225 industry leaders gathered in The Bahamas at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, June 12-15, to explore key trends, share insights and shape the future of the MICE industry

WASHINGTON, June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Global DMC Partners (GDP), the largest global network of independent destination management companies (DMCs) and specialized event service providers, brought together 225 industry leaders from 31 countries at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in The Bahamas for its annual Connection. Held June 12-15, this exclusive, by-invitation-only conference included clients and DMC partners for three days of data-driven insights, strategic collaboration, and meaningful connection. This year's program took a deep dive into the forces reshaping the global MICE industry, from macroeconomic headwinds and geopolitical uncertainty to evolving attendee expectations and the transformative role of AI.

Kicking off this year's Connection, GDP President and CEO Catherine Chaulet's keynote address offered a comprehensive analysis of the global economic and geopolitical landscape and its direct implications for meetings and events professionals.

Kicking off this year's Connection, GDP President and CEO Catherine Chaulet's keynote address offered a comprehensive analysis of the global economic and geopolitical landscape and its direct implications for meetings and events professionals. The MICE sector is projected to see a 59 percent increase in business tourism through 2033, contributing significantly to the travel and tourism sector's all-time-high, $11.7 trillion impact on global GDP. However, at the same, 53 percent of planners are contending with rebookings due to political or unforeseen disruptions, and over half report that inflation and cost unpredictability are impeding long-term planning.

Chaulet's keynote set the stage for a dynamic conversation around "Future-Proofing Events." This candid and solutions-focused panel led by Chaulet included leading voices from across the industry.

Chaulet's keynote set the stage for a dynamic conversation around "Future-Proofing Events." This candid and solutions-focused panel led by Chaulet included leading voices from across the industry. Together, the panel explored how planners can stay agile amid tightening budgets, increased turnover, and compressed lead times. Flexibility, proactive communication, and a strong sense of partnership emerged as common threads. Speakers emphasized the importance of collaboration between clients, DMCs, and operations teams early in the process, noting that creativity and transparency are key to delivering impact without overspending. Trends such as prioritizing one memorable, communal experience over multiple excursions, tapping into secondary markets, and leveraging brand alliances for consistency and value also surfaced as effective strategies.

With 72 percent of organizations using events to drive employee engagement and 84 percent of Gen Z and Millennials seeking real friendships through live events, this year's Connection placed a strong emphasis on personalization and purpose. Sessions such as "Beyond the Obvious" spotlighted emerging destinations offering cost-effective, culturally rich alternatives to traditional meeting destinations. Meanwhile, "Spark Your Creativity" presented a curated collection of innovative creative ideas—from midsummer festivals and grape stomping to branded gifting lounges and floating sushi bars.

As in previous years, the program also embraced a strong commitment to community impact. Sponsored by the Baha Mar Foundation, the Making an Impact initiative brought attendees together for a spirited beach cleanup, combining team-building with environmental stewardship. With sun, sand, and a little friendly competition, participants rolled up their sleeves to help protect the natural beauty of The Bahamas, demonstrating that purpose and play can go hand in hand.

Closing the conference on a high note, Chaulet announced Lisbon, Portugal, as the next destination for the next Connection, taking place January 8–11, 2026.

For more information on Global DMC Partners, visit www.globaldmcpartners.com.

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SOURCE Global DMC Partners