Renowned historian, best-selling author, and generational expert Dr. Eliza Filby is set to deliver the opening keynote at IBTM World this November, bringing her sharp insights on the social, economic, technological, and generational forces transforming modern society.

Dr. Filby will take the stage on Tuesday, November 17, kicking off the three-day event with her keynote address, ‘Now and Next: Understanding People in a Changing World.’ Her session will examine how profound disruptions—ranging from geopolitical instability and artificial intelligence to shifting family wealth dynamics and multi-generational expectations—are reshaping human behavior, connection, and tomorrow's audiences.

As a prominent voice on contemporary history and the future of work, Dr. Filby is the author of three books, including the best-seller Inheritocracy: It’s Time to Talk About the Bank of Mum and Dad, and the founder of All Relative, a consultancy advising global giants such as Google, PwC, and UBS. Holding a PhD from the University of Warwick, she has lectured at institutions like Harvard Law School and writes a regular column for The Times.

Claudia Hall, Exhibition Director at IBTM World, emphasized the timing of Filby’s appearance: “At a time when our industry is adapting to rapid technological change and shifting expectations, her perspective will give our audience a chance to step back and look at the bigger picture.”

Reflecting on the event, Dr. Filby noted, “As technology becomes more embedded in our lives, the value of bringing people together will only grow. Events create something profoundly human: the chance to meet, exchange ideas, build trust and belong.”

Dr. Filby headlines a robust roster of expert speakers taking to the IBTM Main Stage. Lieutenant Colonel James Shaw LVO will share high-stakes lessons on planning massive global operations, drawing from his experience delivering Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral. Meanwhile, Google’s Megan Henshall and PR director Al Turner will unpack the findings of the 2026 IBTM Trends Report, Disruption to Belonging in the New World of Experience, exploring how design and live experiences can foster connection amidst global volatility. Therapist and DJ Hesta Prynn will also provide an interactive session on the psychological role of music in building pre-event confidence.

More than 12,000 event professionals and 2,500 exhibitors are expected to converge at IBTM World 2026 for three days of high-level networking, business connections, and knowledge sharing, cementing the event's status as a premier global gathering for the meetings and events industry. -TradeArabia News Service