As preparations for EPEX 2026 continue, the show is rapidly taking shape as one of the region’s most comprehensive marketplaces for the global events, incentives and celebrations industry.
This year’s edition will bring together over 67 exhibitors representing 20+ destinations, with 30 returning exhibitors reaffirming their confidence in the platform and over 20 new exhibitors joining the marketplace for the first time. The exhibitor line-up reflects a market that is increasingly international in outlook, bringing together established destinations, emerging tourism markets, luxury hospitality brands and destination specialists under one roof.
Rather than focusing on a single region, EPEX offers planners the opportunity to discover a wide spectrum of destinations, each with its own unique proposition for meetings, incentives, celebrations and business events. This year’s exhibitor community represents destinations across the Gulf, Europe and Africa, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Cyprus, Greece, Montenegro, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Morocco and Zambia, showcasing the breadth of opportunities now available to planners looking beyond traditional destination choices.
The marketplace is equally diverse in the organisations it brings together. Buyers will engage directly with tourism authorities, convention bureaux, destination management companies, integrated resorts, luxury hotel groups and iconic venues—creating a platform where destinations and suppliers can be evaluated side by side, and new partnerships can be built through meaningful business conversations.
Among the 30 returning exhibitors are organisations such as Dubai Business Events, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), Qatar Business Events, Oman Tourism, Atlantis Dubai, Expo City Dubai – Connect Conference Centre, JW Marriott, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Minor Hotels, Hilton Yas Island, Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah and Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa.
Joining them are 19 new exhibitors, including Kerzner International, The Meydan Hotel Dubai, Wynn Al Marjan Island, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort, One&Only Royal Mirage Dubai, The First Group, Kempinski Hotel Muscat, The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort, One&Only Aesthesis in Greece, One&Only Portonovi in Montenegro, Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort in Morocco and The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara.
“The strength of EPEX has always been its ability to bring together the right mix of destinations and decision-makers,” said Kashneet Kaur, Business Development Head, EPEX. “As the industry continues to evolve, planners are looking for fresh ideas, new experiences and trusted partners. Our objective is to create a marketplace that reflects those changing priorities and introduces buyers to destinations they may not have previously considered.”
With a curated Hosted Buyer Programme powered by Dubai Business Events, and in partnership with leading hospitality brands including Kerzner International and IHG Hotels & Resorts, EPEX 2026 will welcome senior decision-makers from the meetings, incentives, corporate events and luxury celebrations sectors across key source markets including India, the GCC, Africa and Türkiye. The format is designed to facilitate high-value business meetings, strategic networking and long-term partnerships between buyers and exhibitors.
As additional destinations and global hospitality brands continue to join the line-up, EPEX 2026 is reinforcing its position as the region’s definitive business platform for the events and celebrations industry—bringing together established leaders, emerging destinations and the people shaping the future of experiential travel and events
