IBTM World: Inclusion and diversity, keys to better business results

The first keynote speaker, María Teixidor, will lead the way on the main stage with an enlightening fireside speech on the first day of the show.

In the exclusive interview, titled ‘Beyond the field: María Teixidor reveals the leadership, culture and equality manual at FC Barcelona’, María will share her personal experience as a woman within one of the most recognized men’s football clubs in the world. As a former member of the FC Barcelona Board of Directors and the first woman to hold the position of Secretary of the Board of Directors, she will share thought-provoking insights into the multifaceted world of football leadership, delving into strategies and values. that underpin the creation of a thriving team culture and a devoted fan base.

Maria, a women’s football icon who was also responsible for the growth of the women’s team, will reveal how she successfully overcame the challenges of working in a male-dominated industry and share practical steps to achieve gender equality.

This first-ever keynote address perfectly embodies the essence of the IBTM World 2023 conference programme, providing a platform for voices from as many different backgrounds, perspectives and identities as possible, all of which will challenge, inspire and energize delegates to lead the industry. of events towards an inclusive and prosperous future.

This includes Ellie Middleton, autism and ADHD speaker, writer, and creator. After a lifetime of feeling misunderstood, Ellie was diagnosed with autism and ADHD at the age of 24. Since then, she has built an audience of almost 400,000 people online, written her first book for Penguin Life and worked with global organizations. brands like Disney, Google, Samsung and LinkedIn to change the narrative around neurodivergence.

Her thought-provoking session, titled ‘The Future of Events: Neuroinclusion as a Channel for Cultivating Belonging’, will see her join a lively discussion, with representatives from Google and FIRST, on how to embrace neurodiversity when designing experiences to showcase how events They really can resonate with all brain types.

The team behind IBTM firmly believes that Maria and Ellie’s insights are of great benefit to anyone, regardless of their background or identity, who is experiencing challenging or adverse work environments that hinder their professional success.

Continuing the conversation

Recognizing that not all attendees access content in the same way, this year IBTM World launched Workplace Revolution, a welcoming space where delegates can hold conversations with inspiring figures in a relaxed campfire-style atmosphere.

Among these figures is the CEO of equity, diversity and inclusion consultancy SLS 360, Samantha Stimpson B.Ed MA, who will host a hands-on workshop, titled ‘Creating Diverse Cultures: Why, How, When…’ Samantha promises to equip delegates with the knowledge, tools and strategies they will need to create these cultures within their organizations and demonstrate how such cultures can drive innovation and boost productivity.

Also at Workplace Revolution will be Richard John, COO of Realize Me Ltd, a specialist event services agency, with his session ‘Diversifying the workplace: harnessing the potential of those with learning difficulties’. Richard will be joined by representatives from Hilton Birmingham Metropole and The Power of Events, as well as Samantha Stimpson, as they delve into how hiring people with intellectual disabilities, or people from disenfranchised sectors, can be a meaningful, powerful and beneficial option. for event businesses.

Vasyl Zhygalo, Portfolio Director of IBTM World, said: “This year’s show aims to illustrate to event professionals their role and influence in shaping business culture. For this culture to thrive, it is essential to create an environment of inclusion. That’s why we’re delighted to welcome such a dynamic range of industry titans to IBTM World 2023. Our market-leading conference program gives these incredible speakers a platform to share their experiences and insights with our wonderful delegates, allowing all voices to be heard and respected, innovation to grow and consequently better business results to achieve.”