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 Change Management Story: Venue Innovator(s)
Discover CEIIA. Explore the cutting-edge venue and groundbreaking research of CEIIA, where innovation comes to life. This is your chance to see firsthand how visionary ideas are transforming industries right here in Porto.
CEIIA is a leading innovation center in Porto, driving change through sustainable mobility and collaborative ecosystems:
Sustainable Mobility
- Developed the Toyota APM, an electric vehicle used at the Paris 2024 Olympics, supporting accessible and zero-emission transport.
- Leads projects for next-gen, eco-friendly vehicles, partnering with universities and industry leaders to redefine urban and event mobility.
Collaborative Innovation Ecosystem
- Connects cities, universities, and industries to co-create high-tech solutions in mobility, aeronautics, and beyond.
- Works with global partners like MIT and top Portuguese research centers, investing over €10 million annually in R&D.
- Engages students and young innovators, ensuring fresh perspectives and future-ready solutions.
CEIIA turns ideas into impact, making Porto a hub for sustainable and collaborative innovation. Vladimiro Cardoso Feliz, Director Smart & Sustainable Living will be your guide
Part 2: Innovation in Action Dive deep into real-world applications of innovation through the lens of the Business Events industry.
This dynamic session is designed to inspire, challenge, and equip participants with tools to drive innovation in the business events industry.
The session will feature a mix of lightning talks, an interactive panel discussion, and a call-to-action wrap-up, highlighting how technology and diversity are reshaping the way we meet and collaborate.
Speakers include:
- Christophe Leyvraz, former CCO, SwissTech Convention Centre
- Ágnes Opitzer, HUNGEXPO
- Robert Heimbach, VP, Gala Systems Inc.
- Alexandre Meyrieux, K.I.T. Group
- Stephanie Chung, Future Leaders Council
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.