The inaugural International MICE Summit (IMS24) concluded on a high note in Riyadh, bringing together 1,000 key industry leaders from the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (Mice) sector for three days of strategic panel discussions, networking and announcements that will shape the future of the global events industry.
The summit convened more than 50 CEOs, three former international ministers, 7 mayors, and 6 national ministers and over 1,600 delegates from 73 countries in 20 plenary sessions and 19 workshops to discuss the impact of the MICE industry in fostering cross-border collaboration, driving innovation, and creating new economic and commercial opportunities. “Expanding Horizons” served as the central theme, allowing participants to further explore the future of global events, sustainability, technological advancements, and the economic potential of MICE as a catalyst for growth.
Reflecting on the success of the event, Fahd Al Rasheed, Chairman of the summit’s host, the Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority (SCEGA), said, “It is clear from IMS24 that the Kingdom is the new frontier for the global MICE Industry, as sector leaders establish their regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia, bringing with them new IP and flagship events. We will build on the momentum of this event, working with our partners in government and the private sector to ensure we have the right infrastructure, world class human capital and a dynamic ecosystem to both meet our ambitions and enable the growth of the global MICE industry.”
Across the three-day event, 15 announcements were made as RX Global, Messe Munich, and Clarion announced new office openings in Saudi Arabia, which preceded 12 new event launches to feature in the Kingdom from 2025. Eight MoUs were signed which will accelerate and solidify the Kingdom’s position as a global hub for events, with partnerships sustaining the collaboration between event organizers, regulators and public entities.
Key highlights from the discussions were centred around the role of MICE in driving positive change, building global connections, and creating long-term economic value.
The final day saw the recognition of the remarkable achievements of leading Saudi MICE industry players, with the efforts of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development commended for their exceptional support in developing the MICE sector workforce, training over 34,000 youth in 2024 and committing to future programs in collaboration with industry partners. Other entities receiving commendations include the Human Resource Development Fund, Diploma Initiative Partners, Qalb Wahit and dmg Events among others.
As Saudi Arabia continues its Vision 2030 transformation, the country is setting the stage for a new era in MICE, where innovation, sustainability, and strategic collaboration will drive economic growth and global partnerships.