Description of the session: Tapa's Tour el Tubo
Within 5 minutes from the hotels is the Tubo area, where we will network while tasting the local specialties. On this route, we'll visit the best tapas bars in Zaragoza to sample the flavours of Spanish cuisine while discovering the city's best-kept secrets. Meeting Point: Plaza de España’s fountain.

Description of the session: After our Tap´s Tour we will go to our Meeting Point: Plaza San Pedro Nolasco (1 minute walk from El Tubo) to start our Walking city tour. Feel free to call us to join when ever you arrive.

Description of the session: RESTAURANTE AURA

You can choose to go walking (25 min) or you can take the bus at 20h
• People hosted at Hotel Reino and H. Vincci (Meeting point at Hotel Reino main entrance)
• People hosted at Hotel Alfonso and H. Oriente (Meeting point at Teatro Principal main entrance)

Description of the session: In this dynamic session, participants will have 15 minutes to present a business case highlighting personal development or their company’s growth and achievements. We are curating a diverse mix of presentations from Associations, Meeting Planners, Venues/Suppliers, and Destinations to showcase a variety of perspectives and success stories. This is a unique opportunity to inspire, learn from peers, and gain practical insights into strategies that drive results. You'll walk away with fresh ideas and actionable takeaways to fuel your professional journey.

• Moderator: Begoña Ruiz, Director of Client Relations and Business Development Kuoni Tumlare
• Speakers: Carolina García Suárez, Gijón Convention Bureau | David Noack, Madrid Convention Bureau | Mariana Sousa Pavão, Visit Porto and North of Portugal - Convention & Visitors Bureau

Description of the session: The session would demonstrate how SFA-Connect uses ICCA BI to support clients, shares insights into the features they rely on most, and explains how the database has helped redefine business development strategies. From fostering alignment with local expertise to developing data-driven bids, Sara´s perspective offers valuable lessons for ICCA members looking to maximise the power of ICCA Business Intelligence.

• Introduction: Juanjo García, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer Bco Congresos
• Speakers: Kate Yates, SFA-Connect | Luisa Magalhaes, Senior Account Manager at SFA-C

Description of the session: The session will cover recent developments and updates regarding ICCA's headquarters, including strategic initiatives and future plans

• Speakers: Efi Koudeli, ICCA´S Europe Director

Description of the session: Discover how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the meetings industry, unlocking new possibilities for event planning and destination management.
Unlock the full potential of AI with prompt engineering and practical strategies designed to revolutionize the way you work. Discover how cutting-edge solutions can streamline your workflows, save valuable time, and drive unparalleled operational efficiency, giving you a competitive edge like never before.

• Introduction: Joao Lemos Porto CB & Javier Sanabria Bco Congresos.
• Speakers: Alejandro García Fernandez, Software Engineer.

Description of the session: This session will explore innovative and unconventional destinations for congresses and conferences. Participants will delve into the benefits and unique opportunities offered by non-traditional locations, which can provide fresh perspectives and memorable experiences for attendees. European associations will share their insights and experiences, highlighting successful examples and discussing the potential challenges and solutions when choosing these out-of-the-box destinations. Why and how they choose other type of cities.

• Moderator: Joaquin Pires, Head of Mice – Turismo de Portugal
• Speakers: Kate Yates, SFA-Connect | Diana Tejerina - Fundación NOVAGOB | Ana Encinas - Asociación de Usuarios de SAP España (AUSAPE)

• Speakers: Mariana Sousa Pavão, Porto Convention Bureau

Description of the session: Following the resounding success of the combined chapters sharing hubs at the 2024 congress, We are re-hacking and repeating the popular "sharing hubs".
What is a sharing hub? They are small group discussions on key topics. With directed, and dictated conversations about key industry issues.
With the aim of developing some key take ways, actions plans and points to make your day to day easier. The sharing hub hosts (Phil & Jorge) will start with a brief summary of results from 2024, and what was missing… With some key conversations that were started, but far from finished.
The sharing hubs will be lead by hub topic champions who are from key European Associations, industry experts & opinion leaders in their own right.

• Moderators/ Decision makers: Phil Cross, C.S.O BNetwork / Jorge Vinha, CEO Meu Arena

Description of the session: In an industry as dynamic as MICE, professionals must continuously evolve to stay relevant. This interactive session will explore how cultivating adaptability and creativity can transform the way we approach challenges in meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions.Rooted in practical methodologies like design thinking and problem-solving frameworks, attendees will engage in a hands-on group exercise to rethink traditional event strategies and embrace change with confidence.
With an international perspective and insights into crosscultural communication, participants will explore how diverse viewpoints fuel innovation. Together, they’ll tackle real-world scenarios where quick thinking and flexibility are key, applying creative techniques to develop adaptable solutions. By the end of the session, participants will leave equipped with actionable strategies to enhance their personal development and drive innovation within theirroles, no matter where they are in the MICE ecosystem.

• Moderator: Indre Rutkauskaite, Marketing Director CIMGLOBAL

Description of the session: We’ll demystify AI by showcasing a step-by-step demonstration of how to create a customized assistant using ChatGPT. This assistant can analyse RSVPs, provide insights, and automate responses, saving time while improving accuracy.

• Speaker: Sara Correia, CEO Spring events

Description of the session: In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, DEI and sustainability are not just buzzwords but strategic imperatives for the MICE industry. This session explores how DEI-focussed events and sustainable practices can drive transformative change across organisations, attendees, and host communities.
DEI-focussed events have the potential to enhance employee engagement, strengthen brand loyalty, and expand market reach. By addressing the diverse needs of individuals and recognising both visible and invisible aspects of diversity, these events leave a lasting, positive impact on destinations and organisations’ broader goals. Attendees gain enriching experiences and valuable networking opportunities, while host communities benefit from strengthened local connections and increased opportunities for local businesses. Simultaneously, sustainability in the MICE industry is no longer optional. As planners increasingly seek zero-carbon venues, it is crucial to consider the economic, social, and environmental impacts of events. This session brings sustainability to life through an interactive game of MICEOPOLY, where delegates navigate the streets of sustainability, answering questions and setting greener goals.Whether you are just beginning your journey towards inclusivity and sustainability or redefining your existing strategies, this presentation provides actionable insights that cross borders—both geographically and in thinking. Join us to discover how integrating DEI and sustainability can cultivate a more inclusive, connected, and thriving business and social landscape.

• Speakers: Amanda Lee, Marketing Manager, Simpleview | Dra. Mónica Molina, Senior Changemaker, Global Destination Sustainability Movement