The International MICE Summit (IMS24) concluded its sessions in Riyadh on December 17, 2024, with Saudi Arabia demonstrating its leadership in advancing the global exhibitions and conferences sector. Organized by the Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority (SCEGA) under the theme “Expanding Horizons,” the summit brought together more than 1,600 leaders from 73 countries, highlighting the Kingdom’s growing role as a hub for international business events.
Context and Background
The summit addressed strategic issues shaping the industry’s evolution, including cross-border collaboration, innovation, and economic growth. IMS24 featured 20 general sessions and 19 workshops, where participants explored the transformative impact of sustainability and technological advancements on exhibitions and conferences. The event underscored the sector’s potential as a key driver of economic diversification, aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.
Key Details
SCEGA Chairman Fahd Al-Rasheed stated that the Kingdom’s ambitions extend beyond traditional standards, aiming to build a robust industry that serves as a powerful economic engine and boosts Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub. During the summit, companies such as RX Global, Messe Munich, and Clarion announced new offices in the Kingdom, paving the way for 12 new events starting in 2025. Additionally, eight agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed to enhance sustainable collaboration among event organizers, regulatory bodies, and public entities.
International Impact
Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb emphasized the strategic importance of the exhibitions and conferences sector in diversifying the Kingdom’s economy. The summit’s international participation reflects growing global confidence in Saudi Arabia’s capacity to host world-class events, fostering economic and trade opportunities across borders. The agreements signed at IMS24 are expected to strengthen the Kingdom’s role as a central hub for the global events industry.
Vision 2030 Alignment
The successful conclusion of IMS24 reinforces Saudi Arabia’s commitment to Vision 2030 by transforming the exhibitions and conferences sector into a cornerstone of economic growth. By attracting international investment and fostering innovation, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a leading destination for global business events, contributing to long-term prosperity and international collaboration.
20 Questions
Q1. What is IMS24?
A1. IMS24 is the International MICE Summit held in Riyadh in December 2024, focusing on advancing the global exhibitions and conferences sector.
Q2. Who organized IMS24?
A2. The summit was organized by the Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority (SCEGA), a government body overseeing the events industry.
Q3. How many leaders attended IMS24?
A3. More than 1,600 leaders from the global exhibitions and conferences sector participated in the summit.
Q4. How many countries were represented at IMS24?
A4. Representatives from 73 countries attended the summit, highlighting its international scope.
Q5. What was the theme of IMS24?
A5. The theme was “Expanding Horizons,” focusing on growth and collaboration in the events industry.
Q6. How many sessions were held at IMS24?
A6. The summit featured 20 general sessions and 19 workshops, totaling 39 sessions.
Q7. What topics were discussed at IMS24?
A7. Topics included cross-border collaboration, innovation, sustainability, technological advancements, and economic growth.
Q8. Who is the Chairman of SCEGA?
A8. Fahd Al-Rasheed is the Chairman of the Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority.
Q9. What did Fahd Al-Rasheed say about the Kingdom’s ambitions?
A9. He said Saudi Arabia aims to build a robust industry that serves as a powerful economic engine and global hub.
Q10. Which companies announced new offices in Saudi Arabia at IMS24?
A10. Companies such as RX Global, Messe Munich, and Clarion announced new offices in the Kingdom.
Q11. How many new events were announced for 2025?
A11. The summit set the stage for the launch of 12 new events in Saudi Arabia starting in 2025.
Q12. How many agreements were signed at IMS24?
A12. Eight agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed to enhance collaboration.
Q13. Who is the Minister of Tourism in Saudi Arabia?
A13. Ahmed Al Khateeb serves as the Minister of Tourism for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Q14. What did Minister Ahmed Al Khateeb emphasize at IMS24?
A14. He underscored the sector’s strategic importance in diversifying the economy under Vision 2030.
Q15. How does IMS24 support Saudi Vision 2030?
A15. It promotes economic diversification by building a robust events industry that attracts global investment.
Q16. What role does sustainability play in IMS24 discussions?
A16. Sustainability was discussed as a transformative factor shaping the future of the exhibitions and conferences sector.
Q17. How many participants attended IMS24?
A17. Over 1,600 industry leaders and executives participated in the summit.
Q18. What is the significance of the agreements signed at IMS24?
A18. They foster partnerships among event organizers, regulators, and public entities to boost Saudi Arabia’s global event hub status.
Q19. What is MICE in IMS24?
A19. MICE stands for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions, representing the business events sector.
Q20. What is the long-term goal of IMS24 for Saudi Arabia?
A20. The summit aims to position Saudi Arabia as a leading global destination for business events, driving economic growth and innovation.
Reader Feedback
We value your thoughts. Please share your feedback on this article.
Your feedback helps us improve our coverage.