The global business events industry is set to reunite in Dubai as Experiential Planner Expo (EPEX) 2026 returns on 2–3 September 2026, bringing together senior buyers, destinations, hotels, venues, and event professionals from across India, the Middle East, Africa, and other emerging outbound markets.
Now in its 11th edition, EPEX has established itself as one of the region’s most curated platforms for the MICE and experiential events industry. This year, Dubai Business Events (DBE), the city’s official convention bureau and part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), continues its partnership as Host Destination Partner, while Kerzner International joins EPEX for the first time as Headline Partner.
Under the theme “Where Leaders Reconnect,” EPEX 2026 arrives at a pivotal moment as the global business events calendar enters one of its busiest planning periods. Designed around meaningful business connections rather than traditional exhibition formats, the event combines curated buyer meetings, immersive destination showcases, leadership sessions, and networking experiences that foster long-term partnerships.
The 2026 edition will place a strong focus on high-growth outbound markets including India, the GCC, Africa, and Turkey, welcoming a carefully selected community of hosted buyers with active business intent.
“Dubai continues to invest in platforms that enable meaningful, in-person industry engagement and long-term relationship building, and at the same time further bolster the city’s business events ecosystem and bring value to stakeholders. EPEX plays an important role in bringing together senior decision-makers, supporting dialogue, collaboration and connection at a critical time for the industry globally. Our continued support reflects Dubai’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships, deepening connections across high-growth outbound markets, and reinforcing the city’s position as a leading global hub for business events and experiential travel.”
Ahmed Al Khaja
CEO
Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE)
“EPEX has always been built around the belief that business moves faster when the right people meet in the right environment. The final quarter of the year is particularly important for our industry, as markets reconnect and planning cycles accelerate across regions. This edition is focused on bringing together the leaders, buyers, and stakeholders actively shaping what comes next for the business events ecosystem.”
Karishma Hundalani
Founder
EPEX
Adding another milestone to this year’s event is the partnership with Kerzner International, whose participation as Headline Partner reflects the growing importance of luxury hospitality within the MICE and experiential events landscape. Hosted at the newly transformed Meydan Hotel, now part of the Kerzner portfolio, delegates will experience one of Dubai’s newest hospitality transformations while engaging with industry leaders from around the world.
Alongside its signature pre-scheduled meetings, EPEX 2026 will feature immersive destination experiences, curated showcases, leadership conversations, and recognition platforms celebrating innovation and excellence across the events industry.
With more than 100 senior hosted buyers expected to participate, EPEX 2026 promises to deliver one of the region’s most relevant and high-value gatherings for the global MICE and experiential events community.
As the industry prepares for a new business season, EPEX once again provides the platform where conversations become collaborations, and where leaders reconnect.
