Organized by the Moscow City Tourism Committee in collaboration with state tourism bodies, MGMC 2025 underscored how business events are increasingly shaping tourism growth, investment flows, and cross-border cooperation—particularly across the BRICS nations and the Global South.
Broad International Participation
The congress drew a diverse mix of participants spanning Central and South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, Europe, Eurasia, and the Americas. Delegations attended from countries such as Uzbekistan, India, Nepal, the Maldives, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, China, the Philippines, Serbia, Brazil, and Russia.
Africa’s presence was reinforced through South Africa’s Association of African Exhibition Organizers, while Brazil represented the Americas, highlighting the truly international scope of the gathering.
Hosted Buyers Program at the Core
A key pillar of MGMC 2025 was its Hosted Buyers program, which connected 200 senior decision-makers from across the global MICE ecosystem. The Middle East accounted for the largest share of buyers at 27 percent, followed by India at 25 percent, including 53 hosted buyers. Southeast Asia represented 23 percent, while China contributed 15 percent of participants.
The program facilitated targeted business-to-business meetings, enabling destinations, venues, and service providers to forge partnerships, exchange expertise, and explore new commercial opportunities.
Exhibitions and Industry Themes
More than 130 exhibitors showcased their offerings, with a strong emphasis on BRICS countries and emerging destinations from the Global South. Uzbekistan made its debut at the congress with a dedicated stand, presenting its growing tourism infrastructure and ambitions to become a competitive MICE destination.
Discussions throughout the event highlighted the increasing role of artificial intelligence in tourism and hospitality. Panels and sessions explored how AI can enhance event planning, visitor management, and service efficiency, positioning technology as a key driver of future MICE growth.
Rapid Growth Since Inception
MGMC’s expansion over three years reflects rising demand for global business events. The inaugural edition in 2023 attracted around 400 participants, followed by more than 1,300 delegates from 17 countries in 2024. In 2025, attendance nearly doubled again, with representation from 37 countries.
This year’s theme, “Unity through Diversity & AI Integration,” captured the sector’s focus on inclusivity, collaboration, and innovation.
Institutional Voices and Regional Ambitions
Several institutional leaders played prominent roles during the congress. India’s MICE potential was highlighted by the Indian Convention Promotion Bureau, while Visit Qatar MICE emphasized Qatar’s expanding capabilities. Industry associations from Indonesia and Malaysia contributed regional perspectives, and Uzbekistan’s tourism authorities outlined the country’s readiness to host large-scale international events.
Outlook for the MICE Sector
MGMC 2025 demonstrated the rising influence of BRICS nations and Global South economies in shaping the future of business tourism. With increased investment in venues, infrastructure, and digital technologies, these regions are positioning themselves as major hubs for international meetings and exhibitions.
As participation continues to grow, the congress is emerging as a key platform for aligning global MICE strategies—suggesting a future that is more diverse, technologically advanced, and interconnected.
Overall, MGMC 2025 marked an important milestone for the global MICE industry, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for tourism development, economic growth, and international collaboration.