Home Meeting Planner Resources European Planners Connect at MPI’s EMEC

European Planners Connect at MPI’s EMEC

February 24, 2026

MPI’s flagship European event, the European Meetings & Events Conference (EMEC), opened on a high note yesterday in Barcelona, the Catalan capital, with momentum building from the outset.

Before the first session even began, Paul Van Deventer, President and CEO of MPI, set an upbeat tone by sharing the organization’s 2025 milestones: a 13 percent increase in community growth, the launch of MPI Consulting, and several major new partnerships. He drew the biggest applause, however, with news that member satisfaction has climbed to an impressive 90 percent.

In a shifting geopolitical landscape, Van Deventer underscored the importance of connection, emphasizing MPI’s role in bringing professionals together to learn, collaborate and co-create the future of meetings and events.

Now in its 37th year and held at the SLS Barcelona, EMEC ends today, Feb. 24. Intentionally crafted as a global gathering for Europeans, by Europeans, this year’s program places strong emphasis on human-centered themes, including AI adoption, neuroscience, trust, influence and collaboration.

Opening day delivered thought-provoking sessions from Xander Kranenburg, co-founder of Narrative, who explored the tangible advantages AI can offer event professionals; and Ciarra Feely, President-Elect of Meeting Professionals International UK & Ireland, who demonstrated how emotional intelligence underpins effective leadership.

Day two continued the momentum with Bogdan Manta, organizational neuroscientist at The Essential Experts, captivating the audience with insights into the science of presence and influence.

A major part of the program are EMEC Barcelona’s signature learning journeys—immersive educational experiences that move beyond traditional breakout sessions and into the city itself. Designed for smaller groups, these curated sessions encourage reflection, dialogue and hands-on learning, using Barcelona as both backdrop and classroom.