m&i is evolving the format of MICE trade shows with its exciting new event m&i Fest in Morocco – a new format that offers a unique experience for buyers and suppliers, with enhanced destination time and opportunities for meaningful connections and facetime.

It will be held in Marrakesh from March 17-21, 2024. For the first time, m&i will combine the best elements of a large trade show with exclusiveness, high quality meetings, and value of their successful long-running m&i Forums.

The introduction of dedicated exhibitor space will allow brands to tell their story with conviction.

With around 240 buyers and 230 suppliers, m&i Fest is expected to be a must-attend event of 2024 and a landmark event for the MICE industry.

The programme is built around 3 core pillars: Develop, Discover & Celebrate. For the first time there will be dedicated branded areas giving businesses and destinations enhanced visibility and a unique platform to showcase their services. It will facilitate networking and feature exquisite local cuisine, and high-octane events, giving more opportunity for buyers and suppliers to connect in a more relaxed setting.

Richard Barnes, CEO of Worldwide Events who run m&i Fest said: “After the devastating earthquake, we want to show our support for Morocco, and one of the most vital ways that all of us in the travel and events industries can do this is by continuing to promote tourism and MICE business to the country. Now more than ever it’s important to support Morocco, their people, and their local businesses, and all our partners are very keen to welcome delegates to m&i Fest next year.

“m&i Fest will bring together the best buyers in the sector with the most relevant suppliers. Suppliers will be able to showcase their brands, and buyers will be able to meet suppliers in an intimate and focused way without walking around a large exhibition centre.

“This event is designed for the needs of both and will be our highest value MICE industry event. We wanted to give brands the opportunity to have more visibility and provide them with a platform to tell their story. That platform is m&i Fest.”

“We are working with our partners in Morocco to identify CSR activities at m&i Fest that will be most helpful to the quake relief effort and will support charities on the ground.

According to Barnes, m&i Fest will have sessions that are business focused where RFP’s can be exchanged by legitimate buyers, and then sessions that allow more connection and content to be shared.

Arjen Van der Linden from Van der Valk Hotel Schiphol A4 said; “m&i Fest combines the advantages of a big exhibition and the quality 1-2-1 meetings delivered by m&i. That combination is what attracted me most.” 

Johannes Aign from Hilton Munich Airport added; “m&i Fest will be attracting the best buyers, which for us as a supplier gives us a great opportunity to get a lot of new business there.” – TradeArabia News Service