International affairs may have taken a hardnosed, transactional
turn recently, but there was none of that on display when meeting professionals
met in Turkey this week.
Around 200 event planners and suppliers - from Europe and
beyond - gathered in Istanbul for the 36th edition of MPI’s European Meetings and Events Conference
(EMEC) – Feb 22-25th.
Designed by ‘Europeans, for Europeans’, the conference was
heavy on soft-skills – networking, how to gain influence, for example – and ‘evergreen’
topics like diversity and sustainability.
The programme was aligned with the UN Sustainable
Development Goals and delegates were able to search sessions by SDG number - and
access downloadable resources.
With 25 sessions in total, other discussions centred around AI’s
role in events, how to design engaging hybrid experiences, and the power of
community building.
EMEC’s hallmark ‘Learning Journeys’ took attendees beyond
the conference walls, immersing them in Istanbul’s thriving business and
cultural landscape. Delegates explored historic venues blending modern event
technology with centuries-old architecture; engaged in a curated culinary
experience, discovering how food and culture enhance event engagement; and
gained firsthand insights into sustainable event planning through visits to
local eco-conscious businesses. A deep dive into the city’s event strategy
showcased how government agencies, venues, and suppliers collaborate to attract
and host large-scale international events.
The opening reception offered a vibrant introduction to
Istanbul’s rich cultural and historical influences, while the Rendezvous
Closing Celebration, hosted at the CVK Park Bosphorus, wrapped up the event in
support of the MPI Foundation, which, we were told, has distributed a staggering €14.4 million to the
industry since its inception in 1985.
“EMEC Istanbul has once again set a new standard for
immersive, impactful education,” said MPI President and CEO Paul Van Deventer.
“By integrating experiential learning, hands-on exploration, and innovative
session design, we’ve created an event that not only educates but transforms
how attendees approach their work.”
More than 20 delegates were awarded scholarships to attend
the event, which was held at Istanbul Lutfi Kirdar International Convention
& Exhibition Center.
The 2026 EMEC host city will be announced this summer.
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
