s offer in terms of congresses, conventions, and incentive trips, and highlighted the enormous experience that the destination has after hosting the most important global events of the last decade, and that it is ready to offer unique experiences once again.
Several events were held during IBTM America, such as the first DMCs Latin American Congress, and the Event Design Hybrid Conference (EDHC). Several main conferences were presented by the Allenamenti Speakers Bureau, including from Salvador Camarena, analyst and political journalist, columnist and host, and Luis Fernando Tena, the renowned Former Coach and Olympic medalist.
The third MPI International Hispanic Forum also took place, and the Romance Congress led by ABC (Association of Bridal Consultants). ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) gave a presentation on ‘fostering local connections to ensure global business’, and Gabe Zichermann, entrepreneur, author, startup mentor and gamification expert, explored the topic of “engaging with the audience of the future: Gamification, digital addition and A-Ha!”. The closure conference was given by Andrés Aguilar, inspiring speaker and emotional consultant from the Allenamenti Speakers Bureau, on ‘Contentment strategy’.
David Hidalgo, Show Director, said: “This edition of IBTM Americas has been very special because it involved a great challenge. Times have been difficult, and I can gladly share that the purpose of generating business and actively and economically supporting the reactivation of the industry was achieved. Thanks to the attendees who joined, to the sponsors, international participants who consider the market strategic in the Americas, and to all those who do not take their foot off the accelerator and continue to bet on the reactivation of the meetings industry.
IBTM Americas, organised by RX México (former Reed Exhibitions), was carried out under protocols and health and hygiene measures that the company implemented based on the emerging direction, scientific evidence, and guidance from the relevant national and international authorities, including WHO (World Health Organization), the government of Mexico City, and Centro Citibanamex, to offer all participants a safe business environment.