Colombo, June 2026: The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) has officially announced the 6th edition of the Sri Lanka MICE Expo 2026, scheduled to be held in Colombo from 5 to 9 October 2026. Building on the remarkable success of its previous editions since 2021, the annual flagship event is set to further strengthen Sri Lanka’s credentials as a premier regional hub for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism.
The SL MICE Expo 2026 will bring together over 100 local exhibitors and more than 200 curated international buyers under one roof, offering a dynamic platform for MICE professionals to discover new partnerships, explore emerging industry trends, and forge meaningful business connections. The event will also host 115 international participants, comprising 100 Hosted Buyers – including MICE agents, corporate decision-makers, and association executives – along with 15 international media representatives from key source markets across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
Mr. Dheera Hettiarachchi, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, stated, “Sri Lanka is an ideal MICE destination due to its close proximity and strong connectivity with India, making it a cost-effective and attractive choice for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions. These MICE promotions will further showcase Sri Lanka’s growth and strengthen tourism and business ties between the two countries.”
A Journey of Growth
Since its inception in 2021, the Sri Lanka MICE Expo has grown steadily from virtual formats to large-scale in-person gatherings, each edition expanding in scale and international reach. The Colombo MICE Expo 2023 attracted over 100 international hosted buyers and featured industry forums, B2B meetings, and cultural tours organised in partnership with SLAPCEO. The Jaffna MICE Expo 2023 broke new ground by spotlighting Sri Lanka’s Northern Province as a MICE destination, drawing over 40 South Indian hosted buyers and reinforcing cross-border business and cultural ties.
The Southern MICE Expo 2024, held in May of that year, brought together over 100 hosted buyers and 15 media representatives from 17 countries, showcasing the scenic, cultural, and sustainable tourism potential of Sri Lanka’s Southern region. Most recently, the Sri Lanka MICE Expo 2025 – inaugurated by Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Cinnamon Life, City of Dreams, Colombo – set a new benchmark, welcoming over 115 international MICE and travel operators, media representatives, and industry stakeholders from 30 countries, generating more than 10,000 anticipated B2B meetings.
What to Expect in 2026
The 2026 edition promises to be a significant milestone, with the theme positioning Sri Lanka as the “Gateway to Asian MICE Experiences” – offering world-class business event infrastructure in the heart of the Indian Ocean. The four-day programme will feature structured B2B networking sessions, destination showcases, industry forums exploring innovative trends in global MICE, and a two-day familiarisation tour of Sri Lanka’s iconic Cultural Triangle for selected hosted buyers.
Selected Hosted Buyers will receive a comprehensive hosting package, covering economy class air tickets, accommodation, ground transportation, meals, and the Cultural Triangle familiarisation tour – ensuring that international participants experience Sri Lanka’s MICE capabilities first-hand.
Sri Lanka’s MICE Ambition
The SL MICE Expo 2026 is firmly aligned with the SLCB Marketing Plan 2026 and reflects the Bureau’s long-term commitment to positioning Sri Lanka as a leading international MICE destination. With its strategic location, modern convention infrastructure, rich cultural heritage, and a rapidly growing hospitality sector, Sri Lanka continues to attract increasing interest from MICE planners and corporate travel buyers across Asia and beyond.
For further information and registration details, visit www.srilankamiceexpo.com
