Introduction
The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) is a leading global association representing the international association meetings industry. It brings together destinations, venues, suppliers, and stakeholders worldwide to foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and innovation in business events.
Experiential Planner, in partnership with ICCA, along with EVENTFAQS Media in India, work together in enhancing visibility and engagement across the Middle East and Indian markets. This collaboration strengthens knowledge exchange, spotlights key association events, and deepens industry engagement to support the growth of international meetings in these regions.
Event Overview: The 64th ICCA Congress in Porto
The 64th ICCA Congress took place in Porto, Portugal, from 17 to 20 November 2025. This four-day event attracted 1,514 delegates from 81 countries, marking a significant gathering of global association leaders. The Congress theme, “Charting the Course,” highlighted an ambitious multi-venue format designed to encourage participation, with a strong focus on sustainability, innovation, and legacy.
Among the highlights were new initiatives showcasing how global meetings can evolve to create lasting impact, alongside educational sessions aimed at advancing the industry’s future.
Why the ICCA Congress Matters (Global+Regional Perspective)
ICCA’s annual Congress is the largest global gathering of association meeting professionals, offering unmatched opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, and business development. For regions like the Middle East and India—emerging as vital hubs in the international meetings landscape—the Congress helps raise profiles, build expertise, and accelerate participation.
Over recent years, the involvement from these regions has grown markedly, reflecting their increasing market maturity and strategic ambitions to attract global congresses and develop local talent.
Member Voices: Perspectives from Delegates
Experiential Planner spoke with ICCA members and first-time attendees from diverse destinations and sectors. Here’s what they shared:
On Community & Networking
“ICCA brings together the best, the brightest and the most enthusiastic face-to-face practitioners in the world.”
Natasha Richards, IMEX Group
“The meetings and event industry in the Middle East is moving at an incredible pace, with new forms of collaboration, fast innovation, and infrastructure built across the region. ICCA is at the heart of this community where best practices and knowledge sharing come together.
Steen Jakobsen, CEO of GainingEdge
On Learning & Knowledge Exchange
“DBE has had a longstanding partnership with ICCA, recently marking 20 years of membership. At this Congress, a session on the rise and ethical use of AI connected directly with Dubai’s vision to lead in innovation, reinforcing our industry’s future direction.”
Karina Lance, Associate Vice President, Dubai Business Events
On the Value for Destinations & Bureaus
“ICCA plays a vital role in advancing the Middle East’s business events sector by providing global connectivity and strategic advocacy. Its ecosystem creates long-term value through access to global buyers and event planners, driving business development and highlighting the economic and cultural importance of MICE.”
Mubarak Al Shamsi, Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau
“Oman is poised for growth with new international hotel projects supporting the MICE and Congress business. ICCA’s role in connecting us to the global industry is crucial as we build these capabilities.”
Khalid Al Zadjali, Director, Oman Convention Bureau
Highlight on Porto as a Host Destination
Porto stood out as an innovative host city, enabling ICCA to take a “bold step forward” in how global meetings are designed and experienced. The city’s ability to support a multi-venue congress spread across Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, and Matosinhos reflected its collaborative spirit and infrastructure strengths.
“We have a strong sense of mission accomplished. This ICCA Congress was the first ever held across nine venues in three cities. The innovative format was a success thanks to the extraordinary collaboration of many people. We thank ICCA for trusting Porto and the North of Portugal to host such a prestigious event.”
Luís Pedro Martins, President, Porto and North of Portugal Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Road Ahead
As the Middle Eastern and Indian MICE sectors continue to expand their global presence, ICCA’s role in shaping strategy, fostering collaboration, and unlocking international opportunities remains critical. The momentum from this year’s Congress reinforces ICCA’s growing relevance for these fast-evolving markets.
Experiential Planner will continue to support ICCA through dedicated coverage, helping our audiences stay informed and connected. The 65th ICCA Congress is set for Panama City, Panama, from 8 to 11 November 2026, promising another milestone gathering for the global association meetings community.
