At M&I Fest Global, the M&I & GAIN Innovation and Tech Pavilion will highlight cutting-edge VR/AR and AI technologies, providing an educational space and a platform for technology vendors to showcase their services. This hub aims to foster learning and innovation while connecting industry professionals with leading tech solutions in the MICE sector.
The event in Marrakech will also act as a springboard for the Annual MICE Tech and Innovation Primer, set to become the MICE industry’s definitive resource, equipping hotels, corporate meeting and event planners, Destination Management Companies (DMCs), and Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs), with actionable insights into the latest technology trends and the vendors delivering the innovation. This initiative ensures industry professionals can integrate new technologies seamlessly into their operations and maintain a competitive edge in an evolving marketplace.
Leaders Driving Industry Transformation
“This partnership with M&I represents a transformative moment for the MICE sector. By creating the Annual MICE Tech and Innovation Primer in collaboration with our global strategic partner, M&I, we aim to bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and its practical application for industry stakeholders,” said Michael Cohen, Managing Partner of GAIN. “Our goal is to empower MICE professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive in a technology-driven world.”
Looking back at M&I Fest Global 2024
One of M&I’s largest events to date, M&I Fest Global 2024 saw over 500 industry leaders come together for more than 7,500 meetings and 55,000 connections in just four days. The event successfully combined the personalized experience of M&I’s smaller forums with the extensive networking opportunities of an exhibition, creating a dynamic platform for MICE industry leaders. With buyers rating the event 99/100, and suppliers receiving between 7 to 10 RFPS each, M&I Fest Global 2024 was a resounding success.
Bridging a Critical Industry Gap
This Primer is fulfilling a vital gap in the MICE industry. In an increasingly technology-driven market, 67% of MICE providers report feeling uncertain about how to apply emerging technologies like AI, AR, and VR to their operations and services. With innovations such as AI-powered personalization and immersive virtual experiences poised to redefine the industry, there is a growing urgency for clear, practical guidance. The Annual MICE Tech and Innovation Primer directly addresses this need, offering a structured roadmap to demystify new technologies and their applications, ensuring businesses stay relevant and future-ready.
This initiative builds on the success of Growth Advisors International Network – GAIN’s delivering keynote speakers and masterclass thought leadership at multiple M&I events, focusing on growth, innovation, and emerging trends within the MICE industry. The combined expertise of GAIN’s seasoned advisors and M&I’s innovative event platforms promises to offer buyers and suppliers valuable opportunities to explore, adopt, and stay informed about emerging technologies.
A Vision for the Future
The Annual MICE Tech and Innovation Primer and the M&I & GAIN Innovation and Tech Pavilion are just the beginning. Both organizations are committed to fostering continuous learning, collaboration, and progress, ensuring the MICE industry is future-ready.
Source: M&I