Uzbekistan, India, Qatar, Egypt, from Thirty-Seven Countries Shine at Moscow’s 3rd Meet Global MICE Congress

Published on December 30, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

Moscow hosted the 3rd Meet Global MICE Congress (MGMC 2025) on December 17-18, welcoming over 2,500 delegates from thirty-seven countries, including Uzbekistan, India, Qatar, Egypt, and several others across the BRICS nations and the Global South. The event, organized by the Moscow City Tourism Committee and other state tourism authorities, was a massive success, showcasing the growing influence of the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector as a key driver of global tourism and economic growth.

Who Were the Key Participants?

The congress saw participation from a broad spectrum of countries and regional delegations. Notable representatives came from Central and South Asia, including Uzbekistan, India, Nepal, and the Maldives. The Middle East was strongly represented by Qatar, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Turkey. In addition, delegates from Africa, including Egypt, Tanzania, Kenya, and South Africa, were also present, with South Africa represented by the Association of African Exhibition Organizers.

Other significant participants came from Southeast Asia, with delegations from Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, China, and the Philippines. European and Eurasian representation included Serbia and the host country, Russia, which showcased its commitment to enhancing the MICE sector both regionally and globally. Brazil represented the Americas, underscoring the international reach of the congress.

What Was the Hosted Buyers Program?

A core component of MGMC 2025 was the Hosted Buyers program, which brought together 200 high-level decision-makers from various sectors within the MICE industry. The largest group of hosted buyers came from the Middle East, accounting for 27% of the total. India followed closely behind with 25% of the buyers, including 53 specific hosted buyers. Southeast Asia, represented by countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam, accounted for 23% of the buyers, while China represented 15% of the program’s participants.

This program allowed delegates to engage with key industry leaders and decision-makers, fostering business-to-business relationships and creating new opportunities for collaboration across the MICE and tourism sectors. The Hosted Buyers program was central to the event’s success, offering a unique platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and business development.

What Were the Highlights of the Event?

The congress featured over 130 exhibitors, with a particular focus on the BRICS nations and the Global South. Uzbekistan made a notable debut with its dedicated booth, highlighting its tourism potential and MICE capabilities. This marked Uzbekistan’s first participation in the event, signaling its growing importance as a global player in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

One of the key themes of the congress was the integration of AI in tourism and hospitality, with a special focus on how technology can enhance the MICE experience. Delegates discussed the role of artificial intelligence in improving the efficiency of tourism services, from travel planning to event management, and how it can drive future growth in the sector.

How Did the Event Compare to Previous Years?

The growth of the Meet Global MICE Congress is evident from the increasing number of participants and countries represented. In 2023, the inaugural event attracted around 400 participants, laying the foundation for what would become a prominent fixture in the global MICE calendar. The 2024 edition saw over 1,300 participants from 17 countries, expanding the event’s reach and influence.

In 2025, the congress reached new heights, with over 2,500 participants and representatives from 37 countries. This year’s event, titled “Unity through Diversity & AI Integration,” underscored the global trend of integrating advanced technologies into the tourism and MICE sectors. The event’s rapid expansion reflects the growing demand for business events that bridge cultures, foster collaboration, and explore new technological innovations.

What Role Did Key Institutional Participants Play?

Beyond individual countries, several important institutional participants played a significant role in the success of MGMC 2025. For instance, the Indian Convention Promotion Bureau (ICPB) was represented by Tushar Kesharwani, a governing board member, who helped bring attention to India’s expanding MICE market. Similarly, Visit Qatar MICE’s Acting Director, Ruqaya Cassim, was instrumental in showcasing Qatar’s MICE offerings.

Indonesia’s Hosea Andreas Runkat, Chairman of the Indonesian Exhibition Companies Association, also participated, along with Mint Leong, President of the Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association. These representatives were vital in discussing key trends in the MICE industry and strengthening cross-border partnerships within the sector.

The Uzbekistan Tourism Committee was represented by Aziz Mirdjalilov, Head of Marketing, who helped promote Uzbekistan’s tourism potential and highlighted the country’s readiness to host large international events. Uzbekistan’s participation marked an important milestone in the country’s tourism growth as it seeks to attract more international business and leisure tourists.

What Is the Future of MICE in the BRICS and Global South?

The success of MGMC 2025 highlights the growing influence of the BRICS nations and the Global South in the MICE sector. As countries like Uzbekistan, India, and Qatar increase their investments in tourism infrastructure and event facilities, the MICE industry in these regions is set for exponential growth. The congress served as a critical platform for discussing how countries can collaborate to elevate their MICE offerings, share knowledge, and implement the latest technologies to enhance the attendee experience.

The rapid expansion of the event—from 400 participants in 2023 to over 2,500 in 2025—illustrates the increasing importance of these regions in the global MICE landscape. As more countries from the Global South take center stage, the future of global tourism looks poised to become more inclusive, diverse, and interconnected.

Conclusion

The 3rd Meet Global MICE Congress in Moscow was a resounding success, bringing together over 2,500 participants from 37 countries and providing a platform for business leaders, tourism authorities, and exhibition organizers to explore new opportunities in the MICE industry. As Uzbekistan, India, Qatar, Egypt, and other nations from the BRICS and Global South continue to invest in their tourism and MICE sectors, the event marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of global tourism. With a focus on AI integration and technological innovation, the congress proved that the future of MICE is both global and digital, with new opportunities emerging for businesses and tourism authorities alike.