The ninth annual conference will be held from May 18-21 in Dubai

Global DMC Partners, the largest global network of independent Destination Management Companies (DMCs) and specialized event service providers, has announced program highlights for its highly anticipated ninth annual Connection, one of the MICE industry’s most educational, collaborative and exclusive global conferences. Connection 2023 will take place at the iconic Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai, from May 18-21. Industry leaders and event professionals from around the world will gather to discuss the state of the meetings, events and travel industry, gain insights on the current global outlook, learn key industry trends, share best practices and network with peers. One of the highlights of the program will be one-on-one appointments for meeting planners to discuss business with DMCs and other industry suppliers. The event is invite-only and co-hosted by Pure Arabia, a Global DMC Partner, and Atlantis, The Palm.

Conference attendees will get down to business right away with interactive educational sessions, including a Global Business and Travel Trends session led by Global DMC Partners President and CEO Catherine Chaulet, and a “TED Talk-style” session that will provide ideas and solutions for better planner and supplier partnerships. An esteemed group of panelists will also share their knowledge around timely issues related to hotels, airlines, technology and sustainability.  

Attendees will learn from peers and discuss timely topics of their choice such as contract negotiations, transportation trends and management, diversity and inclusion, technology, sustainability and more in topic-specific breakout sessions. Attendees can register for up to six 15-minute appointments each day with over 50 worldwide DMCs and sponsors, an ideal opportunity to discuss upcoming program needs, to learn about destinations and local offerings, to hear what is new around the world and to discover places or sponsors that may not have been considered in the past. Continuing Education credits will be awarded for attendance at the business sessions.

“Our highly anticipated Connection event is one of the only industry conferences where our clients and partners have the unique opportunity to stay informed on key global and industry trends, meet with so many global suppliers to learn about their destinations and event services, and have dedicated time with their peers to discuss best practices and gain valuable insights from knowledge-sharing,” said Global DMC Partners President and CEO Catherine Chaulet.

“Plus, at a time when the event and travel industry is coming back at full speed and everyone is pressed for time, this is an opportunity for planners and suppliers to sit down face-to-face with one another to discuss upcoming global programs and business opportunities during our one-on-one appointments. It is a cherished time to connect with one another on so many levels.”

Connection 2023 will also offer opportunities for planners to discover all that Dubai can offer for groups and events while connecting with one another outside of meeting rooms. Optional activities will include morning workouts, a speed boat experience, and visits to Burj Khalifa, the Museum of the Future, Dubai Mall and much more.  All attendees will embark on a Desert Discovery afternoon and evening, which will include camel rides, dune sandboarding and sunset dining in the stunning Arabian desert.

In addition to connecting with worldwide DMCs, planners will also have the opportunity to meet with Connection sponsors to learn about their specialized event services and offerings. Along with the host sponsors, Pure Arabia and Atlantis, The Palm, 2023 sponsors include BW Events Tech, Emirates, Purpose Net Zero, Swoogo and Yesimo.

For more information, please email connection@globaldmcpartners.com or reach out to your dedicated Global DMC Partners Sales Advisor.