Insights from MEP & Friends

Consultant Stephan Meyjes challenges the industry's ‘No Cure, No Pay’ model, arguing it undermines quality and proposing a performance-based fee structure for event professionals.

A Wall Street Journal feature on Istanbul's luxury reinvention—from Michelin-starred Turk and the Mandarin Oriental to Galataport and major heritage renovations.

MICE industry veteran Padraic Gilligan shares his personal love letter to Bodrum—covering its ancient history, boutique hotels, gulet sailing, and exceptional incentive travel credentials.

A reflection on the importance of wellness and mental health for event professionals navigating extreme change—covering burnout, boundaries, and staying grounded under pressure.

The Marmara Hotels COO on how Turkey's Safe Tourism Certification, new service protocols, and a return to experience-driven hospitality will rebuild traveller confidence post-COVID.

Mundus Representation's Andre Van Der Bijl reflects on the pandemic pause—and makes the case for using downtime to reconnect with clients, sharpen skills, and prepare for the return.

A destination guide to İznik—one hour from Istanbul—covering its 2,300-year history, Byzantine mosaics, Ottoman soup kitchen museum, and the newly uncovered sunken Byzantine Palace.

The Delegate Wranglers founder Neil Thompson on how community support, small wins, and engagement—not isolation—helped the events industry through the pandemic together.

A hospitality industry veteran's essay on why luxury is a lifestyle—and why brands with heritage, soul, and story—like Ritz Paris or Çırağan Palace—are the most sustainable.

SITE Global's Events Director Jacqueline Acomb shares three compelling reasons why Türkiye is the ideal host for the 2024 SITE Global Conference in Istanbul.

Absolute Corporate Events founder Chris Parnham on why virtual events deserve the same creative rigour as live ones—and how REAL FEEL bridges the digital experience gap.

A destination guide to Urla, İzmir's hidden gem—covering its Aegean character, archaeological heritage, wine route, gastronomy scene, and festival calendar.