ICCA Middle East Summit is taking center stage in 2026 as part of the association’s bold move to deepen its impact in the region.
Announced at IMEX Frankfurt 2025, ICCA revealed new partnerships with key stakeholders in Jordan and Oman to accelerate growth, foster talent, and strengthen regional leadership in the global business events industry.
Jordan to Host ICCA Middle East Summit 2026
In partnership with the Jordan Tourism Board, ICCA will bring its flagship Middle East Summit to Amman in 2026. The agreement was signed to establish Jordan as a central hub for association meetings, drawing international professionals, industry leaders, and decision-makers for strategic dialogue and collaboration.
Dr. Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA, emphasized Jordan’s strategic value due to its heritage, location, and commitment to business events. The summit is expected to create opportunities for knowledge exchange and long-term partnerships that will boost Jordan’s visibility on the global stage.
Luma Al Khatib, Head of the Convention Bureau at the Jordan Tourism Board, noted the country’s readiness to showcase its infrastructure and host a platform that enables connection, innovation, and growth across the meetings industry.
Oman Launches Association Day and ICCAUni Forum
ICCA’s expansion continues with the announcement of two major initiatives in collaboration with the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre and the Oman Convention Bureau. Association Day Oman, scheduled for December 2025, will feature ten international associations in a curated three-day experience connecting global leaders with Omani stakeholders.
The event follows a successful 2023 program, which saw associations from energy, aquaculture, and cybersecurity bring their events to Oman. This new edition is expected to strengthen Oman’s role as an emerging destination for international meetings and knowledge economy development.
Eng. Said Al Shanfari, CEO of OCEC, highlighted the significance of giving associations direct exposure to Oman’s value proposition through immersive experiences and collaboration with local institutions.
ICCAUni Forum: Bridging Academia and Industry
A Memorandum of Understanding signed at IMEX Frankfurt marked the beginning of the ICCAUni Forum, a long-term capacity-building initiative. In partnership with the Oman Convention Bureau and local universities, including Sohar University, the forum will offer students direct engagement with business events professionals and encourage their participation in legacy projects.
Dr. Senthil Gopinath described the ICCAUni Forum as a platform to empower young talent while fostering long-term sustainable growth. Khalid Al Zadjali, Director of the Oman Convention Bureau, emphasized the importance of involving youth in the country’s vision for an innovative and globally recognized MICE sector.
| Initiative | Location | Date | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| ICCA Middle East Summit | Amman, Jordan | 2026 | Regional leadership & knowledge exchange |
| Association Day Oman | Muscat, Oman | December 2025 | Global-local connections & partnerships |
| ICCAUni Forum | Oman (Multiple Cities) | Ongoing | Talent development & legacy engagement |
Empowering Regional Growth Through Collaboration
These developments form part of a unified strategy to elevate the Middle East’s role in the international meetings landscape. Through strategic education programs, curated experiences, and institutional partnerships, ICCA is leveraging its global influence to create lasting economic, social, and academic benefits in the region.
The initiatives reflect ICCA’s broader commitment to fostering community engagement, talent development, and innovation through the power of association meetings. The organization’s dynamic presence at IMEX Frankfurt 2025 underscored its mission to connect people and ideas while building a resilient future for the business events industry.
