The hosted buyer experience is one that benefits both event planners
and suppliers. But to get a sense of the different perspectives of
participants at MPI’s 2025 EMEC in İstanbul it was time to ask a few
questions
Buyer Perspectives
Belinda
“Bel” Humes Hanson (MPI Heartland Chapter), CMP, DES, director,
operations and programs, International Society for Computational
Biology:
Why are you participating this year?
Hanson:
This is my first time attending MPI’s EMEC, and I am truly honored to
be part of this incredible event. I’m excited to experience İstanbul,
immerse myself in its rich history and vibrant culture and connect with
fellow international planners. I love discovering new locations through
the lens of event design and envisioning how my programs could be
awe-inspiring in such dynamic settings.
What do you hope to gain from the experience?
Hanson:
I hope to expand my European network and gain fresh perspectives on
global event trends. Connecting with planners from diverse backgrounds
will provide valuable insights into innovative approaches and emerging
industry challenges and solutions. I’m also looking forward to
exchanging ideas, discovering new venues and suppliers and bringing back
inspiration that will elevate my future events.
Kay Johnson-Frutiger (MPI Wisconsin Chapter), CMP, manager, global commercial meetings, Labcorp:
Why are you participating this year?
Johnson-Frutiger: Location.
It has been 15 years since I have done a program in the area, and I
would love to bring another one back. I was also able to arrange some
site visits with hotels while in Türkiye!
What do you hope to gain from the experience?
Johnson-Frutiger: I hope to make new connections and meet new suppliers.
Supplier Perspectives
Kenley
Moy (MPI Potomac Chapter), CMP, and Nicole Rogers (MPI Northern
California Chapter), San Francisco Travel Association, said the
following: “Hosted buyer events like MPI’s EMEC provide an incredible
opportunity for an intimate networking environment to foster strong
partnerships for business events. These relationships are critical to
understanding the meeting needs of our MICE customers. The biggest
benefit of this event is the size of the event and the number of
international attendees which allows you to continue to build the
relationship and grow it year after year. Each year that we have
participated in EMEC, we have walked away with a new take away.”
Dr.
Elif Balcı Fisunoğlu, vice general manager, vice general manager,
tourism operations and development, Türkiye Tourism Promotion and
Development Agency, echoed some of these sentiments.
“Face-to-face
meetings offer an authenticity that no technological solution can
replicate. During the pandemic, digital tools kept us connected, but
they also highlighted what we missed, the spontaneous smiles, the
genuine handshakes and the shared atmosphere of in-person interaction.”
Fisunoğlu explained that Meet Türkiye’s Where Business is Pleasure campaign was created as an answer to virtual meetings.
“At
the core of our campaign, we believe that business is pleasure—a
philosophy that embraces not only successful transactions but also the
unique tastes, smells and sounds of authentic destinations,” Fisunoğlu
said. “Our post-event fam trip to Cappadocia is a perfect example.
Beyond the breathtaking hot-air balloon rides and the historic charm of
cave hotels, participants experience curated wine tours and other
activities that awaken every sense, creating memories that last far
beyond the moment. This is the essence of our campaign, showcasing
Türkiye’s numerous destinations and unique experiences that simply
cannot be replaced by virtual interactions.”
Fisunoglu’s words align with those of attending planners.
“We
saw the Cistern and learned about Ebru yesterday. I adored it. I think
seeing monumental locations and historical sites is vital to
comprehending the ‘how and why’ a location is what it is,” Hanson said.
“Knowing what has come before and how it has assisted in shaping the
people and culture is important. Additionally, having the opportunity to
understand the art forms of a place, the history of it and how it is
woven into the fabric of today’s culture is significant. Being able to
watch artists work and try our own hand at the craft—any craft—allows me
to view the possibilities and vision for my own events, and how my own
attendees will experience a location. Why select a locale if you don’t
incorporate the local culture, art and history?”
“The key
benefit of face-to-face meetings is by far efficiency, but a close
second is the potential for possibility,” Hanson continued. “I can get
more accomplished in one face-to-face conversation which might take
months via email. There is nothing that compares to having a
back-and-forth conversation that allows both parties to connect and
collaborate over future events.”
What’s interesting is the value of hosted buyer meetings still holds great appeal, for both planners and suppliers, as clearly evidenced by the EMEC Hosted Buyer experience in İstanbul.
Photos courtesy Butino
