Home » MEETING AND EVENT INDUSTRY NEWS » European Meetings & Events Conference 2026 in Barcelona Will Be the Ultimate Gathering for Event Professionals Seeking Cutting-Edge Education, Meaningful Connections, and Industry Insights Published on
February 5, 2026In February 2026, Meeting Professionals International (MPI) will host the 37th European Meetings & Events Conference (EMEC), bringing together industry leaders, influencers, and professionals in one of Europe’s most exciting destinations: Barcelona. From 21st to 24th February, the SLS Barcelona will set the stage for a transformative gathering focused on innovation, networking, and progressive learning in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector.Revolutionizing Event Education: The Progressive Learning ExperienceEMEC 2026 isn’t just another conference—it’s a progressive learning experience designed to challenge the traditional conference model. Unlike the usual fast-paced session hopping, this conference offers a tailored learning journey that builds insights over time. Over 18 breakout sessions and three major plenary talks, attendees will explore topics such as leadership, innovation, and influence in the event industry.“This year’s program puts a strong emphasis on leadership mindset and decision-making, explores human-centered topics like AI adoption, neuroscience, trust, influence, and collaboration, and features real-world, high-stakes case studies that pull back the curtain on complex global events,” said Paul Van Deventer, MPI president and CEO. “By putting Barcelona front and center and integrating its culture, innovation ecosystem, and sense of place directly into the education, we’ve created an experience that becomes a journey, building perspective, reflection, and meaningful connection over time for European meeting planners.”Highlighted sessions include:AdvertisementThe Neuroscience of Influence and Experience: A hands-on session where attendees will delve into how brain science impacts leadership and creates lasting memories in events, offering practical tools for personal and professional growth.Leveraging AI for Event Success: This practical workshop will show event planners how to incorporate artificial inte …
