As CEO of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Senthil Gopinath is a recognised global leader in the international meetings industry. With over 20 years of experience across regions and sectors, he has played a key role in positioning destinations on the global stage and delivering high-impact international events. A strategic and visionary leader, Senthil is known for driving innovation, fostering global collaboration, and building sustainable growth. He holds a European BBA, an MBA from the UK, and a Ph.D., reflecting his strong commitment to lifelong learning. At ICCA, he leads a global network of 1,150+ members in over 100 countries. His recognition as Global Business Events Strategist of the Year underscores his transformative impact on the industry and his role in shaping its future worldwide.
Dimitris Ganitis is a seasoned professional in the Meetings and Events industry with over 20 years of experience and a background in Business Administration and Marketing. As Managing Director of the Thessaloniki Convention Bureau, he plays a key role in establishing Thessaloniki and the Region of Central Macedonia as premier destinations for international conferences, events and business tourism. In 2025, Dimitrios received two distinguished awards at the Meeting Star Awards in Ljubljana, recognizing him as “Influencer of the Year in Meetings Industry “and the “leading Meeting Architect -2024, representing a Tourism Organization and Convention Bureau”. This dual honor, a first for a Greek professional, underscores his pivotal role in driving the international growth of the meetings sector and elevating Thessaloniki’s global conference profile. Since 2023, he has been actively involved with the ICCA Mediterranean Chapter serving as Deputy Chair and, from 2025, as Chair, supporting the region’s meetings industry development. With broad experience in events, international relations and partnerships with organizations like the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, Thessaloniki International Film Festival, Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival, and TEDx Thessaloniki, Dimitrios is dedicated to fostering innovation and advancing tourism locally and globally.
Kristina Milinčić is the CEO of Sava Centar, the largest congress, cultural, and business venue in Southeast Europe and a flagship property of Delta Holding. Since stepping into this role in 2020, she has led the center’s transformation, playing a pivotal role in modernizing Serbia’s congress and events infrastructure and positioning Belgrade as a premier international meetings destination. She joined Delta Holding in 2012 and previously served as Head of Protocol and Chief of Staff to the President of the company, gaining deep expertise in corporate governance, executive operations, and strategic planning. uolo Kristina is a driving force in the development of the business events sector in Serbia and the wider region. Her leadership is marked by a commitment to international collaboration, destination marketing, and industry innovation. An engaged industry advocate, Kristina is a member of the Serbian Association of Managers, serves on the Board of Directors of HORES, and is a board member of the International Film Festival FEST, while in May 2025, she was named Co-Chair of the Mediterranean Chapter of ICCA. She holds a degree in geography, tourism, and hospitality from the Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad.
Marija Labović is the Chief Executive Officer of the National Tourism Organisation of Serbia (NTOS), a position she is holding since November 2015. She holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) with honours in Business Administration and General Management from the American College of Thessaloniki, earned in 2000. That same year, she was awarded the prestigious "Elizabeth Yphantis Demeter Memorial Award" by the Board of Trustees for outstanding academic achievement in the field of Business Administration. In 2019, she completed a Master’s degree in Economics in Tourism at Singidunum University in Belgrade. With over 25 years of diverse professional experience, Marija has held key leadership roles, including six years at Ekos Tours, seven years at Privredna Banka Beograd as Head of Product Development and Alternative Distribution Channels, and two years as Deputy General Manager at the Belgrade Fair. She has been an active member of the National Council for the Development of Tourism of the Republic of Serbia since 2016 and served as a Board Member of the European Travel Commission from 2018 to 2019. In recognition of her exceptional contribution to the travel and tourism industry, she received the IIPT Global "Celebrating Her" Award in March 2024 at ITB Berlin. Through her participation as a speaker and panellist at numerous domestic and international events, Marija Labović has significantly contributed to the global positioning of Serbia as a prominent and attractive tourist destination.
Efi Koudeli is a respected professional in destination management and the international meetings industry, known for her ability to forge meaningful connections across projects, teams, and communities. With over 15 years of diverse international experience, she brings deep insight into the dynamics of tourism development, strategic partnerships, and ecosystem-based growth. Currently serving as Regional Director for Europe at the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Efi leads efforts to foster sustainable growth, regional collaboration, and innovation across a complex network of industry stakeholders. Her work centers on building resilient and inclusive communities that thrive on knowledge sharing and long-term impact. Prior to joining ICCA, Efi held influential roles at prominent institutions including the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO), the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in Spain, the This is Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Thessaloniki Convention Bureau. These positions have enabled her to develop a broad, strategic vision while remaining deeply attuned to local needs and cultural nuances. She is especially passionate about working with agile, human-centered organizations and is driven by purpose-led projects that prioritize inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation. Known for her collaborative mindset and strategic thinking, Efi consistently delivers value in dynamic, cross-cultural environments. Efi holds a strong reputation as a connector and facilitator, dedicated to empowering destinations and professionals to unlock their potential in the global meetings and events arena.
Sissi Lignou is a leading figure in the international meetings industry with over 20 years of experience. Her career began with the ATHENS 2004 Organizing Committee (2001–2004) in PR and events—a formative and prestigious role during the Olympic Games. In 2004, she joined AFEA, her family’s company founded in 1977, and now serves as CEO and Board President. Under the leadership of Sissi investigate the role of the President and CEO of AFEA, her father Andreas, and her sister Dimitra, AFEA was rebranded as AFEA Congress. The company is a prominent PCO and association management firm, organizing over 150 events annually worldwide, and is a member of IAPCO, ICCA, HAPCO, and ACVB. It has earned multiple awards, including IAPCO's Driving Excellence Awards. Sissi has been instrumental in delivering over 1,000 successful meetings and is deeply committed to the tourism and meetings sectors. Since 2007, she has served on the Council of HAPCO & DES, becoming President in 2022 and re-elected as Board Member in 2025. At IAPCO Sissi has held numerous roles including Faculty Member and Training Academy contributor. Elected to the IAPCO Council in 2021 and re-elected in 2023, she has led initiatives in Advocacy. She became President-Elect in 2024 and assumed the IAPCO Presidency in 2025, spearheading the organization's new Advocacy strategy to enhance engagement with associations, PCOs, and influencers. She also mentors and speaks at international platforms like CityDNA, IAPCO EDGE, and Greek academic institutions, and has participated in three Model UN projects. Married to Jiannis since 2008, she is the proud mother of 14-year-old Alexandra.
Sven joined AIPC as CEO in May 2020. Together with the Board, Members, and Business Partners, he implemented a transformation program that resulted in an entirely new value proposition for convention and exhibition centers worldwide, based on the evolving needs of members and the challenges they face. Before joining AIPC, Sven served as Managing Director at ESTRO (European Society for Radiation Oncology), where he successfully led the organization's branding, marketing, and digital transformation. Completed in April 2020, this major project included a full rebranding, the implementation of new CMS and CRM systems, a comprehensive marketing strategy, and a complete overhaul of the annual congress. Prior to ESTRO, Sven spent 20 years in the financial services sector. The first 10 years of his career were at ING as an international program manager, followed by 10 years at SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications), where he oversaw Sibos—SWIFT’s flagship event that gathers over 8,000 decision-makers from more than 150 countries for four days to address the financial community's shared challenges and solutions. Sven holds a degree in anthropology. He lives and works in Belgium, has two children, and loves reading.
Kai Hattendorf is one of the most prominent thought leaders in the global business events and exhibition sector, building on a decades-long legacy of transformation and innovation across the sector. In his decade-long tenure as CEO of UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, he led numerous initiatives and projects aimed at developing the sector, enhancing public awareness, and expanding the association’s reach and significance. As Chair of the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC), a global council comprising international and global associations serving the Business Events Industry, Kai championed advocacy efforts such as the “Global Industry Manifesto,” which fosters a unified narrative for the entire events sector. Collaborating with industry associations and global organisations like UNFCCC, OECD, and ISO, he established and supports initiatives, including the “Net Zero Carbon Events Initiative.” Kai’s contributions to the events industry have been recognised through numerous awards and accolades worldwide. Kai currently lives in Oslo, Norway
Tobia Salvadori is the Director of Convention Bureau Italia, the national body dedicated to promoting Italy as a leading destination for meetings and events. With over 20 years of experience in the MICE industry (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), Tobia has been instrumental in elevating Italy’s position in the global meetings market. His career includes leadership roles at BTC International and the Sicily Convention Bureau, where he forged key international partnerships and developed strategies to boost Italy’s global visibility. Since taking the helm at Convention Bureau Italia, Tobia has led a significant expansion of international collaborations, driving sustainable growth and innovation across the industry. His leadership has contributed to a major milestone: Italy achieving the top position in Europe for international association meetings, according to the latest ICCA rankings—a reflection of coordinated national efforts and sector-wide excellence. Tobia is recognized for his strategic vision, deep industry knowledge, and commitment to positioning Italy as a world-class MICE destination.
Dr. Cemil Hakan Kılıç is the General Manager of the Istanbul Convention & Visitors Bureau (ICVB), a leading organization promoting Istanbul as a world-class destination for meetings, incentives, congresses, and events (MICE). He brings over two decades of diverse experience spanning public and private sectors, with a strong academic foundation and international perspective. Dr. Kılıç completed both his undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Business Administration in the United States. He subsequently earned his PhD from Istanbul University, where his academic focus deepened his expertise in business management and international trade. His educational journey has also taken him to various esteemed institutions and training programs across Japan, the USA, and Spain, equipping him with a global outlook and multifaceted understanding of tourism and economic development. Professionally, Dr. Kılıç has held significant roles in prominent institutions such as the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce and the Istanbul Commodity Exchange, where he contributed to regional economic initiatives and international engagement efforts. His leadership at the ICVB, beginning on October 22, 2018, has been marked by strategic innovation, international collaboration, and a strong emphasis on positioning Istanbul as a premier destination in the global MICE industry. Beyond his executive role, Dr. Kılıç is also active in academic and professional circles. He has authored several publications and articles related to tourism, international trade, and destination marketing, reflecting his commitment to knowledge sharing and sector development.
Roberto Morelli is a top manager, columnist, and writer. He serves as President and General Manager of the Generali Convention Centre in Trieste, with Assicurazioni Generali as main shareholder. From 2006 to 2022, he was a senior manager at illycaffè, leading six central departments and serving as Chief Strategy Officer and later Chief Marketing Officer worldwide. He was also President and CEO of several illy Group subsidiaries, co-founder and Director of the Ernesto Illy Foundation, and led joint ventures such as illycaffè–The Coca-Cola Company and illycaffè–JAB Holding. A professional journalist, he was a Corriere della Sera correspondent (1990–2006), editor of newspapers and TV news, and a university professor in journalism. He is currently a columnist for the NEM Italian group (Il Piccolo) and teaches executive education for the Professional Association of Italian Journalists. He has published essays on regional economics, a novel, a novella, and a university textbook. His latest book, Moving Goods, Moving the World (2024), tells the story of Pacorini Group in the context of Italian and European history. He is also on the Board of the University of Trieste, President of Tourism at Confindustria Alto Adriatico, and Honorary President of the International School of Trieste.
Aggeliki Vassiliou is a Senior Business Partner at Growthfund, the National Fund of Greece, and a Non-Executive Board Member at HELEXPO, the country’s leading exhibition and conference organization. She brings over 15 years of experience in strategy development, project execution, and leveraging funding for complex initiatives in destination management, urban regeneration, international trade, social innovation, and entrepreneurship. Her career spans influential roles across the public sector, including Head of Strategy at the City of Athens’ Development and Destination Management Agency, where she led key urban and tourism strategies. She has also served as an advisor to the Ministries of Economy and Foreign Affairs, and to the executive leadership of Enterprise Greece and Export Credit Greece, contributing to national efforts in investment promotion, export growth, and economic diplomacy. Aggeliki holds a Master’s degree in International Development from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., where she was awarded a scholarship by the Alexandros Onassis Foundation. With deep cross-sectoral expertise and a strong commitment to sustainable development, she is a recognized voice in the fields of strategic planning, public policy, and economic development.
Igor Kovačević brings over 18 years of experience leading and contributing to projects across Europe and the Middle East in the fields of the meetings industry (MICE), event and destination management, tourism development, and the creative industries. He currently serves as Director of the International Participants Department for EXPO 2027 Belgrade, acting as the primary liaison for all international participants—including governments, organizations, and businesses—ensuring their effective engagement in the EXPO. In parallel, Igor is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Belgrade, where he focuses on academic research and teaching in tourism, event management, and destination development. Throughout his career, he has been involved in over 50 MICE, tourism, and event development projects at local, regional, and international levels. He also served as Pavilion Director for the Serbia Pavilion at EXPO 2020 Dubai and as CEO of the Serbia Convention Bureau. Igor has contributed to the global advancement of the meetings industry through his roles as a member of the IMEX Faculty Engagement Program Committee and as Deputy Chair of the ICCA Central European Chapter.
Valentini Amarantidou is the Director of Development and Partner of ARTION Conferences & Events, a Thessaloniki-based association management (AM) & conference organizing company (PCO). She manages international associations, conferences, events, and projects for more than 25 years. She has studied economics at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the University of Southampton, UK, and pursued a master’s degree in International Trade and Management specialized in Japanese Business. An ex-young entrepreneur (start-up at the age of 22), she speaks Greek, English, German, and French and has learned Turkish, Spanish, and Japanese. She has lived in the UK, France, and Japan for her studies and continues to travel around the globe for business. She is married and a mother of two children. She lives in, because she loves, Thessaloniki, Greece. She follows all important congress sector Exhibitions & Events, participating as a speaker, exhibitor, guest, or visitor. Since 2021, she is an instructor at the ICCA Skills Certification Programme, teaching Bidding & Decision Making in the Meetings Industry, in Luxembourg, Beijing, and Macao.
Paola Padovani is an accomplished business development and events professional with over two decades of strategic leadership experience across the hospitality, healthcare, and events industries. Holding a Law degree with a specialization in International Law, Paola combines legal acumen with a deep personal passion for travel, art, and intercultural exchange. Her career began with Hilton International, laying the foundation for a successful trajectory in Sales & Marketing leadership roles within major healthcare corporations. Over 20 years, she has developed expertise in organizational growth, strategic planning, and quality certification. In 2018, Paola returned to her roots in the events and communication sector, joining Triumph Group as Business Development Director. Here, she integrates her cross-sector experience to foster innovation in event strategy, client engagement, and stakeholder relations on a global scale. Paola is also deeply committed to advancing the meetings industry in Italy. As a National Councillor of Federcongressi, she will begin serving as the official representative of the PCO category within the association in 2025.
Miloš Milovanović is an international consultant with over 15 years of experience in the meetings, events, and destination marketing industry. He specializes in the development and activation of convention bureaus and has worked with national and city-level destinations around the world, including Italy, Jordan, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Brussels, Budapest, Dubai, and Istanbul. He has also advised major convention centres in Belfast, Belgrade, Muscat, and Prague. At GainingEdge, Miloš serves as Head of the Analysis & Research Department (GEAR), leading global benchmarking and strategic research projects. He is the author of the Destination Competitive Index, an annual report benchmarking international convention destinations, and the Leveraging Intellectual Capital report, which analyses the global influence of local leaders in international associations. Miloš is a certified instructor for the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA), delivering training through the ICCASkills program, a recognized certification for professionals in the MICE industry. Prior to joining GainingEdge, he was the founding CEO of the Serbia Convention Bureau, where he played a key role in its establishment and international positioning. He holds a degree in Economics from the University of Belgrade and a Master’s from École Centrale Paris.
With over 15 years of experience in the events and congress industry, Riccardo Pizzuti brings deep expertise in business development, client relations, and strategic partnerships. He currently serves as Key Account Manager at Ega Worldwide Congresses & Events, where he plays a central role in managing international congresses and fostering long-term client relationships. Riccardo is the Past Chair of the Mediterranean Chapter of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), where he supported regional collaboration and industry growth. Throughout his career, he has held key roles such as Sales and Marketing Manager at Convention Bureau Roma e Lazio and National Sales Manager at OIC Group. Within Ega Worldwide, he has previously served as New Business Manager, Project Manager, and Housing Manager, gaining a comprehensive understanding of event operations and delivery. His broad experience and commitment to excellence have made him a recognized figure in the global meetings and events community.
Ivan M. Petrović leads the EXIT Festival Group’s public affairs, social impact, and strategic initiatives. Since joining the EXIT Foundation in 2013, he has played a pivotal role in its development, overseeing more than 100 projects spanning culture, youth empowerment, humanitarian action, and creative industries. Among his most notable achievements are the award-winning humanitarian campaign “Aces for Kids,” which supported the construction of the NURDOR children’s hospital in Niš; EXIT’s contribution to Novi Sad’s designation as European Capital of Culture 2022; and initiating the city’s successful European Youth Capital 2019 bid. He has also led or produced high-impact initiatives such as #FirstWorldPeace with Yoko Ono, EXIT Life Stream, Silent Balkan Majority, and national conferences on Serbia’s branding. Ivan is an international speaker and consultant on social impact, CSR, festivals, destination branding, and youth engagement. He previously held leadership roles with the Crown Prince Alexander Foundation, the World Bank, and the University of Belgrade. He is a member of the World.Minds community and has served on the Council for Creative Industries under the Prime Minister of Serbia.
Yiannis Thomatos is a founding member and Executive Vice President of the Delphi Economic Forum, a leading platform for dialogue on regional and global policy, economics, and development. His work sits at the crossroads of business, public affairs, and strategic communications, where he has built a distinguished career advancing impactful initiatives and high-level engagement. In addition to his leadership at the Delphi Economic Forum, Yiannis is a Partner at SGT, a critical communications consultancy advising corporate and institutional clients on complex public affairs, crisis management, and reputation strategy. His role bridges private sector insight with broader societal dialogue, contributing to meaningful discourse on national and international challenges. Yiannis also serves as a Research Fellow at the Research Institute of Applied Communications at the University of Athens, where he explores the evolving role of communication in public life and institutional trust. With a unique blend of academic grounding and hands-on leadership, Yiannis brings a multidimensional perspective to public discourse—connecting policy, business, and civic engagement in a rapidly changing world.
Alessandro Mancini is a senior international consultant specializing in tourism promotion, destination marketing, and major global events. With over 20 years of leadership experience—including roles as General Director for top tour operators Kuoni and Boscolo—he has consistently championed Italian excellence on the world stage. Currently, he is the founder and director of the MedFest Business Hub, the first Mediterranean B2B platform dedicated to experiential tourism. MedFest brings together 50+ global buyers and leading Italian tourism stakeholders through curated matchmaking, insightful panels, and immersive experiences. He also works closely with key institutions such as Promos Italia, ENIT, and BIT Milano, where he leads programs like InBuyer Lombardy and the digital matchmaking platform Connect22Italy.com. A career-defining role came during EXPO Milano 2015, where Mancini served as Director of Ticketing and Tourism. He oversaw the sale of 21.5 million tickets and led over 240 international promotional missions, drawing 6.5 million international visitors to Milan and significantly boosting Italy’s global tourism profile. Following the Expo, he founded Mancini Worldwide, a consultancy focused on tourism diplomacy and international development. Since then, he has led strategic initiatives for Expo Antalya 2016, Expo Astana 2017, and Expo Dubai 2020—where he managed 39 country pavilions—and is actively engaged in the lead-up to Expo Osaka 2025. Mancini’s strategic vision, diplomatic acumen, and event-driven approach continue to position Italy as a premier global destination.
Bruce Redor has over 25 years of international experience in the hospitality and services industries, having led consulting projects across Europe, Russia, and South Africa. Bruce holds a Master’s degree from U.C. Berkeley and began his career in France as Director of Marketing at the American Hospital of Paris. He later joined the CEGOS Consulting Group in Paris, leading strategic planning and marketing projects for multinational corporations. Bruce was part of the management team that developed and operated Euro Disney in Paris, where he established and led the successful meetings and incentives division, Disneyland Paris Business Solutions. He also served as CEO of the Lyon Conventions and Visitors Bureau, playing a key role in positioning Lyon as one of Europe’s top business and leisure destinations. Now a Partner at GainingEdge, Bruce has worked extensively across Europe and globally, managing projects in the UK, Luxembourg, Norway, the Netherlands, Italy, France, Spain, Turkey, Russia, South Africa, Japan, Canada, Qatar, and Rwanda.
Dr. Iva Milinković is a specialist in periodontology and oral implantology, with a strong focus on the treatment of periodontitis and peri-implantitis. She is an Associate Professor at the Department of Periodontology and Oral Medicine at the School of Dental Medicine, University of Belgrade. After graduating in 2006, Dr. Milinković earned her PhD in 2011 and completed her specialist training in 2014. As an ITI scholar, she furthered her clinical and academic expertise at the Eastman Dental Hospital in Rome. From 2014 to 2020, she was an active member of the Junior Committee of the European Association for Osseointegration (EAO), and has served on the EAO Scientific Committee for three consecutive annual congresses (2020–2022). In 2023, she was appointed to the EAO Board of Directors. Dr. Milinković is also a member of the International Team for Implantology (ITI) and the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP). She serves as Section Editor for the International Journal of Prosthodontics and has contributed to numerous national and international research projects. With over 30 scientific and professional publications, she is also the co-author of the Manual in Periodontology for undergraduate dental students in Serbia.
Natalia Borkowska has been working in the field of international conferences since 2013, with a strong focus on scientific and medical meetings. She began her career in event management at the Fetal Medicine Foundation in London, United Kingdom, where she was responsible for organizing large-scale international conferences attended by over 2,000 participants. In 2016, she joined MCA Events in Milan, Italy, where she contributed to the planning and execution of numerous international conferences, webinars, and digital events. Her expertise lies in association management, with a particular emphasis on medical and scientific associations in the fields of gynecology, perinatology, maternal-fetal medicine, and neonatology. She recently transitioned from her executive role at MCA and now serves as a strategic advisor to the founder, focusing on business development and cultivating new partnership opportunities. In this capacity, she continues to play a key role in expanding the organization’s client base and strengthening its presence in the global meetings industry.
Dr. Renata Pindžo is an accomplished economist, academic, and policy expert with extensive experience in public administration, consulting, and international cooperation. She is an associate professor at the Faculty of Economics, Finance and Administration (FEFA) in Belgrade and teaches at the Belgrade College of Tourism. Since October 2021, she serves as Director of Communications at the Foreign Investors Council (FIC) in Serbia. From 2008 to 2021, Dr lot of strategic initiatives. She has represented the Republic of Serbia in key international and regional tourism organizations and initiatives, including UNWTO, BSEC, RCC, EUSAIR, and EUSDR. She played a vital role in Belgrade’s successful bid to host the 2026 World Congress of the International Economic Association (IEA) and now serves on the local organizing committee. Dr. Pindžo holds a PhD in economics from the University of Belgrade, where she also completed her undergraduate and master’s studies, and she is the author of over 75 scientific papers. Her background includes extensive consulting experience with Deloitte, the Economic Institute, and World Bank–supported projects focused on economic competitiveness.
Maddalena Chiellini serves as the Association Segment Developer at Convention Bureau Italia and is the Project Manager of Italian Knowledge Leaders, a key initiative promoting Italy as a premier destination for association events. In her role, Maddalena works closely with national and international associations to strengthen Italy’s positioning in the global meetings industry through strategic engagement, knowledge sharing, and tailored support. Before entering the meetings and events sector, Maddalena pursued a career in academia. She earned her credentials as an anthropologist at Birkbeck, University of London, where she conducted ethnographic research focused on the lives of single women in urban India. Her work in this field reflects her deep interest in social dynamics, gender studies, and intercultural understanding. In addition to her academic background, Maddalena has professional experience in the cultural and hospitality sectors. She managed guest hospitality for the River to River Florence Indian Film Festival, further demonstrating her ability to connect diverse communities through meaningful experiences. Maddalena is also an accomplished writer, translator, and editor, with a strong foundation in academic publishing and cross-cultural communication. Her multifaceted expertise brings valuable insight to the international association and events landscape.
Selin Kamil is an experienced professional in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry, with over a decade of expertise in international business development, sales, and marketing. With a background in Italian Language and Literature, Selin has built a dynamic career at the intersection of global business and event management. She began her journey in the MICE sector by contributing to the organization of the ACE of MICE Exhibition in Istanbul, where she quickly demonstrated a natural ability to connect people, ideas, and industries. Since then, she has successfully managed a wide range of projects including incentive programs, corporate events, and high-profile award ceremonies. For the past six years, Selin has served as Global Project Coordinator at the Istanbul Convention and Visitors Bureau (ICVB), where she plays a vital role in positioning Istanbul as a premier international destination for business events. Her work is fuelled by a deep passion for the city's cultural richness and contemporary appeal. Selin is also an active member of the MPI Türkiye Club, contributing to the development of the MICE industry both locally and globally.
Eleni Sotiriou is a consultant specializing in Destination Management & Marketing, Tourism Development Strategy and City Governance. She is Senior Consultant at Thessaloniki Convention Bureau, having served as its Managing Director from August 2018 to December 2023. She has served as senior advisor to the Mayor of Thessaloniki (2011 – 2018) focusing on the city’s promotion and growth in close collaboration with the hospitality sector and initiating the development of a strategy on tourism development. She holds an MSc in Economic History from London School of Economics and a BSc in Economics from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She has served in different positions in Consulting, Marketing and Sales and was the co-founder of Wine Plus, a company specializing in wine promotion, gastronomy and oenotourism. She is also a coach in EU projects, mentor in national and international organizations and member of the Advisory Board of Ecogenia, an organization empowering youth by providing skills-based training and paid opportunities to serve their country’s environment, while reinforcing local communities by leveraging human and other resources to build climate resilience.
Bilal Al Barmawi is a leading figure in the MICE industry across the Middle East and beyond, with over two decades of experience in organizing large-scale international events. He is the Founder and CEO of 1st Arabia Exhibitions & Conferences Organizers, a top-ranked MICE company in Saudi Arabia with regional offices in Dubai and Europe. He currently serves as Chairman of the MENA Chapter of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) and is an active member of ICCA, UFI, MPI, and PCMA, reflecting his deep global industry engagement. A strategic advisor and consultant to the Saudi National Program for Exhibitions and Conferences, Mr. Al Barmawi also served as Managing Director of the Saudi Events Management Academy, where he championed professional development in event management. With deep expertise in venue management, business events strategy, and large-scale project execution, he has successfully led some of the region’s most important exhibitions and conferences. Known for his collaborative leadership, Bilal has built high-performing teams and delivered sustainable growth across borders. Mr. Al Barmawi is a trusted voice in the transformation of the events industry in Saudi Arabia and a key contributor to its global integration and innovation.
Filip Filipović is widely regarded as one of the greatest water polo players in history, with a career defined by outstanding achievements. He was named FINA World Player of the Year in 2009, 2011, 2014, and 2021, and LEN’s European Player of the Year in 2009 and 2014. Over 18 years with the Serbian national team, he played 381 matches and scored 677 goals, ranking second in all-time scoring. Filipović won four Olympic medals: bronze in 2008 (Beijing) and 2012 (London), and gold in 2016 (Rio) and 2020 (Tokyo). He was named MVP at both the Rio and Tokyo Olympics and served as Serbia’s flag bearer in 2020. He claimed World Championship titles in 2009 and 2015 and remains the only player to win six European Championship gold medals (2003, 2006, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018). At the club level, he began with Partizan (2001–2009), winning multiple Serbian titles. He had two stints with Pro Recco (2009–2012, 2014–2020), winning several Italian championships and three LEN Champions League titles. Between those, he led Radnički Kragujevac to a LEN Euro Cup victory (2012–2014), further showcasing his leadership and skill. In Hungary, he played for Szolnoki (2020–2021), winning a national championship and another LEN Euro Cup. He then moved to Greece to play for Olympiacos (2021–2023), contributing to the team's domestic successes. Filip Filipović later returned to Serbia to join Novi Beograd, adding further accolades to his already illustrious club career.