The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) is set to bring the global meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) community to Colombo with the fifth edition of Sri Lanka MICE Expo 2026, scheduled to take place from October 5 to 9, 2026.
The flagship event will welcome more than 120 international hosted buyers and media representatives from 27 countries, creating a platform for Sri Lankan tourism and MICE industry stakeholders to connect with international decision-makers, explore new business opportunities and strengthen global partnerships.
Sri Lanka MICE Expo 2026 is expected to further support the country’s efforts to establish itself as a competitive destination for international business events. The event will showcase Sri Lanka’s growing capabilities in hosting conferences, corporate events, incentive travel programmes and exhibitions while highlighting the country’s tourism, cultural and leisure experiences.
Tourism Deputy Minister Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe said the government recognises the MICE sector as an important contributor to tourism development. He welcomed the expo as an opportunity to present Sri Lanka’s potential as a MICE destination to international buyers and media professionals.
According to SLCB Chairman Dheera Hettiarachchi, the participation of more than 120 hosted buyers and media representatives from 27 countries will create opportunities for Sri Lankan MICE businesses to establish international connections and develop new partnerships.
The five-day programme has been designed to encourage direct engagement between international participants and Sri Lankan industry stakeholders. A key component will be the business-to-business (B2B) meeting programme, allowing hosted buyers to meet local MICE suppliers, explore their services and identify potential business opportunities.
The event will also include a business forum focused on emerging trends and opportunities within the international MICE sector, along with an inaugural plenary session featuring keynote speakers.
Networking sessions will provide further opportunities for local and international professionals to establish relationships that could develop into long-term business partnerships. Participants will also have the opportunity to experience Sri Lanka beyond its business infrastructure through destination and familiarisation programmes.
These experiences will highlight the country’s diverse tourism offerings, cultural attractions, leisure activities and MICE facilities, giving international buyers and media representatives first-hand exposure to what Sri Lanka can offer as a business events destination.
The expo is expected to function as a marketplace where buyers and sellers can discover new products and services, exchange industry knowledge and explore potential collaborations. By bringing international decision-makers directly to Sri Lanka, the event will give local MICE suppliers greater access to global markets.
The SLCB also expects the event to contribute to wider economic activity by encouraging international conferences, business events and incentive travel to Sri Lanka. Increased business tourism can create opportunities not only for MICE companies but also for hotels, transport providers, event organisers, tourism operators and communities across the country.
Sri Lanka MICE Expo 2026 forms part of the SLCB’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s position within the global MICE industry. The expo will place emphasis on Sri Lanka’s connectivity, hospitality, value proposition, tourism experiences and professional capabilities in delivering international business events.
With international participation spanning 27 countries and strong involvement from Sri Lanka’s MICE industry, the fifth edition of the expo is expected to create new opportunities for business engagement while giving the international MICE community a closer look at the possibilities available in Sri Lanka.
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| Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe |
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| Dheera Hettiarachchi |
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