MICE Expos:
Buyer Engagement
IBTM World - Barcelona
IBTM World, Barcelona 2026
- Connecting People. Creating Opportunities. On a Global Stage.
Buyer Engagement | Hosted Buyer Recruitment | International Industry Connections
Barcelona | 17-19 November 2026
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Catch the MICE is delighted to be supporting UK buyer engagement and recruitment for IBTM World 2026, bringing together experienced event professionals, industry connections and international business opportunities.
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Taking place at Fira Barcelona Gran Via, IBTM World is one of the international meetings and events industry's leading gatherings, connecting event planners with destinations, hotels, venues, technology providers and industry suppliers from across the globe. ​Through our established professional network, we are inviting a select group of qualified UK event buyers to explore joining us in Barcelona.
At Catch the MICE, we believe the real value of our industry lies in the people we bring together and the opportunities we create. This project reflects our passion for opening doors, forging valuable connections and turning relationships into meaningful commercial opportunities across the meetings and events sector.
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Our appointment was announced by IBTM World ahead of the 2026 event, recognising our MICE experience and connections across the UK
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Our Involvement
Drawing upon our extensive experience and relationships across the UK and international meetings and events industry, our involvement focuses on connecting the right buyers with the right opportunities.
Our activities include:
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Buyer Engagement & Recruitment: Identifying and engaging qualified corporate event planners, association professionals, agencies and event decision-makers.
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Industry Outreach: Working with our established professional network to raise awareness and encourage participation.
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Buyer Qualification: Helping prospective participants understand the eligibility requirements and application process for the IBTM World Hosted Buyer Programme.
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Relationship Development: Encouraging meaningful connections between UK buyers, international destinations, venues and suppliers.
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Personal Engagement: Supporting interested professionals through the enquiry and invitation process and helping them prepare for a productive experience in Barcelona.
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Why IBTM World?
A World of Connections. A World of Opportunities.
IBTM World is one of the international meetings and events industry's leading exhibitions, bringing together destinations, hotels, venues, event technology providers and suppliers from across the globe.
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For event planners, it offers an exceptional opportunity to discover new ideas, explore international destinations, strengthen supplier relationships and make informed decisions about future meetings and events.
The event offers:
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Global Connections: Meet international destinations, hotels, venues and specialist event suppliers.
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Productive Business Meetings: Discover new partners through structured appointments matched to your interests.
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Industry Inspiration: Explore emerging trends, event technology and fresh thinking through educational sessions.
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Networking & Collaboration: Reconnect with industry colleagues and develop new professional relationships.
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The Barcelona Experience: Combine business opportunities with the energy, culture and hospitality of one of Europe's leading event destinations.
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Join Our UK Hosted Buyer Group
Great Events Start with Great Connections.
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We are inviting a select group of experienced UK event professionals to explore joining us at IBTM World 2026.
The IBTM World Hosted Buyer Programme is designed for professionals who organise, influence or purchase international meetings, conferences, incentives and events.
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Subject to qualification and approval, fully hosted participants can benefit from:
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Return flights and hotel accommodation under the programme's travel arrangements
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A personalised programme of meetings with international exhibitors
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Access to hosted buyer facilities and networking opportunities
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Educational sessions, destination presentations and industry insights
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Opportunities to discover international destinations and develop valuable supplier relationships
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Participation is subject to IBTM World's eligibility criteria, registration fee and appointment commitments.
Why Join Us?
It's Not Just About Who You Meet. It's About What Happens Next.
For us, IBTM World is about much more than attending an exhibition.
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It's about bringing together like-minded professionals, sharing experiences, discovering opportunities and developing relationships that continue long after the event has finished.
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Through Catch the MICE, we aim to create a welcoming and connected UK buyer community, encouraging introductions, conversation and collaboration throughout the IBTM World experience. Whether reconnecting with familiar faces or meeting new industry colleagues, our focus remains on helping people make meaningful connections and get real value from their time in Barcelona.
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Because sometimes the most valuable opportunities begin with a simple conversation.
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Who Should Join Us?
We welcome expressions of interest from experienced UK, US, Canadian and European event professionals involved in planning, influencing or purchasing international:
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Corporate meetings and conferences
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Association congresses and events
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Incentive travel and reward programmes
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International conferences and group events
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Events requiring overseas venues, hotels, destinations or specialist services
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Applicants should have genuine international event requirements and relevant purchasing responsibility or influence.
Whether you're a regular IBTM attendee or considering your first visit, we'd be delighted to discuss the opportunities available.
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Interested in Joining Us in Barcelona?
Your Next Great Business Connection Could Start Here.
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If you're an event planner with international purchasing responsibilities, we'd love to hear from you.
Complete our short enquiry form and we'll be in touch to discuss your suitability, the Hosted Buyer Programme and the next steps towards joining our UK group.
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NOTE: Registration of interest with Catch the MICE does not guarantee acceptance. Final approval, attendance arrangements and programme benefits are determined by IBTM World. The Hosted Buyer Programme currently requires a non-refundable €100 registration fee plus VAT and includes mandatory business meeting commitments. Full terms and conditions apply.​
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Connecting People. Creating Opportunities.
At Catch the MICE, we believe business development is ultimately about people.
From buyer recruitment and industry representation to strategic introductions and international partnerships, our work is about bringing together the people, ideas and organisations that create new opportunities.
Looking to make new connections? Let's talk.