IBTM World, part of RX (Reed Exhibitions), has won Best International Trade Show in the Exhibition News Awards for its 2019 event. More than 600 leading industry players gathered at Evolution London for an evening of celebration to mark the achievements of the industry’s brightest stars. The awards, hosted by comedian Tom Allen, recognised those who had made an impact over the pandemic as well as those making a difference in how the industry operates.

IBTM World 2019 took place at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona from 19–21 November. The event welcomed 2,600 exhibitors from 150 countries as well as over 2,700 Hosted Buyers and more than 14,000 visitors for three days of bespoke one-to-one business meetings, exciting networking opportunities and specially curated educational content. Almost 74,000 pre-scheduled business meetings took place over the three days.

The judges commented that IBTM World 2019 displayed “an impressive growth in tangible revenue while facing challenging external market conditions. The organisers have embarked on a transformational approach to this event that has delivered.”

David Thompson, Event Director, said: “Winning Best International Trade Show at the Exhibition News Awards is a huge accolade and it’s a reflection of the talent and commitment of the whole team that we were able to win in what was an incredibly competitive category.”

David continues: “After creating our successful virtual show for the 2020 edition of IBTM World, we are looking forward to bringing the events industry together in Barcelona this year for our first in-person IBTM World since 2019, providing the industry with the tools it needs to thrive in the next chapter in meetings and events.”

The award-winning IBTM World will take place this year at Fira, Barcelona from 30 November to 2 December. The show will be followed by IBTM World Virtual, from 7–9 December 2021.