These are the MICE professionals who received awards at the eighth edition of the MPI Iberian Awards
The MICE industry once again demonstrated its strength and ability to draw a crowd at the Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) and the 8th MPI Iberian Awards, which brought together 183 professionals at Puy du Fou Toledo, a record-breaking attendance for the Iberian chapter of MPI. The event recognized the talent, innovation, and excellence of some of the sector?s leading figures.
The awards ceremony took place last Wednesday at Puy du Fou Toledo, as part of the Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID).&The record attendance reflects the dynamism of an industry in constant evolution and the growing interest in being part of a celebration and awards ceremony that recognizes excellence, innovation, and talent in the field of events and meetings.
The winners of the 2026 edition of the MPI Iberian Awards were:
MICE LEADER: David Noack (Director of the Madrid Convention Bureau). Award presented by Patricia Pérez de Castro, Managing Director of Eturia CLM (Public Company for the Promotion of Tourism and Crafts in Castilla-La Mancha).
YOUNG EVENT PROFESSIONAL: Irene Barbero (Healthcare Communications and Marketing Specialist and Events Producer at Once Mil Ideas). Award presented by Mónica López, Director of Events and Conferences at MTGlobal, on behalf of the Travel Advisors Guild.
SENIOR EVENT PROFESSIONAL: Ander Bilbao (Chief Knowledge Officer at Beon Worldwide). Award presented by Alberto Mateos García ? Events Sales Representative for Madrid at TST.
ESG RESPONSIBILITY CHAMPION: Eva Rosado (Exploramas). Award presented by Raquel Torres, CEO of Qalma.
INNOVATION CHAMPION: Edgar Sanjuán (Founder & CEO of Emogg Analytics). Award presented by Nuria Martínez de Marañón, Director of Hoteles Fontecruz Collection.
EVENT INDUSTRY ENTREPRENEUR: Juan Ruiz Bascarán (Commercial Director of The Bamboo Plan). Award presented by Mentxu Sendino, CMO of Eventscase.
MPI AMBASSADOR: Elena Garbizu (Sales Director at Magnetic Events & Consulting). Award presented by Chema Pérez, MICE Sales Manager at Puy du Fou Spain.
EVENT INDUSTRY STUDENT: María del Cerro Espinosa (Graduate of ESIC Business & Marketing School). Award presented by José Eugenio del Castillo, Deputy for Procurement and Assets of the Toledo Provincial Council.
SHATTERING THE GLASS CEILING: Rafael González-Lasso (CEO of Inusual Events). Award presented by Manuel Ortega, MICE & GOLF - Andalusian Tourism Board.
BEST DESTINATION PROMOTION: Víctor Iglesias Chico (Puy de Fou Events Spain). Award presented by José Luis Castillo, Contracting & MICE Sales Manager at Binter ? Canary Islands Airlines.
The day began at Puy du Fou (Toledo) with a performance of the show ?A pluma y espada? before moving to the CECA hall to kick off the GMID celebration.
The president of the Iberian chapter of MPI, Óscar de Lorenzo, emphasized that cross-sectoral collaboration is the association?s greatest strength. For her part, Patricia Pérez de Castro, managing director of Eturia CLM (Public Company for the Promotion of Tourism and Crafts in Castilla- La Mancha), expressed her gratitude for holding the event in the region and detailed the advantages of Toledo and Castilla-La Mancha as MICE destinations.
Next, attendees were treated to a surprise performance byBárbara Agudo, Vice President of Sponsorships for the MPI Iberian Chapter, and actor Raúl Fervé, dressed as Isabella the Catholic and Christopher Columbus, under the theme ?The Conquest of the Extraordinary.?
To round out the 8th MPI Iberian Awards, attendees enjoyed traditional Toledo specialties at a cocktail reception held at the Cigarral de las Mercedes.