mpi_italy
Photo: MPI

MPI Italia Chapter, the national and international benchmark for meetings & events professionals, announces the appointment of its 2026 Board, continuing a growth path built over previous years while further strengthening its strategic mission.

The new mandate focuses on active community engagement across events, education & training, cross-sector collaboration, and measurable impact—core elements for responding to the challenges of a rapidly evolving market, fully aligned with the global community’s enduring promise: “When We Meet, We Change the World.”

“It is a privilege for me”, states the President Ileana Coiana, “to lead a team that continues a strong legacy. We aim to consolidate the growth and positive results of recent years while reinforcing internal and external communication, expanding international relationships, and developing sustainable projects throughout Italy—highlighting authentic destinations alongside established metropolitan hubs.”

“The new Board will adopt a collaborative, cross-functional, and inclusive governance approach, encouraging member involvement and focusing on skills development, education, and shared value creation for the wider M.I.C.E. community, both nationally and internationally. This vision is grounded in a major achievement: MPI Italia has become the leading European Chapter in terms of membership and recognition, underscoring the solid foundation laid by previous leadership.”

Photo: MPI Italia

The New MPI Italia Chapter Board

The new Board brings together multigenerational professionals with complementary expertise and roles, representing the full spectrum of the industry, and integrating a national perspective with an international outlook:

  • President: Ileana Coiana – Ilda Events & Tourism
  • President Elect: Mauro Bernardini – ALL Star Agency
  • Immediate Past President: Luisa Bianco – AIM Group
  • VP Communication: Olimpia Ponno – Olimpia Ponno Consultancy
  • VP Education: Maria Rosaria Broggi – JP Morgan Chase
  • VP Finance: Martina Gatti – My Italian Guide
  • VP Membership: Claudia Conte – BWH Hotels
  • VP Special Projects: Simonetta Pili – MIC-dmc
  • VP Sustainability: Laura Favaretti – Fondazione Turismo Padova, Terme e Colli Euganei
  • VP Student: Dionisia Saccogna – Triumph Italy
  • Secretary: Matilde Ciardelli
  • Communication Specialist: Emiliano Scentoni – Experience Lab

A 2026 Calendar Focused on International Reach

The first two months of 2026 reaffirm the MPI Italia Chapter’s international vocation. From January 23 to 28, a delegation of MPI Italia members will travel to Oman to explore new business opportunities, leveraging the strategic partnership between MPI Italia and the Oman Convention Bureau – MICE Department of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, aimed at strengthening collaboration between the two countries in the events and tourism sectors.

On February 11, MPI Italia will host an international education session at BIT Milan, at the Veneto Region stand, titled “MPI Italia Chapter Presents: BACKSTAGE OF CHANGE – Designing Olympic Ceremonies with the Event Canvas™”, led by Roel Frissen (Co-Founder of Event Design Collective) in collaboration with Luca Vernengo (Event Design Collective Italy). This initiative highlights the Chapter’s commitment to delivering high-level content and a global perspective to the Italian market.

From February 21 to 24, MPI Italia will participate in EMEC (European Meetings & Events Conference) in Barcelona, MPI’s flagship European event. The conference features three days of education, international networking, and hands-on learning, providing participants with practical tools to enhance their business and generate measurable return on investment.


Learn more about MPI Italia here

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