The ICCA Mediterranean & France–Benelux Joint Chapter Meeting
2026
brings together
destination leaders, industry experts, and association professionals in Thessaloniki for a
three-day journey designed to explore how collaboration is redefining the future of the
global business events industry.
The programme opens with a focus on human connection and destination experience, creating
the foundation for meaningful engagement and dialogue. The second day, The Power of
Partnership, forms the strategic core of the meeting, examining how
collaboration drives
competitiveness, shapes alliances, and transforms destinations through mega events while
addressing the realities of an increasingly complex global environment. The day culminates
in a direct dialogue with association leaders, providing essential insight into
decision-making priorities for 2026 and beyond.
The final day, Collaboration in Action, translates dialogue into practice
through
interactive exchanges, member-driven insights, and a hands-on workshop focused on designing
resilient and collaborative event ecosystems. It will end with strategic outcomes,
reinforcing the chapter’s commitment to turning shared knowledge into tangible cooperation
and future opportunities.
Across all three days, the meeting reflects a clear progression from connection to strategy
to implementation, positioning collaboration not only as a theme, but as the defining
operating principle of the future of the business events industry.
Sponsored by Greek
National Tourism Organisation 
Kick off the event with an unforgettable evening at one of Thessaloniki's most iconic rooftop venues. Indulge in exquisite flavours and refined local delicacies, while enjoying panoramic views of Aristotelous Square. A warm and stylish setting to reconnect, network, and set the tone for the days ahead.
Sponsored by Sava
Centar 
As the sun melts into the horizon, step aboard for a magical evening on the water. With cocktails in hand and the city glowing behind you, enjoy a moment of connection, calm, and summer energy on the Thermaic Gulf.
Welcome Remarks & Official Opening of the Conference
Andreas Fiorentinos — Secretary General of Greek National
Tourism Organization
The future of our industry will not be shaped by individual success stories, but by the ability to work across borders, sectors, and communities. Bringing together destination leaders from across Europe, this session explores how shared vision, collective leadership, and strategic partnerships can strengthen competitiveness, build resilience, and unlock new opportunities for growth. From local ecosystems to international networks, the discussion will examine how collaboration can become a defining advantage in shaping the future of business events industry.
Panellists:
Moderator: Dr. Senthil Gopinath — ICCA, CEO; Events Industry Council, Chair
This session explores how cities, regions, and industry platforms are moving beyond traditional rivalry to build structured alliances that strengthen visibility, market access, and shared value creation. Through concrete examples of industry-driven initiatives, speakers will demonstrate how collaboration is being operationalized across different levels of the business events ecosystem. The discussion will focus on practical frameworks that enable destinations to align strategies, pool resources, and co-create opportunities for long-term sustainable growth.
Panellists:
Moderator: Milos Milovanovic — Gaining Edge Partner
Mega events are strategic inflection points that can reshape a destination's infrastructure, global positioning, and long-term economic trajectory. At the same time, they challenge destinations and business events professionals to evolve, requiring higher levels of strategic alignment, operational capacity, and long-term planning. This session explores how major events transform destinations and redefine the expectations and competitiveness of the wider business events ecosystem. Through real case studies, speakers will share insights on turning global visibility into sustained advantage while managing complexity and disruption.
Panellists:
Moderator: Dimitris Ganitis — ICCA Mediterranean Chapter, Chair; Thessaloniki Convention Bureau, Managing Director
As the global meetings industry continues to evolve, staying informed is more important than ever. ICCA will share the latest trends, strategic priorities, and initiatives shaping the future of associations, destinations, and business events worldwide.
Presenters:
ICCA France-Benelux Leadership Election Results
Behind every achievement lies a human story shaped by challenge, resilience, and determination. While contexts differ, the emotions, struggles, and values that define us are deeply universal. Through a personal and inspiring journey, this session highlights how shared human experiences transcend culture, profession, and circumstance, becoming a powerful foundation for empathy, connection, and collaboration, and a reminder that progress is ultimately driven by people and the stories that unite them.
Through a dynamic and engaging format, this session encourages networking, knowledge sharing, and new connections across regions and sectors, offering a light, interactive moment to energize participants.
Geopolitical tensions, economic volatility, and shifting societal expectations are redefining the operating environment for the global business events industry. In this context, resilience is no longer a reactive capability, but a strategic requirement for destinations and organisations alike. This session brings together two industry initiatives: the IAPCO Global Socio-Political Impact Survey and the GainingEdge “Copenhagen Risk Assessment”, developed for Wonderful Copenhagen. Together, they provide a structured lens on risk perception, destination vulnerability, and strategic preparedness, exploring how destinations can anticipate uncertainty, strengthen decision-making, and adapt to a rapidly changing global landscape.
Presenters:
Moderator: Remi Deve - Boardroom Magazine, Chief editor
In a rapidly changing global environment, destinations must move beyond expectations to demonstrate execution, resilience, and adaptability. This session highlights how Greece is strengthening its position in the business events landscape through strategic infrastructure and development projects, showcasing how long-term investment and collaboration is shaping a more competitive, future-ready destination ecosystem.
Panellists:
Moderator: Natasha Kefala — Strategic Advisor | Destination Development, Business Events & Global Partnerships
Celebrating the individuals and organizations whose vision, leadership, and commitment have made a lasting contribution to the meetings industry. The award recognizes excellence in fostering collaboration, innovation, and positive impact across the region.
Understanding association priorities is essential for destinations and industry partners seeking long-term success. This session brings together association leaders to share first-hand insights into how decisions are made in 2026, including destination selection criteria, partnership expectations, and evolving event strategies. It will reveal what truly drives associations today and how destinations can adapt, build trust, and remain relevant in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.
Panelists:
Moderator: Catherine Kalamidas — Rotterdam Partners, Business Development Manager, International Congresses & Events
The day concludes with key reflections from the discussions and a look ahead at the opportunities that emerge when destinations, organizations, and people work together toward a common future.
Set close to the sea, the dinner captures the essence of the Greek summer — salt in the air, warm light fading into evening and the relaxed rhythm of island life, just moments from the city. Shared plates of Greek meze, fresh flavours and an easy-going atmosphere come together to create a social, open experience that feels unmistakably Mediterranean.
A closed working session for ICCA members focused on exchanging qualified business leads, strengthening cooperation between destinations, and identifying concrete opportunities within the France–Benelux chapter ecosystem. This session reinforces the value of structured collaboration in generating real market outcomes.
Powered by This is Athens
A hands-on working session translating the discussions of the previous days into practical tools and frameworks. Participants will explore how destinations and stakeholders can design more resilient, collaborative event ecosystems capable of adapting to uncertainty and change. The workshop will focus on actionable outputs, offering structured approaches to strengthen cooperation, align stakeholders, and build long-term strategic value in destination development.
A short, dynamic storytelling session where ICCA members share real-life success stories aligned with the conference theme of collaboration in action. The format highlights practical experiences that demonstrate how partnerships, innovation, and shared initiatives are driving measurable impact across the business events industry.
Moderator: Lina Ostapchuk — ICCA France - Benelux Chapter, Chair; Luxembourg Convention Bureau, Association Business Events Manager
Through a dynamic and engaging format, this session encourages networking, knowledge sharing, and new connections across regions and sectors, offering a light, interactive moment to energize participants.
A forward-looking open dialogue bringing together perspectives from both chapters to reflect on key insights from the previous days. The session aims to distil emerging trends, shared challenges, and practical opportunities for future collaboration across destinations and networks.
A closing segment including 2027 ICCA France & Benelux Chapter Meeting host destination.