TAKING PLACE ON STAND P48: MESA EDUCATIONAL CAMPFIRE PROGRAMME
Tuesday 17th November
1030-1050 AI in events: What is real, what's hype and what's next
Everyone’s selling AI, but what has changed for event professionals? This informal discussion cuts through the hype to explore where AI genuinely helps today, where it overpromises, and where it’s heading. Join Manuel for an honest, practical conversation about building AI into how we work.
Manuel Otero, Business Development Consultant, idloom
1100-1120 Let’s Talk Marketing: AI, Influencers & Finding Your Edge
Marketing isn’t just for marketers anymore. Whether you’re promoting an event, building your personal brand, or automating your workload, this chat is for you. Led by a micro-influencer in the events space, we’ll explore AI tools, influencer marketing, and practical ways to stand out without burning out. Bring your hacks, questions, and curiosity.
Johnny Martinez, Head of Events & Partnerships, CrowdComms & Eloise Newing, Co-Founder, Electric Cat
1130-1150 MESA Group Hosted Buyer Presentation (Closed Group Presentation): A Discovery Journey of Event Services and Technologies for Your Next Event (Part One)
1200-1220 Honest conversations on AI in events: what's working, what's theatre
AI is in every demo, every keynote, every pitch. But which parts have changed anything for organisers and attendees, and which are shiny wrappers for what we already did well? Join a candid discussion on what has delivered real value in your events, what hasn't lived up to the hype, and where the genuine opportunities sit. Bring your experience. Honest views are especially welcome.
Jelmer van Ast, Founder & CEO, Conference Compass
1230-1250 Driving Engagement at your Event
Engagement doesn’t just happen; it’s designed. This campfire discussion explores practical ways to create interaction before, during, and after your event. From personalised journeys and gamification to tech tools and creative networking formats, we’ll share strategies that keep attendees connected, inspired, and coming back. And we want to hear what’s working for you. After all engagement can mean different things. Let’s explore together.
Victoria Hallin, Chief Revenue Officer & Simon Roberts, Director, Solutions Engineering, InvitePeople
1400-1420 MESA Group Presentation (Closed Group Presentation): A Discovery Journey of Event Services and Technologies for Your Next Event (Part Two)
1430-1450 The Poster Hall Post-Mortem: Transforming Wasted Real Estate into High-Impact Engagement
Tired of empty corridors and disengaged presenters staring at their phones? Let’s brainstorm how to transform traditional poster sessions, often the most wasted real estate at events, into captivating experiences. In this interactive discussion, we will explore proven strategies to eliminate author no-shows, guarantee an audience for every presenter, and effortlessly captivate crowds. Join us to share your challenges and discover how to design high-impact poster halls that truly foster knowledge exchange.
Joel Chetzroni, CEO, Multilearning
1500-1520 Intelligent data: Turning Event Data into Business Value
Events generate huge amounts of onsite data every day: check-ins, badge scans, session attendance, attendee tracking, booth visits, and engagement signals. Most of this data stays operational and never becomes intelligence. Come and bring your questions as we look at how on-site event data can move from simple operations to real business intelligence and the impact of AI.
Charles White, Vice President of Global Sales, fielddrive
1530-1550 What If Your Attendees Did Your Marketing for You?
What if your attendees could be your best marketers? Join Anup for a relaxed chat about how organisers like Dubai World Trade Centre and Informa turn attendees, speakers, and exhibitors into advocates. Swap ideas on personalising content, encouraging authentic sharing and getting your event noticed, all without spending on ads.
Anup Mohan, CEO & Co-Founder, Premagic
1610-1650 Join some of our MESA Members at the ibtm Future Stage
Event Tech Meets Human Psychology: Designing for How People Really Behave
With Johnny Martinez, Head of Events & Partnerships, CrowdComms and Paul Cook, Storyteller & Creative Producer, Paul Cook Storyteller
JOIN MESA FOR DRINKS ON P48 1700-1800 ON TUESDAY
wednesday mesa campfire programme
thursday mesa campfire programme
overall mesa campfire programme
Logistics and overall support for MESA at ibtm provided by MESA Patron Member ACS audiovisual solutions 
Our audio visual screens at ibtm are sponsored and provided by MESA Member ESTENSIS
Our campfire seating is sponsored and provided by FestivalChairs 
MESA campfires will take place using MESA Sponsor Partner Silent Seminars headsets 