IBTM World will address global challenges at Association Leaders Forum

# tags: Events , Exhibitions , Associations

IBTM World, global trade show for the meetings and events industry, has revealed the first details of its 2024 Association Leaders Forum.

Created in partnership with ESAE (European Society of Association Executives) and sponsored by Amsterdam Convention Bureau, the Association Leaders Forum will address practical and strategic issues associations face today, focussing on the need to balance executive governance and risk management with innovating and adapting to global challenges in order to build a thriving association industry of the future.

Taking place on day one, and tying into the theme for IBTM World 2024 – People.Power.Potential, which will provide a platform to explore and understand how people power can be enhanced by harnessing new technologies – the forum will explore how to integrate AI in Associations’ strategic planning, and how to use the possibilities offered by digital tools to make conferences and events more impactful, engaging and financially sustainable, while continuing the commitment to establish a greener future.

The forum will also try to understand how to prevent burnouts while equipping team members with the right tools and upskilling for them to perform in an efficient and rewarding manner; explore how associations can prepare for a year of significant electoral shifts and provide insights into how association leaders can guide members and staff in navigating the geopolitical environment.

Speakers will include Martin Boyle (CEO, IAPCO), Liesbeth Switten (Secretary General at AIB-Association of Issuing Bodies and ESAE Vice-President), Dianna Steinbach (Senior Vice-President Growth, Institute of Management Accountants), Bobby Peralta (CEO, Philippine Council of Associations & Association Executives), Dennis Speet (Managing Director, Amsterdam Convention Bureau) and Cecilia Delgado Molina (Executive Secretary, International Sociological Association).

The day’s sessions will be punctuated by networking sessions where attendees can make valuable new connections and meet with existing industry friends.

Claudia Hall, IBTM World Exhibition Director, said: “We can’t wait for attendees to discover the exciting programme we have planned for them at this year’s Association Leaders Forum. At IBTM World, we strive above all else to always provide genuine value, and tangible take-homes, for delegates. This year’s Forum does just that, supporting association professionals to build an association sector that is not only at the forefront of advancement, but which prospers because of it.” 

Designed in partnership with ESAE, and curated from the expertise of the organisation’s members, the forum has become the annual meeting point for association leaders to exchange ideas, learn, and advance knowledge and best practices in a peer-to-peer setting.

Welcoming approximately 130 association professionals, the interactive sessions will comprise panel discussions, provocative debates, and case studies. There will also be networking breaks with peers.

Liesbeth Switten, ESAE Vice-President, said: “This is the second year in a row we’ve partnered with IBTM World to design its Association Leaders Forum. As the beating heart of the global events community, it is the ideal location for association professionals to come together to learn, debate, feel inspired, and immerse themselves in the topics which matter most to them. This year’s programme doesn’t shy away from the big issues, in fact, it welcomes them. Together, we will create an association sector fit for the rest of the 21st century and beyond, and the ideas and voices of our Association professionals will be vital in realising this vision.”

The ESAE is the leading organisation in Europe for bringing together association professionals. It facilitates the exchange of best practice among peers and ensures that current and future leaders understand association business and strategy.