IBTM World Unveils Dr Eliza Filby Keynote on AI, Society and the Future of Human Behaviour
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[Barcelona, November 2026] — Dr. Eliza Filby, a renowned historian of the present and author, will deliver the opening keynote at IBTM World to analyze how artificial intelligence and geopolitical instability are fundamentally altering human connection and consumer expectations.
The session, titled “Now and Next: Understanding People in a Changing World,” is scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, at 09:00. Dr. Filby will address an audience of global event professionals, focusing on the intersection of social evolution, economic volatility, and the rapid integration of technology into daily existence. The keynote aims to provide a strategic framework for understanding how different generations interact and what they now demand from global experiences.
The Catalyst for Behavioral Shift
The immediate driver for this keynote is the accelerating pace of global disruption. Dr. Filby will examine a convergence of forces that are currently redefining the global events landscape, specifically:
- Artificial Intelligence: The role of AI in mediating human interaction and its impact on the authenticity of connection.
- Economic Volatility: How shifting wealth patterns and "inheritocracy"—the influence of family wealth on social mobility—alter consumer behavior.
- Demographic Transformation: The evolving attitudes of younger generations toward work, consumption, and organizational engagement.
- Geopolitical Uncertainty: The ripple effects of global instability on how people travel and gather.
By synthesizing historical research with contemporary social analysis, Filby intends to illustrate how these factors create a "new world of experience," where the speed of changing expectations often outpaces the ability of businesses to adapt.
Industry Impact and Participant Reach
IBTM World 2026 serves as a primary nexus for the international meetings and events sector. The event is projected to attract over 12,000 event professionals and 2,500 exhibitors. The impact of the programming extends across several specific markets:
| Sector | Primary Focus Area | Key Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitality Brands | Consumer Behavior | Adapting service models to meet evolving generational expectations. |
| Tech Providers | AI Integration | Balancing automation with the human need for belonging and trust. |
| Event Specialists | Experience Design | Implementing high-precision planning for large-scale, zero-error events. |
| Corporate Leadership | Workplace Innovation | Navigating the "future of work" and employee engagement. |
The program further expands its scope with Lieutenant Colonel James Shaw LVO, who will apply the logistical precision used in the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II to business strategy. Additionally, Megan Henshall of Google and Al Turner of Eight PR and Marketing will analyze the "Disruption to Belonging" trends report to help organizations foster human connection during periods of systemic change.
Practical Traveler Advisory and Strategic Insights
For the professional traveler, event planner, or corporate delegate, these shifts translate into a tangible change in how business travel and events are structured. The "plain-language" impact includes:
- Higher Expectations for Personalization: Travelers no longer want generic corporate packages. There is a move toward "experience design" that prioritizes emotional resonance and psychological safety.
- The "Humanity Premium": As AI handles more logistics, the actual physical meeting becomes more valuable. Travelers will likely see a shift where the "human" elements of a trip—face-to-face networking and spontaneous exchange—are the primary drivers of ROI.
- Focus on Wellness and Mindset: The inclusion of specialists like DJ and therapist Hesta Prynn indicates that the industry is integrating emotional preparation and mental health into the professional itinerary. Travelers can expect more "mindset" focused programming during their trips.
IBTM World will host Dr Eliza Filby to explore the intersection of AI and human behavior within the global meetings industry. Attendees traveling to the event in Barcelona can coordinate their arrival through the Aeropuertos Españoles y Navegación Aérea (AENA) portal for official airport logistics and transport. 4. Precision Logistics: The influence of military-grade planning (as seen in Col. Shaw's session) suggests a push toward frictionless, high-precision travel experiences where the margin for error in scheduling and execution is minimized.
The Future of Global Gatherings
The trajectory for the events industry points toward a hybrid model where technological efficiency supports, rather than replaces, human intimacy. The upcoming discussions at IBTM World suggest that the next three to five years will be defined by a struggle to maintain "belonging" in an increasingly digital world.
The collaboration between academic historians like Dr. Filby and tech giants like Google indicates that the industry is moving away from simple logistics and toward a deeper understanding of sociology and behavioral science. Future events will likely be measured not just by attendee count, but by the depth of connection and the ability to facilitate trust among diverse, global cohorts.
Attendees will spend three days engaging in knowledge exchanges and business meetings designed to pivot the industry toward these new human-centric metrics. The overarching goal is to transform "disruption" into a tool for creating stronger, more inclusive global communities.
FAQ: IBTM World 2026
What is the main goal of Dr. Eliza Filby's keynote? Dr. Filby aims to explain how AI, economic shifts, and generational changes are altering human behavior. She provides event professionals with a roadmap to understand what future audiences expect from global experiences.
How many people are expected to attend IBTM World 2026? The event is expected to welcome more than 12,000 event professionals and 2,500 exhibitors from across the global hospitality and technology sectors.
What practical business lessons will be shared by Lt. Col. James Shaw? Shaw will discuss the precision and decision-making required to execute the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, translating these high-pressure operational lessons into strategies for large-scale event management.
How is AI affecting the events industry according to the program? AI is seen as a disruptive force that changes how people connect. The focus is now on using AI to handle efficiency while doubling down on "profoundly human" experiences to maintain trust and belonging.
The era of the generic conference is over; the era of the engineered human experience has begun.
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This article is for informational purposes. Flight routes, passenger regulations, visa rules, and transit advisories are subject to change by airlines and aviation authorities. Readers are advised to verify schedules and travel documentation with relevant carriers and border agencies before departure.
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