Meeting Professionals International (MPI) hosted its European Meetings and Events Conference (EMEC) Istanbul from Feb. 22-25, delivering a unique experience for meeting planners centered on innovation, collaboration and immersive education.
Held at İstanbul Lutfi Kirdar International Convention & Exhibition Center, the 36th edition of EMEC continued its legacy of exceptional event design, bringing together approximately 250 industry professionals together from across Europe and beyond for high-level networking, industry-leading education and hands-on learning journeys that provided real-world insights into Istanbul’s vibrant business and cultural landscape.
MPI’s EMEC is uniquely crafted by Europeans, for Europeans (and their global peers), ensuring that the content and experiences align with the needs of the region’s event professionals. Among the variety of experiences, this year’s event delivered:
- Inspirational keynote speakers exploring the future of events, leadership and experiential design
- Mega Trends & the Future of Work—Filiz Akdede, Global VP, 3D Business, HP
- Pathways to Sustainability: National Sustainable Tourism Program of Türkiye— Dr. Elif Balcı Fisunoğlu, Vice-General Manager of Tourism Operations and Development division in Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency
- Events that Aim for the Heart—Nils Roemen, Experience Designer Experience Experts
- The Science of Storytelling—Richard Newman, Founder and CEO, UK Body Talk Ltd.
- Education aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, searchable on the agenda by SDG with downloadable information on each session.
Bringing Education to Life in Istanbul
One of EMEC’s signature experiences, the Learning Journeys, took attendees beyond traditional conference rooms and into the heart of Istanbul’s rich cultural and business environment. These hands-on experiences allowed participants to explore real-world event strategies in action, including:- Heritage Meets Innovation – A behind-the-scenes look at how historic venues in İstanbul are blending modern event technology with centuries-old architecture to create unique event experiences.
- Culinary Connections – Exploring the intersection of food, culture, and hospitality, attendees engaged in a curated journey through İstanbul’s world-renowned cuisine, with insights into how culinary experiences can enhance event engagement.
- Sustainable Event Practices in Action – Visiting local venues and businesses that are leading the way in eco-conscious event planning, offering a firsthand look at Türkiye’s commitment to sustainability in the industry.
- Citywide Collaboration – A deep dive into İstanbul’s citywide event strategy, demonstrating how government agencies, venues, and suppliers work together to attract and host large-scale international events.
Cutting-Edge Topics & Industry Trends
EMEC Istanbul featured a diverse education program, with more than 25 sessions covering critical topics in three tracks—technology, event design and people—including the following.
- The Role of AI in the Future of Events
- Sustainable and Regenerative Event Planning
- Designing Engaging Hybrid & Virtual Experiences
- The Power of Community Building in the Event Industry
Attendees had the opportunity to earn professional development clock hours, furthering their professional development with expert-facilitated discussions, workshops and case studies.
The Future of EMEC
“We are proud EMEC İstanbul has once again set a new standard for immersive, impactful education in the European events industry,” said Paul Van Deventer, MPI President and CEO in a media announcement. “By integrating experiential learning, hands-on exploration, and innovative session design, we’ve created an event that not only educates but truly transforms how attendees approach their work. As the premier event for European meeting and event professionals, EMEC continues to evolve and inspire, ensuring its place as a must-attend gathering for industry leaders.”
To that end, more than 20 individuals from across the globe were awarded scholarships to attend EMEC Türkiye.
The 2026 EMEC host city will be announced this summer. For updates on future EMEC programming, visit mpi.org.
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