Recognizing innovation and technology in the meetings industry

“The Innovation Zone is a popular feature for our attendees, who we know also have a growing interest in how technology impacts and can enhance their events,” said Graeme Barnette, Senior Exhibition Director of ibtm world, commenting on the opening of applications for their annual Technology and Innovation Watch awards.

ibtm world, previously EIBTM, the leading global event for the meeting and events industry, has announced that applications are now being accepted for the 2015 awards.

Barnett, who announced the opening of the Technology and Innovation Watch 2015 at the Event Tech Lab which took place as part of London Tech Week, commented: “This new all-encompassing name for this award illustrates its evolution, recognizing the importance of both innovation and technology within the industry.”

The process of allocating the Technology and Innovation Watch Award will also change as the judging panel will shortlist 10 submissions to be recognized as the “Top 10 Innovations to drive the industry forward.” These 10 innovations will be offered the opportunity to feature in the dedicated Innovation Zone at the show in Barcelona (November 17-19, 2015).

The panel will also vote for one of these top ten to become the Technology and Innovation Watch winner who will benefit from a global promotional campaign (supported by ibtm world), a presence in the Innovation Zone and the opportunity to present their winning solution during the show.

Barnett continues, “It makes perfect sense to … provide a dedicated area within ibtm world for our exhibitors to showcase their latest skills and innovations for the benefit of all involved in the meetings and events industry.”

Peter Komornik, CEO of sli.do and one of the top 10 innovations showcased in 2014 commented: “Initiated by the meetings at the show, we’ve cultivated relationships and established a number of new partnerships with people we met in the Innovation Zone. Moreover, direct feedback received in the Innovation Zone was very useful in developing new features for our customers.”

Comprising of industry experts from across the world, and chaired by meetings technology expert Corbin Ball, the ibtm world Technology and Innovation Watch judging panel 2015, will consist of Stefania Conti-Vecchi, Founder and CEO of EVENTagist, Michelle Bruno, Technology Journalist – Bruno Group Signature Events, Christine Fuchs, Founder of The Social Fox, Paul Hussey, Director of The Conference Doctor, Ruud Janssen, Founder of TNOC.org and Co-Founder of EMG and Padraic Gilligan, Managing Partner of SoolNua. In addition, one new industry judge will join the panel this year: James Morgan, Co-founder of Event Tech Lab and a Senior Lecturer in Tourism and Events at the University of Westminster.

Morgan commented, “I’m really looking forward to working with the judges and ibtm world on this long-standing competition that facilitates greater integration of technology into events of all kinds. The speed of technological innovation means that busy events professionals are always playing catch-up. The Innovation Zone provides a great educational platform for event professionals to explore a plethora of technologies that benefit their events and attendees.”

Free to enter, the application process for submissions is now open at itbmworld.com/techwatch. Entry for the ibtm world 2015 Technology and Innovation Watch Award will close on Friday, September 4.

For further information about the Innovation Zone, please visit ibtmworld.com.

Companies providing event services or technology solutions, interested in a stand and benefiting from access to a global network of powerful meetings industry buyers should contact [email protected] or for further information, please visit itbmworld.com/technology.

eTN is a media partner for ibtm world.