ICCA Mediterranean Annual Chapter Meeting

• Dr. Senthil Gopinath – ICCA, CEO; Events Industry Council, Chair
• Marija Labović – National Tourism Organisation of Serbia, CEO
• Dimitris Ganitis – Thessaloniki Convention Bureau, Managing Director; ICCA Mediterranean Chapter, Chair
• Kristina Milinčić – Sava Centar, CEO; ICCA Mediterranean Chapter, Co-Chair

• Efi Koudeli – ICCA, Regional Director for Europe: Your Mediterranean briefing from the heart of ICCA Global

Learn how to effectively communicate the value of the events industry and international congresses to politicians, cities, and academic institutions. Explore the power of storytelling and collaboration in creating a stronger, more sustainable future for the industry.

Moderator: Dr. Senthil Gopinath – ICCA, CEO & Events Industry Council, Chair
Panellists:

• Marija Labović – National Tourism Organisation of Serbia, CEO
• Tobia Salvadori – Italy Convention Bureau, Director
• Dr. Cemil Hakan Kilic – Istanbul Convention & Visitors Bureau, General Manager

This panel explores how the events industry is reshaping urban life by bringing people, ideas, and energy into city spaces. Discover the powerful role events play in shaping the way cities evolve and how we experience them every day. Learn how events support local economies, and influence the way cities grow and thrive.

Moderator: Sven Bossu – AIPC – The International Association of Convention Centers, CEO
Panellists:

• Kristina Milinčić – Sava Centar, CEO
• Roberto Morelli – Generali Convention Centre, President & General Manager

Join global champions for an inspiring conversation on the profound power of teamwork and mutual trust, driven by a shared and powerful vision. Discover how to strengthen unity, create lasting legacies, and nurture the universal values that build communities and inspire future generations.

• Inspirational Guest Speaker: Filip Filipović – Legendary Serbian water polo player, multiple Olympic, World, and European champion, and repeatedly named the best water polo player in the world and Europe.
• Conversation Host: Kristina Milinčić - Sava Centar, CEO

Discover how the World Expo 2027 in Belgrade, with its powerful theme "Play for Humanity," aims to inspire global audiences and bring meaningful change to society. The conversation will dive into the potential of this theme to unite people from all walks of life, sparking dialogue on sustainability, culture, and human connection. Get an inside look at the vision and efforts required to bring this global event to life and make a lasting impact on the world.

Keynote Guest: Dr.Igor Kovačević - EXPO Belgrade 2027, Director of the International Participants Department
Fireside Chat Facilitator: Kai Hattendorf - htf consulting; former CEO of UFI

Major events do more than entertain—they leave a lasting legacy on the destinations that host them. This dynamic panel brings together voices behind world-class events to explore how these experiences boost a city’s global appeal, spark economic momentum, and strengthen cultural identity. Discover how major events inspire recognition, ignite community pride, and create a lasting impact on society.

Moderator: Riccardo Pizzuti - Key Account Manager, Ega Worldwide Congresses & Events; ICCA Mediterranean Chapter, Past Chair
Panellists:

• Yiannis Thomatos - Delphi Economic Forum, Executive Vice President
• Ivan Petrović – EXIT Foundation, President of the Managing Board
• Alessandro Mancini– MedFest, General Manager

Join us for a special session that will reflect on the key insights and discussions from the panels. This is followed by the Award Ceremony, where we recognize a distinguished individual for their exceptional contributions to the meetings industry and scientific collaboration in the region. Don’t miss this moment of inspiration, as we honour those who have made a lasting impact in advancing knowledge, innovation, and partnerships within our community.

• Award Recipient & Guest of Honor: A Highly Respected Leader in Regional and Global Scientific Collaboration

This panel will explore how association meetings drive scientific progress, foster global knowledge exchange, and create legacies for host destinations. Panellists will share how their events bring value beyond the meeting itself by boosting innovation, building long-term partnerships, and creating meaningful impact on both local communities and the global professional landscape, while suggesting how bid proposals can be made more compelling and successful.

Moderator: Valentini Amarantidou – ARTION Conferences & Events, Partner & Director of Development
Panellists:

• Sissi Lignou – AFEA Congress, President & CEO; IAPCO, President; HAPCO & DES, Board Member & Immediate Past President
• Paola Padovani – Triumph Group, Business Development Director; Federcongressi, National Councillor

In an era of rapid transformation, the business events industry is uniquely positioned to drive economic progress through the development of world-class infrastructure and enduring collaborative frameworks. Our goal is to proactively design event ecosystems that serve as platforms for business, cultural, and academic synergy. This panel will examine how strategic investment in event infrastructure—combined with a shared vision for economic development—can attract investors, stimulate growth, and establish the events industry as a foundational pillar for long-term regional and global collaboration.

Moderator: Miloš Milovanović – GainingEdge, Partner
Panellists:

• Aggeliki Vassiliou - Growthfund - the National Fund of Greece, Senior Business Partner; HELEXPO, Board Member
• Bilal Al Barmawi - 1st Arabia Exhibitions and Conferences Organizers, Founder & CEO; The International Association of Exhibitions and Events - IAEE MENA Chapter, Chair
• Dr. Renata Pindžo - Foreign Investors Council, Director of Communications; Former Deputy Minister for Tourism of Serbia

This fast-paced session offers 15-minute slots for participants to present real-life cases of personal or business growth. Featuring a variety of voices-from Associations to Destinations-it’s designed to inspire fresh thinking and share proven strategies. Walk away with practical ideas and new perspectives to apply in your own work.

Moderator: Dimitris Ganitis - Thessaloniki Convention Bureau, Managing Director; ICCA Mediterranean Chapter, Chair

Case study presenters:

• Maddalena Chiellini – Italy Convention Bureau, Association Segment Developer – The Exchange by IKL (Italian Knowledge Leaders): Conception, Challenges and Growth of a CBItalia event
• Selin Kamil - Istanbul Convention & Visitors Bureau, Global Project Coordinator - The Impact of Hosting International Industry Events in a Destination
• Eleni Sotirou - Thessaloniki Convention Bureau, Senior Consultant – Reviving Thessaloniki Governor's Mansion: A Living Landmark for Thessaloniki

In a world where events compete for attention, how can professionals create experiences that leave a lasting legacy? Whether economic, social, or environmental, events have the power to create enduring change. This workshop challenges participants to rethink "legacy" in event planning and design impactful experiences that shape destinations, communities, and industries.

Workshop Facilitator: Bruce Redor – GainingEdge, Partner

• Association meetings representatives:
  • jENS – Joint European Neonatal Societies Congress: Natalia Borkowska, MCA Scientific Events, MCA Events, Senior Advisor, Strategy and Growth
  • EANS - European Association of Neurological Society Congress: Valentini Amarantidou, EANS Board Member, Executive Director
  • EAO Annual Congress of the European Association for Osseointegration: Dr. Iva Milinković, Executive Committee Member & Communication Committee Chair
  • IEA – International Economic Association World Congress: Dr. Renata Pindžo, Foreign Investors Council, Director of Communications; Serbian Association of Economists; IAE 2026 World Congress Local Organizing Committee