Transformative Day for MICE Industry at IMS24
The
International MICE Summit 2024 (IMS24) kick-started with substantial momentum, showcasing
19 pivotal announcements poised to reshape the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) landscape. This landmark event gathered over
1,000 global leaders in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, demonstrating the Kingdom's ambition to become a premier destination for international events.
Among the significant developments is the announcement that three leading
Professional Exhibition Organizations (PEOs)—RX Global, Messe Munich, and Clarion—will establish offices within Saudi Arabia. This strategic move supports the Kingdom’s robust growth plans for its events sector throughout the next decade.
New Event Launches and International Partnerships
The summit was marked by
12 new marquee events set to debut in Saudi Arabia, including renowned names like Money20/20 from Informa/Tahaluf, FIBO by RX Global, and the World Refining Technology Congress. Other noteworthy events include:
- - _Advanced Therapies Week_
- - _Fire Department and Emergency Services Conference (Clarion)_
- - _FSB Sports Show and International Hardware Show (Koelnmesse/DMG)_
- - _ArabLab (Terrapin)_
- - _Saudi Muscle Show (Italian Exhibition Group)_
- - _World Industrial Materials and World Advanced Packaging, Printing Plastics (KAOUN)_
His Excellency Fahd Al Rasheed, Chairman of the Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority (SCEGA), celebrated the summit's achievements, underscoring the importance of these developments in positioning Saudi Arabia as a global MICE hub. He remarked, "The success of the first day, with the opening of offices by top global PEOs and the introduction of significant events, reinforces our commitment to enhancing industry progress and aligns with Vision 2030 goals."
Strengthening Collaboration and Innovation
In addition to integrating global exhibition leaders into the local market, the summit also saw the signing of
four Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the Saudi Tourism Authority. These partnerships aim to foster investment, talent development, and sustainable practices in the MICE sector.
Diverse speakers graced Day One, including notable figures such as HE Ahmed Al-Khateeb, the Saudi Minister of Tourism, and previous heads of state from the UK, Italy, Bulgaria, and Greece. Their insights illustrated the global support and enthusiasm for Saudi Arabia's MICE ambitions.
Looking Ahead: Sustainability and Future Venues
As the summit progresses, it will continue to explore opportunities for sustainable development in the MICE sector, alongside plans for state-of-the-art event venues. The emphasis on sustainability aligns with global industry trends and responds to rising stakeholder expectations regarding environmental impact.
The
International MICE Summit serves not only as a congregation for industry leaders but as a catalyst for networking and innovation aimed at advancing the sector globally. With the collective efforts from SCEGA and international partners, Saudi Arabia is positioned to emerge as a frontrunner in the global MICE arena.
For more updates and information about the summit, please visit
International MICE Summit.