Photo: Expo Event Industry

On 27 and 28 January 2026, the Sofia Event Centre (SEC) will host Expo Event Industry (EEI 2026), Bulgaria’s first national trade show dedicated to the events sector. Organised by the Bulgarian Convention Bureau and Visit Sofia, the event will bring together professionals, venue representatives, suppliers, international experts, and institutional partners for a comprehensive programme focused on trends, innovation, and collaboration.

The conference will offer a structured agenda of keynote talks, expert panels, and thematic sessions covering strategic development, industry trends, and operational excellence.

​The first day will begin with opening remarks, followed by sessions such as a panel on international event association membership, discussions on using exhibitions for business development, and a keynote by Milos Milovanovic of GEAR on empowering destinations. Additional panels will address the evolving roles of professional congress organisers and innovations in large-venue experiences. The day will conclude with a keynote from Julian Agostini, CEO of Mash Media, and an evening networking cocktail.

​On the second day, attendees will hear a keynote on excellence in MICE hospitality, followed by panels on business hotel innovation, workforce development, technology in large-scale planning, airport and transportation optimisation, AI development, and catering strategies.

sofia_expo_event_industry
Photo: Expo Event Industry

Exploring Bulgaria’s burgeoning events industry

​In addition to the conference sessions, the expo area will feature event service suppliers, technology providers, venues, and destination stands to encourage direct engagement and business development.

​The event will feature prominent leaders and influencers from the MICE ecosystem. Notable participants include Adriana Angelova (Cluster Director, Sofia Hotels Management), Andriyana Petkova (Executive Director, National Palace of Culture), Efi Koudeli (Senior Regional Director Europe at ICCA), Liz Brand (Head of Hosted Buyer Relationship Management, IMEX Group), Teodora Jilkova (Executive Director, Bulgarian Convention Bureau), and Gorazd Čad, co-founder of Conventa and creator of Planet Positive Event.

​Gorazd Čad will join a panel discussion on leveraging the BBB advantage at international exhibitions, alongside Liz Brand from IMEX, moderated by Milos Milovanovic from GainingEdge. He will also present a new strategy for the Slovenian meetings industry through 2030.

gorazd_cad
Photo: Marko Delbello Ocepek

The event reflects the dynamic growth of Bulgaria’s business events infrastructure and responds to the longstanding need for a dedicated industry stage.


​Learn more about the event here.

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