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With a fascinating array of keynotes, workshops, networking and social functions, the scene was set for MPI to deliver its flagship event in Europe, the European Meetings & Events Conference (EMEC), last month in Barcelona.

According to Meg Sytnick, HMCC, MMP, from Amera Travel Consulting LLC, a defining highlight was how intentionally the experience was curated for connection rather than just contact.

“The hosted buyer journey, supported by partners like Meliá Hotels, Andalucía and IMEX Group, created environments where meaningful conversations emerged naturally over shared meals, during focused appointments and within carefully crafted shared experiences,” she says.

The learning journey to Bellesguard Estate captured this spirit perfectly, according to Sytnick.

“The Gaudí-inspired mosaic coaster activity was so much more than a creative break; it became a live laboratory for transformative learning,” she says. “As we navigated a new, slightly uncomfortable creative process together, balancing time pressure, perfectionism and creative anxiety…the real conversation surfaced.”

Sytnick and her fellow learning journey participants found themselves reflecting on event delegates experience similar emotions and exploring what it means as planners to step out of the familiar and lean into the unknown together.

“By the end, we each held a beautifully crafted piece of art, but the true value was the shared insight: when designed with care, a simple activation can unlock deep reflection, vulnerability and connection in the moment,” she says.

Fresh perspective and new energy

Kinga Lipa, a student at Cracow University, was the winner of the Future Leaders Forum (FLF) at EMEC for her presentation, “Bridging Continents,” which looked at ways of improving cultural understanding.

“Taking part in both EMEC and FLF was an incredibly valuable and eye-opening experience for me,” she says. “EMEC was very transformative. It broadened my perspective on the industry and helped me better understand where I see myself within it. I had the opportunity to speak with many inspiring professionals and build meaningful connections.”

What stood out most for Lipa was the feeling of genuinely being welcomed and appreciated.

“When you’re a student looking for a job, employers often expect an overwhelming amount of experience, qualifications and certainty about your career path,” she says. “At EMEC, it felt completely different. Suddenly, I wasn’t ‘just a student’, I was someone bringing value, fresh perspective and new energy. That was a beautiful and empowering experience.”

It was also a moment of personal discovery for Lipa.

“I realized how I want to shape my professional identity as someone full of color, passion and genuine curiosity for people and the world,” she says. “During the FLF, I had honest conversations about career development, shared concerns and ambitions with peers, and listened to the advice of experienced specialists. I discovered how powerful the community truly is in this industry. In the end, everything we do is with people and for people, and relationships matter deeply.”

Lipa’s account of her experience perfectly embodies the spirit of MPI, which is all about embracing everyone and developing the future of the meeting and event industry.

New perspectives

Roxana Radu, healthcare events manager at PR Medical Events, says that one of her main highlights was seeing how a large-scale international event comes together so seamlessly.

“It was impressive to learn about the coordination, collaboration and attention to detail required behind the scenes,” she says. “EMEC also reminded me about the importance of acknowledging and celebrating small achievements along the way. Events are built through many small contributions, and it was inspiring to see how these collectively create a meaningful experience for all of us attending.”

Alexis Cartamil, event manager at Ewald Consulting, says her expectations were absolutely met at EMEC Barcelona.

“I attended EMEC hoping to strengthen supplier relationships, learn about new industry trends and connect with other professionals in the meetings and events space. “The hosted buyer appointments were very productive, and the education sessions, particularly those focused on AI and innovation in events, provided new perspectives that I’m excited to explore further. The opportunity to engage in open, collaborative discussions with peers from around the world made the experience even more valuable.”

Photos courtesy Jan Buteijn, Butino.