Italy at Hand returns for fourth edition with November date in Campania

Convention Bureau Italia and national tourist board ENIT have announced the fourth edition of MICE event Italy at Hand will take place 16-18 November 2022 in Campania Region. Organisers say this year’s edition aims to expand and evolve as a benchmark event for international buyers interested in Italy as a top-tier MICE Destination. Previous editions took place in Bologna, Rome and Milan. Naples is set to host the B2B sessions and the social and teambuilding activities, while Sorrento will team up with other destination ‘rising stars’ such as Salerno, Campi Flegrei, Ischia and Procida in hosting post-tour activities. Although Italy at Hand will maintain the same format as the first three editions, there will be a significant increase in the number of participants, the organisers say. There will be three days of networking, via an integration of business and entertainment. However, this year there will be 40 of the best Italian MICE suppliers meeting 55 high-profile international buyers – against the 45 buyers and 35 suppliers of the previous editions. They will take part in an estimated 1,200 B2B scheduled appointments. In addition, the guests will experience four informal and fun activities sparked by Italy’s identity and its traditions. The detailed programme will be announced at a later stage. “In this global mood of MICE recovery and positivity that it is finally coming back worldwide, we are thrilled to present Italy at Hand 2022,” said Carlotta Ferrari, president of Convention Bureau Italia. “I am extremely proud of the choice of this year’s host destination, which closes the circle of the territorial distribution of the event. After being organised in the north and central Italy, finally the south will also have its representative in the Campania Region, a true ‘open-air destination’.” “The narrative concerning MICE tourism is complex and therefore requires some specific attention. Among other things, the value of Italy is seen in its eclectic destinations for tourism. Its historical-artistic heritage, together with the naturalistic, demographic, ethnological and anthropological aspects, make the Italian MICE experience unique,” Ferrari added. “Since the first edition, Italy at Hand has demonstrated that it is not just a valid tool for companies who take part, but also a concrete opportunity for promoting the whole of Italy as a destination. It is therefore in Enit’s interest to support the event,” said Enit president Giorgio Palmucci. “Combining work and leisure is one of Enit’s prime objectives, proposing trips throughout Italy that are less well-known, focusing on sustainability and guaranteeing entertainment in locations where you can discover the timeless history of iconic places. With its cities of art, its natural beauties and destinations that are easy to reach, Italy can offer a variety of experiences for all target markets,” he added. “It is with great pride and satisfaction that Campania Region is looking forward to hosting, for the first time in southern Italy, Italy at Hand, the international MICE workshop organised by Convention Bureau Italia and ENIT,” said Felice Casucci, Campania Region councillor for tourism. Campania has the largest number of UNESCO awards in Italy and a fine food and wine heritage. International buyers can apply to take part in Italy at Hand by visiting www.italyathand.com and filling out the dedicated form.