RIYADH: Around 1,000 industry experts from some 73 countries are expected to attend the first edition of the International Summit for Exhibitions and Conferences, which takes place from Dec. 15-17.

Hosted at Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City and organized by the Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority, the three-day event will explore investment opportunities in the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions sector in Saudi Arabia, welcoming dozens of local establishments and global event organizers.

Fahd Al-Rasheed, SCEGA chairman Fahd Al-Rasheed told Arab News: “Those participating (in) the event are meeting at the right place, because the MICE sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is bound to grow far beyond that in the next few years. The reason is Vision 2030, the blueprint for socio-economic transformation throughout the Kingdom.

“The MICE sector brings people together to trade to exchange ideas, to build their sectors, to promote their destinations, to build trust, to build partnerships, so to achieve Vision 2030 we have launched 1,064 initiatives.”

He added: “More interestingly, 86% of these initiatives are on track. How can we do 1,064 initiatives simultaneously at any one time? The only reason is because we can scale due to our partnerships.

“Vision 2030 is one of the most important opportunities for our sector in decades. More than $653 billion giga projects are being deployed all around the country. Many of these giga project leaders are in this room, and they bring with them the entire infrastructure we need to flourish, from meeting spaces to hotel rooms to airports and beyond.

“Saudi Arabia is undoubtedly the right place to hold this summit. Bringing together the right people, at the right time, in the right place, creates a great opportunity to expand our industry’s horizons.”

In his keynote address at the IMS24, Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb outlined Vision 2030 and its significant impact on the MICE sector, emphasizing its role in driving qualitative transformation and enhancing the Kingdom's competitiveness.

He also highlighted the role of strategic investments and tourism growth in strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading global MICE destination.

Speaking at the summit, Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal Abba emphasized the crucial role of patience in shaping industries like MICE.

“There are things we shouldn’t rush,” he said. “At times, gaining experience is essential. However, content remains the cornerstone of any successful industry.”

Addressing misconceptions held about the Kingdom, he added: “Many still hold outdated perceptions of the Kingdom. Some can’t believe we’re building futuristic cities today because they still think we’re trapped in the past.”

He highlighted MICE as a powerful tool for transforming global perceptions.

“For over 1,400 years, we’ve hosted Hajj, a testament to our deep-rooted tradition of hospitality.,” he said. “Saudi Arabia has moved from being excited about having one major event a year to embracing a continuous stream of events.”

Abbas added the introduction of tourist visas had already begun to shift perceptions: “Many visitors have shared with me how amazed they were by the Saudi Arabia they encountered — far more positive than they had ever imagined.”

Prominent speakers during the event include Lord Stephen Carter, CEO of Informa PLC; Brian Britton, COO of RX Global; Stefan Rummel, CEO of Messe Munich; Lisa Hannant, CEO of Clarion Events; and Wolfram Diener, CEO of Messe Dusseldorf.

The summit also features workshops highlighting new technologies in the sector and opportunities for discussion with leaders of government entities.

SCEGA is the official body that oversees the development and regulation of the Kingdom’s exhibitions and conferences sector. Established by royal decree in 2018, it aims to amplify the sector’s economic impact by crafting strategic policies, establishing globally aligned regulations, issuing licenses, promoting investments, and cementing Saudi Arabia’s reputation as a premier destination for international events.

RIYADH: The global exhibition industry has proved its relevance as a cornerstone of business and societal growth, defying predictions it will become obsolete, according to the CEO of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, UFI.

During an interview with Arab News, Kai Hattendorf highlighted the importance of face-to-face interaction in an era dominated by digital connectivity. He said while technology continued to revolutionize how people connected, the booming exhibitions industry suggested the requirement for physical gatherings was stronger than ever.

Hattendorf pointed to the industry’s resilience against repeated claims that it would be overshadowed by advances like the internet, social media and even the metaverse.

“The more digital our environments become, the bigger the need to meet in person,” he said, emphasizing that digital tools alone could not replicate the authenticity of human connection.

Reflecting on the lessons of the pandemic, he said the inability of meeting physically underlined the value of in-person interactions and likened human relationships to a smartphone battery: “If you don’t recharge it, it stops working.”

The exhibition industry was also a powerful barometer of economic growth, thriving where markets were expanding, he added. Hattendorf identified the Middle East and Asia as key drivers of global growth, pointing to strengthening economies in the Gulf Cooperation Council and Asia-Pacific regions.

He said these areas not only contributed to economic progress, but also led innovation and societal development. Exhibitions and business events play a crucial role in these advancements, he added, acting as marketplaces and meeting points where industries could connect and collaborate.

The industry is not without challenges, with inflation, supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions presenting significant hurdles for organizers, but Hattendorf expressed confidence in the sector’s ability to adapt.

He also acknowledged the shift from globalization to regionalization in the exhibitions landscape. Rather than relying on a single global event, international organizers now manage portfolios of regional shows across multiple continents. This diversification not only mitigates risks but also creates a broader, more resilient growth model.

Through its adaptability and focus on fostering authentic human connections, the exhibition industry continues to evolve, said Hattendorf, serving as a vital enabler of economic and cultural exchange. Even in an increasingly digital world, the need for meaningful, face-to-face interactions will only grow stronger, he added.