The inaugural International MICE Summit (IMS24) will bring together over 1,000 global leaders from the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry between December 15-17 at Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City (MISK) in Riyadh, hosted by the Saudi Conventions & Exhibitions General Authority (SCEGA).
The three-day event promises to be the premier global leadership event for the MICE industry, offering innovation, economic and commercial opportunities for MICE and related tourism and travel sectors under the theme of “Expanding Horizons.” The event’s extensive programme is designed to unite MICE industry leaders, suppliers, associations, Giga-Project leaders, disruptors and international cross-industry and government leaders. Featuring plenary, panel discussions, innovation clusters, collaboration hubs, IMS24 will promise attendees a premier global platform to network, collaborate – and above all – reimagine what it means to convene in today’s global environment.
“In a time marked by profound technological and environmental transformation, the MICE industry has emerged as an essential catalyst of change. By focusing on the future of the industry, IMS24 addresses the needs of a globalized world – reshaping how people, cultures and countries connect to create prosperity” said IMS host and Chairman of SCEGA, His Excellency Fahd Al-Rasheed.
“Saudi Arabia is the perfect environment to host IMS24. As an internal and external agent of change, the Kingdom has embraced its own transformation by shaping the future of the global tourism industry and becoming the fastest growing major MICE destination among G20 countries,” His Excellency added.
MICE events in Saudi Arabia witnessed an increase of close to 15 percent in 2023, with almost 17,000 events attracting over 20 million visitors. IMS24 coincides with the Kingdom’s continued transformation as Saudi Arabia solidifies itself as a major global tourism and events destination. Welcoming almost 110 million visitors in 2023, tourism comprises six percent of Saudi Arabia’s GDP, equating to 255 billion SAR (US$68 billion). The Saudi MICE sector is expected to accelerate growth through the rapid expansion of transportation and event infrastructure, supported by the development of Giga-projects offering unparalleled destination experiences, and enhanced connectivity between the Kingdom and the rest of the world. SCEGA continues to drive these transformative developments, most recently in announcing a 588 million SAR (US$156 million) incentive program to support marquee events in 2025.
