Oddný Arnarsdottir, Head of Visit Iceland, will be at IMEX this year and speak alongside Eva Bergþóra Guðbergsdóttir, Director of Communications for the City of Reykjavík, at the Place Leadership Forum on Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. Overall, the destination economy in Iceland is emerging as a strategic tool for economic development and international competitiveness, with Reykjavík positioned as a hub for high-value, purpose-driven events that create long-term impact beyond tourism. Fittingly, the 34th Nordic Symposium on Tourism and Hospitality Research is taking place in Reykjavík this year.
Iceland offers the advantages of a destination characterised by environmental awareness, economic responsibility, and social sustainability. The capital’s energy supply is 100 per cent renewable, and Iceland has set a goal of achieving full climate neutrality by 2040. Numerous conferences on sustainable topics, such as the Arctic Circle, which takes place annually in Reykjavík, the Nordic Biogas Conference, the Wellbeing Economy Forum or the Icelandic Innovation Week, underscore Reykjavík’s role as a leading venue for events dedicated to a sustainable and inclusive future.
Evolving infrastructure
The rising demand in Iceland’s MICE sector is reflected in the growing infrastructure, particularly in new and expanded opportunities for the conference business. The Iceland Parliament Hotel has opened two unique historic conference venues – the reconstructed Independence Hall and the Old Ladies School, located right in the city centre. This urban offering is complemented by innovative experiential concepts such as the Volcano Express at the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre, which offers participants a fascinating, technologically advanced journey into Iceland’s volcanic world right on the harbour of Reykjavík. For groups looking to experience the element of fire even more intensely, the Lava Show in Reykjavík offers new, specialised MICE spaces. As a special highlight, it’s even possible to bring the spectacular experience of flowing lava directly to your own event at any location in Iceland, opening up entirely new possibilities for extraordinary supporting programs.
In southern Iceland, about 40 minutes from the capital, the Black Sand Hotel opened in April. This brand-new property was designed as a tranquil, design-oriented retreat and offers 79 thoughtfully designed rooms characterised by volcanic sand and raw textures. With sweeping views of the horizon and direct access to the coast, it blends Icelandic craftsmanship with Scandinavian design. The dynamic evolution of Iceland’s hospitality landscape is evident for the MICE sector: The Hotel Reykjavík Grand is being expanded by 134 rooms to a total of 448 through a nine-story addition. This development allows the property to host larger incentive groups and associations within a single, unified venue. By integrating high-volume accommodations with extensive conference facilities, the hotel now serves as a premier “all-in-one” hub for major international events. Enhanced amenities include a luxurious spa and additional dining options. This offering is complemented by upcoming projects from brands such as Hilton, Hyatt Centric, and Radisson Red, bringing the capacity of hotel rooms in Reykjavik to over 6,800 by 2027.
One example of the expansion of wellness offerings is Laugarás Lagoon, which opened in October 2025. This oasis of relaxation on the banks of the Hvítá River features hot and cold pools on multiple levels, as well as saunas that blend seamlessly into the natural beauty of southern Iceland. The visit is rounded out by an exclusive culinary experience at Restaurant Ylja, led by local star chef Gísli Matt. In addition, the Reykjaböð Hot Springs in Hveragerði will open in spring 2026. Located in the South of Iceland, just about 30 minutes from Reykjavík, they enhance MICE opportunities in this region and offer a modern interpretation of the Icelandic thermal tradition.
Beyond the conference rooms, Iceland offers a setting that brings teams together in a lasting way, whether networking in the lagoons, team building in the rugged wilderness, or enjoying exclusive dinners under the Northern Lights. Thanks to short distances, unspoiled nature can be perfectly combined with Reykjavík’s urban comforts and professionalism.
Also attending IMEX this year are the leading Icelandic destination management companies (DMCs), Atlantik, Discover Truenorth, g-events, DMC Incentive Travel, Essence of Iceland, Iceland Challenge, Iceland Travel, as well as representatives from the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre and Islandshotel. Guðrún Ósk Kristinsdóttir and Hildur Björg Bæringsdóttir from Meet in Reykjavík will be on site to speak with interested trade visitors and will lead daily presentations on Iceland as a MICE destination.
More information about Meet in Reykjavik, and its partners at IMEX Frankfurt 2026 can be found here.
