MPI EMEC 2025 in Istanbul Highlights Innovation, Sustainability, and Future Trends in the Events Industry

Thursday, February 27, 2025

Meeting Professionals International (MPI) commenced its 2025 European Meetings and Events Conference (EMEC) in Istanbul on February 22, 2025, under the theme of communality and harmony.

The event, held at the Lütfi Kırdar International Convention and Exhibition Centre, brought together industry leaders to explore innovation, collaboration, and immersive education.

MPI President and CEO Paul Van Deventer opened the conference with an emotionally charged message, reflecting on his first EMEC experience in Istanbul 11 years prior.

He highlighted MPI’s growth, noting a 10% increase in revenue and a 34% expansion in membership.

The MPI Foundation also celebrated its 40th anniversary, having provided €14 million in disbursements to support industry initiatives.

Elif Balcı Fisunoğlu, Vice General Manager of Tourism Operations and Development at the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), welcomed delegates and presented Türkiye’s Sustainable Tourism Program.

This initiative includes a stringent certification process for venues and accommodations, aiming to position Türkiye as a leader in sustainable tourism with standards endorsed by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).

Keynote speaker Filiz Akdede, Global Vice President of HP’s 3D Business and one of Türkiye’s most influential women leaders, discussed future megatrends.

She emphasized that Generation Alpha, individuals born after 2010, will constitute 11% of the workforce by 2030, occupying roles that currently do not exist. Akdede urged the audience to “unlearn and then relearn” to harness technological advancements and adapt to this emerging generation’s innovative perspectives.

The conference’s first day concluded with an opening reception at the Rixos Tersane Istanbul, offering panoramic views of the historic Golden Horn. Delegates had the opportunity to network and experience Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage firsthand.

EMEC 2025 continues through February 25, featuring sessions on sustainable event practices, technological integration, and strategies for fostering inclusivity within the meetings and events industry.

The selection of Istanbul as the host city underscores its unique position as a bridge between Europe and Asia, embodying the conference’s themes of unity and collaboration.

Türkiye’s commitment to sustainable tourism is further exemplified by its National Sustainable Tourism Program, developed in partnership with the GSTC.

Initiated in 2022, the program aims to restructure the Turkish tourism industry by establishing national criteria and training certification bodies.

The first phase became operational in 2023, with subsequent stages planned through 2030 to align with international sustainability standards.

As EMEC 2025 progresses, attendees are poised to engage in transformative discussions and workshops designed to shape the future of the global meetings and events landscape, emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and cultural synergy.