innovation & technology
The future of the business events industry is no longer on the horizon—it’s here now. In Porto, the Innovation & Technology track offers delegates a front-row seat to the up-and-coming innovations shaping the next generation of global meetings and events. From artificial intelligence and augmented reality to cybersecurity and digital stewardship, this immersive programme is designed for bold thinkers ready take the reins and lead the way.
Innovation & Technology will take place at CEiiA Innovation Centre, one of Portugal’s most advanced institutions in sustainable innovation and product engineering. CEiiA is a dynamic hub for future-focused technology, known for developing cutting-edge solutions.
Innovation and technology are essential accelerators for charting a vibrant future in the meetings and events industry. As the landscape rapidly evolves, embracing groundbreaking ideas and digital advancements empowers ICCA delegates to unlock unprecedented possibilities.
This track will energize delegates to confidently integrate innovative solutions and emerging technologies, clearly revealing that everyone has a purposeful role in driving innovation and positioning their organizations at the forefront of transformative experiences.
Delegates will participate in a rich programme that includes:
An Innovation Lab featuring demonstrations and interactive experiments
Insightful sessions with global leaders, startup innovators, and digital pioneers
Exploration into topics like cybersecurity, AI, and tech-driven sustainability
CEiiA showcases how engineering excellence can drive environmental and social progress, highlighting how the events industry can embrace innovation while staying committed to sustainability.
Programme
Moderators Dahlia El Gazzar together with ICCA Regional Directors Andres Escandon (Latin America) and Shawn Cheng (North America) take you on a future-focussed journey. Set against the extraordinary backdrop of CEiiA, Portugal’s cutting-edge research institute on future mobility, sustainability, and space, this track is more than a workshop — it’s a hands-on experience in applied innovation.
Inside the Innovation Track at CEiiA: 3 Transformative Sessions.
This isn't theory — this is application. Get hands-on, get inspired, and get ahead with a track designed to move your thinking from potential to action. Delivered in three powerful segments:
Part 1: AI in Action
Discover how AI is transforming sales strategies across venues, destinations, and PCOs.
With Juliano Lissano, Experienced Managing Director, MCI Group and key partners like GEVME and EventsAir, this workshop digs into:
- AI-driven lead scoring & conversion strategies
- Personalised sales approaches by market type
- Tools you can implement immediately
Part 2: Data Deep Dive
Let’s take the data conversation further. What do we really have — and how do we turn it into smarter RFPs and destination performance insights?
Immerse yourself in:
- Real data applications
- Destination scoring models
- Tactics for unlocking strategic value
Part 3: Best Practices, Real Results
What’s working right now across regions? Get the raw insights and practical tools you need to drive tech adoption in your own organisation. Featuring an Innovation Map with snapshots from every region and with insights from different organisations.
Walk away knowing how to:
- Tackle regional innovation challenges
- Move from pilot to implementation
- Convince your team — and your boss
Key Learning Outcomes for Delegates:
- Organizational practices that foster innovation
- Cross-functional AI implementation stories from different industries
- The mindsets and structures that support continuous tech adaptation
- Critical thinking around ethics, relevance, and readiness
All of this will unfold against a one-of-a-kind backdrop - a setting that’s designed to stimulate bold thinking, inspire change, and challenge convention.