EPEX 2026 Returns to Dubai for 11th Global Edition with Dubai Business Events and Kerzner Partnership

Tourism

EPEX 2026 Returns to Dubai for 11th Global Edition with Dubai Business Events and Kerzner Partnership

Experiential Planner Expo (EPEX) will return to Dubai on September 2-3, 2026, for its 11th global edition, reinforcing the emirate’s position as a leading destination for business events and experiential travel.

The event will once again be hosted in partnership with Dubai Business Events (DBE), the city’s official convention bureau and part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Joining the upcoming edition as Headline Partner is Kerzner International, further strengthening the event’s industry credentials.

Focus on Leadership and Business Connections

Entering its 11th edition, EPEX has established itself as a prominent platform connecting senior buyers, destinations, hotels, venues, and experiential event professionals from across India, the Middle East, Africa, and emerging outbound markets.

Held under the theme “Where Leaders Reconnect,” EPEX 2026 arrives at a crucial period for the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry. September traditionally marks the beginning of a key planning and contracting season for business events worldwide, making the gathering particularly relevant for industry stakeholders preparing for the final quarter of the year and beyond.

The event will place special emphasis on high-growth outbound markets, including India, the GCC, Africa, and Turkey, bringing together decision-makers and buyers with active business interests.

Strengthening Dubai’s Position as a Global Business Events Hub

Dubai Business Events’ continued involvement reflects the city’s broader strategy to strengthen its global standing in the business events sector.

Commenting on the partnership, Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), part of DET, said Dubai continues to support platforms that encourage meaningful engagement and long-term partnerships across the industry.

He noted that EPEX plays an important role in bringing together senior decision-makers while supporting dialogue, collaboration, and connectivity at a significant time for the global events sector. The continued partnership also aligns with Dubai’s efforts to deepen international relationships and strengthen links with high-growth outbound markets.

A Curated Approach to Industry Engagement

Unlike traditional trade exhibitions, EPEX is designed around a more personalised and relationship-driven model. The event focuses on curated business meetings, experiential programming, leadership discussions, and meaningful networking opportunities.

According to Karishma Hundalani, Founder of EPEX, the platform was created around the belief that meaningful business outcomes are achieved when the right stakeholders come together in the right environment.

She highlighted that the final quarter of the year is particularly important for the events industry as planning cycles accelerate across multiple markets, making EPEX an ideal platform for industry leaders and buyers to connect and shape future opportunities.

Immersive Experiences and Industry Recognition

Beyond its structured meetings programme, EPEX 2026 will feature a range of immersive destination experiences, leadership-focused sessions, curated showcases, and recognition initiatives celebrating impactful collaborations and achievements within the events industry.

The programme is designed to provide participants with practical insights while creating opportunities for business development and partnership building.

More Than 100 Hosted Buyers Expected

Organisers expect more than 100 senior hosted buyers to participate in this year’s edition, making it one of the region’s most focused and high-value gatherings for the global MICE and experiential events community.

With growing interest from international destinations, hospitality brands, event organisers, and corporate travel professionals, EPEX 2026 is set to further strengthen Dubai’s role as a gateway for business events and experiential travel across key global markets.

As the industry prepares for a new business season, the event is expected to serve as an important platform for collaboration, innovation, and growth within the evolving global MICE landscape.