For the first time in Nepal, the ‘EMF ACE Global Convention and Awards 2026’ is being hosted, positioning Nepal as an emerging hub for international MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and destination weddings. Scheduled from August 1 to 3 in Kathmandu, the convention will bring together more than 550 professionals and experts from the tourism and hospitality sectors across seven countries. Nandini Lahe Thapa, former official of the Nepal Tourism Board, stated that this event will positively impact Nepal’s economic activity and promote the country as a competitive destination in the global market. Kathmandu, August 14.
Nepal has received a golden opportunity to expand its footprint in the international MICE and destination wedding tourism markets. The Indian Event Managers Federation (EMF) Global, a leading organization in the events and wedding industry, will organize its 13th ‘EMF ACE Global Convention and Awards 2026’ for the first time in Nepal. According to Jaydeep Mehta, the founding chairman of EMF Global, approximately 550 event managers, wedding planners, tourism and hospitality entrepreneurs, investors, and destination specialists from seven countries, including India, will participate in the convention held at Hotel Soaltee in Kathmandu from August 1 to 3.
The event is scheduled to be inaugurated by Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Khadgaraj Paudel ‘Ganes’. Hosting this convention in Nepal is significant for attracting high-value tourists and promoting Nepal as a preferred destination for international conferences, incentive tours, luxury weddings, and large-scale business events. Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore major tourist destinations such as Pokhara, Janakpur, and Chitwan, alongside Kathmandu. This exposure is expected to directly promote Nepal’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, luxury hospitality services, and tourism infrastructure in international markets.
Established over 15 years ago, EMF Global is recognized as one of the most influential organizations in India’s event, wedding, and experiential industries, said Chairman Mehta. The EMF Global Convention is held annually at various international tourist destinations, with each edition introducing the host country to new opportunities in international weddings, corporate events, and the MICE market. Founder Chairman Dr. Mehta highlighted Nepal’s potential as a premier South Asian destination for weddings and MICE tourism, citing its Himalayan beauty, rich cultural heritage, spiritual appeal, top-tier hotel infrastructure, and easy access from India.
According to him, the convention aims to directly connect individuals engaged in Indian and international event management with Nepal, foster cross-border business collaborations, and contribute to the long-term promotion of Nepalese tourism. The event will feature international-level networking opportunities, destination presentations, industry exhibitions, knowledge exchange, and award ceremonies. Bollywood celebrities such as Shilpa Shetty, Shakti Kapoor, Vikrant Massey, along with Nepali actress Manisha Koirala, are expected to add glamour and attract attention to the event. Such international conventions not only create direct economic activity in the hotel, resort, travel, event management, transportation, cultural performance, local product, and service sectors but also play a vital role in establishing Nepal as a competitive destination globally for future international conferences, corporate events, incentive tours, and destination weddings, remarked Nandini Lahe Thapa, former official of the Nepal Tourism Board.
