Home FEATURED NEWS A trailblazing event format to be unveiled at m&i Fest Marrakesh 2024

A trailblazing event format to be unveiled at m&i Fest Marrakesh 2024

The event is almost sold out, with Hyatt, Netflix, Accor and many more already confirmed

Feb 7, 2024

m&i Fest to debut in Marrakesh

Ahead of the inaugural m&i Fest, taking place in Marrakesh between 17 – 21 March 2024, the organisers have unveiled a slew of novelties that will foster plentiful networking opportunities and help attendees discover the destination’s uniquely diverse MICE offering. The m&i’s nascent MICE networking event promises to facilitate better networking than ever before with an updated programme.

The show is almost sold out, with a range of high-level suppliers such as Hyatt, Accor, Melia and Palladium Hotel Group confirmed to attend and top buyers from Calzedonia, Strata, Canvas Meetings and Incentives, Jazz Unique and more also confirmed.

CEO of m&i, Richard Barnes said: “We’ve been improving the way the MICE community meets for 20 years and m&i Fest is the result of all that we have learned over the last two decades and over 180 events. More choice, more business, more happiness, more return on investment and more return on time. Fest will be a breath of fresh air compared to the long-established exhibitions that serve our industry and where better to kick it off than Marrakesh, a place that embodies the Fest values: culture, intrigue, variety and undeniable authenticity.”

Programme highlights

m&i Fest promises an extraordinary lineup of immersive networking experiences aimed at providing stronger connections and better experiences than the standard industry trade show. Highlights of the event include:

40 guaranteed 15-minute meetings – Building on its signature 12-minute meeting formula designed to bring together the best supplier and buyer matches, m&i Fest is extending its meetings to 15 minutes with a 5-minute break, avoiding burnout and getting delegates the most out of each meeting.

Exciting themed Pathways – Delegates will get to choose 2 different afternoon activities (which we call Pathways) across 2 afternoons, providing suppliers with more buyer facetime than ever before and buyers with the opportunity to experience Marrakesh’s unbeatable MICE offering. From architecture and nature to history and cuisine – there’s a Pathway for everyone.

New hosted exhibitor spaces – With new sponsored Pathways and branded exhibitor spaces, there have never been more opportunities for suppliers to tell their story in new and unique ways.

Incredible MICE venues – Guests will get a 360 experience of the primary meeting and accommodation venue, Mövenpick Hotel Mansour Eddahbi, and the second accommodation venue, Pestana CR7. Not only this, but delegates will be treated to spectacular evening experiences at a range of different properties including Mövenpick Hotel Mansour Eddahbi, Barcelo Palmeraie and Yes We Camp in the Agafay Desert, before finishing off in style at the Fairmont Royal Palm.

Insightful education – Buyers will be invited to attend the educational workshop ‘Discover the Evolution of the MICE Industry: A Deep Dive into the Impact of Generative AI’. Facilitated by MICE, travel and hospitality industry innovation experts Michael Cohen and Vincent Somsen from GAINTalks, this enlightening seminar will focus on the revolutionary changes powered by generative AI in the MICE industry.

Buyers will explore the transformative impact and power of ChatGPT, Google Bard, Microsoft CoPilot, Generative AI, and Immersive tech, and learn how to navigate the exciting possibilities reshaping how event planners market, execute and experience dynamic meetings. In an interactive workshop format, this session will ensure all attendees depart with practical takeaways ready for immediate application in their professional endeavours.

Industry professionals are urged to secure their place as spaces are filling up fast. Suppliers and buyers can register their interest to avoid missing out at: https://www.mi-forums.com/signup.