The 11th global edition of the Experiential Planner Expo (EPEX) brought together the MICE, destination events, hospitality and experiential industries in Dubai on 2–3 September under the theme “Where Leaders Reconnect.”
Held at the SkyBubble at The Meydan Hotel, EPEX 2026 welcomed 686 attendees, including 317 buyers comprising 166 pre-qualified buyers and 151 trade buyers. The event featured 120 exhibiting brands representing 21 destinations, bringing destinations, hospitality groups, venues and event specialists together for two days of business meetings, networking and knowledge exchange.
The expanded exhibitor community reflected the growing international scope of the marketplace, with participation spanning the Gulf, Europe, Africa, Cyprus, Greece, Montenegro and other key destination markets.
Leading hospitality and destination brands also took part, including Dubai Business Events, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, Qatar Business Events, Oman Tourism, Kerzner International, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Minor Hotels, Hilton, Atlantis Dubai, The Meydan Hotel, Wynn Al Marjan Island, One&Only, Kempinski Hotels and Anantara Hotels & Resorts.
A key focus of the edition was strengthening business connectivity across the regional and international MICE industry. Buyers and exhibitors engaged in meetings and conversations designed to create new partnerships, explore destination opportunities and support business development.
“More than anything, EPEX 2026 was about reconnecting — bringing destinations, buyers and industry leaders together and giving them the space to have meaningful conversations. The response across the two days showed us that the appetite for new destinations, new partnerships and new ideas is very much there,” said Kashneet Kaur, Business Development Head, EPEX.
“EPEX has been an important platform for us over the past six years. It gives us an opportunity to connect with the MICE ecosystem, showcase our destination and engage with important markets, including the Far East. In the current environment, it is even more important to be closer to our partners, suppliers and the wider ecosystem, and platforms like EPEX help us do that.”
Karina Lance
Associate Vice President
Dubai Business Events
The event also addressed the changing landscape of the global events industry, with leadership discussions exploring the Middle East’s growing role on the global stage, the region’s next chapter in business events, and how industry leaders can turn insight into opportunity.
With its 2026 edition, EPEX continued to provide a platform for the industry to reconnect, exchange ideas and build relationships, while supporting the wider growth and momentum of the regional MICE sector amid an evolving global landscape.
