Paralympian Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson to Headline IBTM World’s Social Responsibility Track

Get ready for an inspiring start to IBTM World, the globally renowned trade show taking place in Barcelona from November 19 to 21. The event will kick off with a powerful keynote delivered by Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, a British Paralympian, six-time London Wheelchair Marathon champion, and crossbench peer in the House of Lords.

Dame Tanni, known for her remarkable athletic achievements and unwavering commitment to social responsibility, will set the stage for the event’s central focus: championing inclusivity and positive change within the events industry. Her keynote, titled “People Potential: A Conversation with Baroness and Paralympian Tanni Grey-Thompson,” will delve into the transformative power of prioritizing inclusivity, teamwork, and empowerment. Drawing from her personal journey, Dame Tanni will share how embracing diversity and celebrating human potential can drive not only successful events but also inspire meaningful change in society.

The event’s #PeoplePowered campaign will underscore the belief that collective effort is the key to success. This will be further emphasized through a dedicated social responsibility track featuring a lineup of influential speakers tackling some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the industry and the world at large.

Get ready to be inspired by:

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Shani Dhanda

, recognized as the UK’s most influential disabled person, will discuss “The Changing Face of Accessibility, Equity & Inclusion in Meetings and Events.” This session will delve into the evolving legal landscape of workforce equality and how the events sector can lead the way in embracing these changes.

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Dr. Vincent Walsh

, a leading expert in biodiversity, forest design, and regenerative agriculture, will lead a session titled “The Living Earth (and Why We Should Care).” He will share groundbreaking insights into the transformations in food production and their implications for event catering and the future of events.

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Janthea Brigden

, CEO of Nipperbout, and

Sammy Connell

, Head of Events at NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union, will discuss “Family-Friendly Events: Embracing Inclusivity and Best Practices for Welcoming Children” in the “Workplace Revolution” session. They will provide practical guidance on organizing events that accommodate families and create inclusive environments by offering childcare solutions.

The event’s Impact Stage will host a session titled “Overtourism: A Strategic Solution” led by

Martin Fullard

, Director of The Business of Events, and

Eloisa Urrutia

, Head of Sustainability at Amex GBT Meetings & Events. This session will explore how business events can contribute to sustainable tourism, balancing economic gains with the preservation of local cultures and environments.

Further enriching the program,

Monica Molina

, a DEI, Accessibility & Sustainability Consultant, will lead a workshop titled “How to Incorporate DEI into Your Event RFP?” offering hands-on advice for integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into every stage of event planning.

In the “Workplace Revolution” track,

Connor Bryant

, Co-Founder and CEO of Rubbish Ideas, will lead a session titled “A Solar Punk Future: Thriving in Harmony with Nature.” This session will focus on how the events industry can embrace a circular economy and cutting-edge technologies like AI and IoT to create a sustainable future where businesses and the environment thrive together.

Claudia Hall, Exhibition Director at IBTM World, expressed her enthusiasm for having Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson as the opening keynote speaker, stating that her work towards creating a more equitable society is truly inspiring. Hall emphasizes that the social responsibility track aims to address big and challenging questions facing the industry, providing attendees with the hope, inspiration, and practical tools necessary to work towards a better future together.