Talking Shop: The Real Business Behind the Conference Lanyard

The Global ABS conference has once again taken over Barcelona. Flights are full of navy suits, hotel lobbies echo with talk of regulation, and someone, somewhere, is still looking for the right meeting room. But while delegates gather to trade market insights and LinkedIn pleasantries, there’s another story unfolding behind the scenes – one that’s quietly, and rather lucratively, funding the drinks reception.

Conferences aren't just about PowerPoints and politely nodding through panels anymore. They’re serious business. Not the kind scribbled on whiteboards or buried in footnotes, but the sort that pulls in billions by packaging up access, insight and networking – and selling it right back to the industries they serve.