Meeting Professionals International (MPI) kicked off its 2025 European conference (EMEC) in Istanbul, 23 February, under the theme of communality and harmony. President and CEO Paul Van Deventer (pictured) welcomed delegates in the opening plenary session, sponsored by IMEX Group, saying: “Events bring us together and then together we go forward.”
Van Deventer reported a growth in MPI revenue 10% and said membership had expanded 34%. The momentum was also reflected at the MPI Foundation, which, he said, had provided €14m in disbursements as it celebrated its 40th anniversary. Van Deventer added that the association was continuing to expand its personal development offerings from the MPI Academy, strengthening the global chapter network and enhancing its European Regional Council.
Elif Balcı Fisunoğlu, vice-general manager, tourism operations and development, Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency, also welcomed MPI delegates to Türkiye and to the Lutfi Kirdar International Convention and Exhibition Centre. She then presented Türkiye’s Sustainable Tourism Programme which includes a stringent certification process for venues and accommodation facilities. It was a programme that, she said, aimed to put Türkiye at the front of work on sustainable tourism and with standards endorsed by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Many sustainable tourism options were outlined and initiatives promoting Turkish culture and heritage.
Delegates then heard from keynote speaker Filiz Akdede, global VP of HP 3D Business, who has been named one of ‘Türkiye’s Most Effective Women Leaders.’ She addressed the theme of ‘future megatrends’ and pointed out that Generation Alpha, which is made up of people born after 2010 would make up 11% of the workforce by 2030 and be doing jobs that don’t currently exist. This generation would bring with it innovation and a very different outlook, one which society should prepare for.
To make the most of the opportunities and unlock our new potential, aided by technology, Akdede said we must “unlearn and then relearn”.
Delegates ended Day 1 of the conference by attending an opening evening reception at the Rixos Tersane Istanbul, with its panoramic views along the historic Golden Horn. MPI’s EMEC 2025 continues to 25 February.
