“For me, this is a big help. This has been a long-time dream and goal of mine—to help our suppliers here in the city.”

Mayor Raisa S. Treñas’ statement underscores the goal of the first-ever Iloilo MICE Vendors Expo 2026—to ensure that the city’s growing MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) industry also opens more opportunities for local businesses.

Held on August 12 to 14 at Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo, the three-day expo brought together MICE suppliers, service providers, business owners, event professionals, and industry stakeholders.

The event was led by the Iloilo City MICE Center in partnership with the Department of Tourism Region VI and the Iloilo MICE Alliance, with the support of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).

For Mayor Treñas, the expo gives local suppliers a venue to showcase their products and services directly to event organizers and potential clients seeking partners for conventions, conferences, exhibitions, and other business events.

“I really told the team that everyone—all those who are interested—should be given a venue and a place where they can exhibit, so that when people are interested in holding conventions here, they will also get to know our local suppliers,” Treñas added.

The expo featured businesses from various sectors that support the MICE industry, including transportation, tours, event production, lights and sounds, souvenirs, and other essential services.

By bringing these suppliers together in one venue, the event made it easier for organizers and potential clients to discover local providers and explore possible partnerships.

This is particularly significant as Iloilo continues to strengthen its position as a MICE destination.

For the city, attracting more business events is not only about increasing the number of conventions and conferences held locally, but also about ensuring that Ilonggo enterprises are able to participate in and benefit from the economic activity they generate.

The first Iloilo MICE Vendors Expo also drew the participation of former Senator Franklin Drilon, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., DOT-6 Regional Director Crisanta Marlene P. Rodriguez, the Iloilo MICE Alliance, and various industry stakeholders, highlighting the broad support for strengthening Iloilo’s MICE sector.