For MICE professionals, success depends on the strength of relationships. Whether sourcing venues, coordinating suppliers, or planning incentive travel, networking is essential. Yet many attendees leave events without making the most of opportunities. With the right strategies, professionals can transform every interaction into lasting business value.

The Canadian MICE industry not only drives economic growth but also fosters connection by bringing people together to share ideas, culture, and knowledge. However, one of the sector’s greatest challenges remains how professionals connect, collaborate, and build lasting networks that support future growth.

The future of travel is shifting from places to purposes. More than destinations, people are seeking live experiences — concerts, retreats, festivals, and brand activations that create shared moments. Events are becoming the attraction, transforming how travelers connect, engage, and find meaning in their journeys.

Once a novelty, pop-up events have become a vibrant part of urban and travel culture. From flash dinners to micro-festivals, they shape how people explore cities, experience culture, and connect on the move. Pop-ups are no longer hidden secrets — they’re an essential way communities gather and celebrate.

Business trips are evolving into something more flexible and fulfilling. The travel-work-event sandwich blends conferences with remote work, local exploration, and relaxation. By extending short events into longer stays, professionals are finding smarter ways to balance productivity, connection, and personal experience in one seamless journey.