IMWF 2021 enabled the establishment of relationships and business, and produced vivid experiences in the minds of its attendees.
The International M!CE and Wedding Forum (IMWF 2021) welcomed the most productive and ambitious M!CE and wedding planning professionals from around the world, as well as its participants in Antalya, Turkey, from November 18 to 22, 2021, with Turkish Airlines as the main partner, hosted by Titanic Mardan Palace in cooperation with Inventum Global.
At the event, which included international meetings, incentive trips, seminars, congresses, events, and destination weddings, all of the key stakeholders, including representatives from worldrenowned airlines, hotels, and suppliers, were present. Among those invited were Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Turkish Republic Minister of Culture and Tourism, and Neşet Koçkar, Chairman of ANEX Tourism Group.
On November 19, 2021, the fifth International M!CE and Wedding Forum commenced with an opening ceremony.
In his opening speech, Neşet Koçkar, Chairperson, ANEX Tourism Group, says, “We went through hard times; the pandemic was very difficult for our industry. After the pandemic age is over, we will be better than ever. Because people are bored of staying at home for long periods of time, and desire new experiences and visits to new places. We were extremely fortunate in Turkey during the pandemic because we had a Minister of Culture and Tourism who is one of us and knows the industry as well as we do. I would like to thank our minister again in your presence.”
Following that, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Turkish Republic Minister of Culture and Tourism, in a speech, says, “Our country is one of the leaders in the international M!CE sector. According to most statistics, Istanbul is one of the top international meeting, congress, and event destinations. We are not focussing on one goal. Our country has the potential to offer much more. We are talking about an important sector.”
He adds, “At this point, we can estimate that the global market for destination weddings is worth US$ 300 billion. A wedding organisation has a daily spending volume of at least US$ 500 to 600 per person.”
These weddings are considered a type of tourism because they are the most popular and have the most purchasing power. I can confidently state that our ‘safe tourism’ certificate programme plays key role in us becoming one of the leading destinations for tourism, weddings, and similar organisations. The world is experiencing a significant turning point. We have adapted to the changes in our lives. These changes have become the standards of our lives, our jobs, and the guiding principles of our sectors. The numbers and statistics clearly show that we are on the right path. This achievement is still being shared with our national and international stakeholders. I would like to conclude my speech by thanking all of the institutions, organisations, and individuals who have worked tirelessly to bring IMWF to fruition. I sincerely hope that this forum will pave the way for fruitful results, cooperation, and connection,” he concludes.
On the main stage, the most creative and assertive names in the industry shared their experiences with all attendees and took everyone on an intellectual journey. IMWF provided its guests from almost 40 nations the opportunity to explore, understand, and remember their trip.
The forum brought together international hotel chains and airline companies, as well as M!CE and wedding planners from key nations, such as the US, India, England, Italy, Lebanon, and Russia, to network and build mutual business.
Through seminars, speeches by experts in their respective fields, and B2B meetings during the day, as well as a range of themed activities each night, IMWF enabled the establishment of relationships and business, and produced vivid experiences in the minds of its attendees.
The closing ceremony continued with N. Fuat Ersoy, Managing Partner, International M!CE and Wedding Forum, presenting awards to the main partners, Turkish Airlines, Titanic Mardan Palace, Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency, and Inventum Global, as well as other key stakeholders. The night concluded with live music, stage shows, and joyful moments shared by all of the attendees.
Quick byte We can estimate that the global market for destination weddings is worth US$ 300 billion
