The Meetings industry unites to condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine

As a repudiation of the war and a call for the restoration of peace in Ukraine, various institutions, operators, conference venues and event organisers have distanced themselves from the Russian government and its international MICE entities. First among them is IMEX Group - organiser of one of the world's largest congress fairs - which has suspended the participation of all Russian state-owned entities in the next edition of IMEX Frankfurt. Other major companies in the sector have also joined this chorus of repudiation of the armed invasion, including the ICCA Association, the BEA World Festival, MPI (Meeting Professional International), European City Marketing, PCMA, as well as various conference centres such as Messe Munich and Messe Frankfurt. An up-to-date list, together with the various statements of support for Ukraine and calls for peace are collected on the Meeting Media Group website.

The Palazzo dei Congressi also joined the chain of solidarity with the Ukrainian people: last 3 March it lit up the stage of the Auditorium with a rainbow, the symbol of peace.
In addition, Pavilion B at our Exhibition Centre has been used as a collection point for those among the population of Lugano who wish to contribute with necessities (clothing, food, sleeping bags, medicines, etc.), which are sent to the refugee camps at the Ukraine border.