The conference and panel programme of the ninth edition of the International MICE & Wedding Forum (IMWF) addressed the criteria influencing destination selection for international MICE and destination wedding projects. During the sessions held at BAYOU Anda, participants explored the experience and expertise offered by established destinations, alongside the opportunities that emerging destinations present for buyers.
The day’s opening keynote was delivered by Sabbas Joseph, Co-Founder of Wizcraft Group and Co-Founder of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA). In his keynote titled “Uncharted – Creating Our Next Chapter,” Joseph emphasised the importance of discovering new destinations, adopting creative approaches, and building strong collaborations in shaping the future of the MICE and wedding industry.
Getting a New Destination onto the Shortlist
The panel “The Big Question – Classics vs Discoveries” was moderated by Monica Balli, Event Planner at Monica Balli Events. The panel featured Gauri Chadha, Co-Founder and Creative Director of The Big Night Events; Anju Gomes, Senior Regional Director Middle East at ICCA; Harry Moriani, CEO and Co-Founder of Revel Events; and Teddy Manuel, Event Designer at Teddy Manuel Flowers and Events.
Anju Gomes, Senior Regional Director Middle East at ICCA, shared ICCA’s perspective on the importance of local partnerships in enabling emerging destinations to transform major international congresses into long-term business opportunities.
From Experience to Future Decisions
The session “Where We Started. Where We Are. Where We’re Going – The Future of Global Tourism” was moderated by Vijay Arora, Managing Director of Touchwood Group. The session featured Enver Murad, Sales and Marketing Director of Inventum Global, and Erkan Yıldırım, CEO of Rixos Hotels Egypt. The speakers discussed the transformation of the global tourism industry over the years, the development of destinations in international markets, and future opportunities.
Erkan Yıldırım, CEO of Rixos Hotels Egypt, shared his perspectives on the position Rixos Hotels Egypt aims to achieve in the international MICE and destination wedding markets over the next three to five years.
Lessons Learned from Crises
The panel “The Stories We Don’t Tell – When It Breaks — And We Rise” was moderated by Umesh Sawant, Managing Director of Wow Entertainment and Media. The panel featured Kunal Rai, Director of Kraafted Luxury Events and Experiences; Parvy Rakar, Founder and International Wedding Planner at Destination Snob; Jaime Sanchez, Operations Director of Beon Worldwide; and Monil Shah, CEO of Kkings Events. Drawing on their industry experience, the speakers discussed unexpected crises, operational challenges, and lessons learned from organising international events.
Monil Shah, CEO of Kkings Events, discussed managing delays during multi-day wedding celebrations and preserving special moments for families through critical adjustments to event programmes.
Pushing Boundaries Through Creativity
The panel “Breaking Standards, Pushing Limits – Claiming the Spotlight” was moderated by Ekta Saigal Lulla, Founder and Partner of ESL Events & Weddings by Ekta Saigal Lulla. The panel featured Achint Nag, Founder of Krayonz Entertainment; Geta Ungurean, CEO and Founder of Geta Ungurean Events; and Habib Amir, Global Managing Director of Prestigious Venues. The speakers explored creative approaches that challenge traditional conventions in the events industry, evolving client expectations, and ways to differentiate in international competition.
Geta Ungurean, Founder and CEO of Geta Ungurean Event Planning, discussed the impact of simplicity and personal touches on couples and guests in luxury wedding celebrations.
From the Conference to One-on-One Business Meetings
At the forum, hosted buyers and exhibitors continue to connect beyond the conference sessions through shared accommodation and a common programme. The connections established during the first two days will continue with a full day of pre-scheduled B2B meetings on 30 October.
During these meetings, participants will evaluate products, requirements, and potential collaboration opportunities for destination weddings, corporate meetings, incentive programmes, and full-buyout hotel operations.
The International MICE & Wedding Forum is held with Turkish Airlines as the Airline Partner, BAYOU Anda as the Accommodation Sponsor, in collaboration with Inventum Global, and with the support of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
About IMWF
Founded by Inventum Global, the International MICE & Wedding Forum is one of the world’s leading business development platforms for the international MICE and destination wedding industry. This annual B2B platform brings together industry decision-makers by invitation for three days and three nights at the same hotel, combining conferences, shared experiences, and pre-scheduled one-on-one business meetings into a single programme.
Turkish Airlines has supported IMWF since its first edition and serves as the Official Airline Partner for the 2026 edition.
IMWF Insider is the platform’s media brand dedicated to industry news and content publications.
