18 September 2025
18 September 2025
18 September 2025
Why Shanghai is the perfect place for MICE events in 2026
Shanghai remains one of the key global capitals for hosting business events. The city combines infrastructure, accessibility, innovation, and a unique atmosphere, creating ideal conditions for the MICE segment in 2025-2026.
Shanghai remains one of the key global capitals for hosting business events. The city combines infrastructure, accessibility, innovation, and a unique atmosphere, creating ideal conditions for the MICE segment in 2025-2026.
In the world of business events, competing cities are becoming stronger, but Shanghai confidently maintains its leadership. Especially in 2025–2026, when China introduces new visa relaxations, opens new venues, and strengthens international cooperation.
Why Shanghai?
We look at the key factors that make the city the best choice for companies in 2025–2026.
1. Visa accessibility has never been easier
For participants from Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and several other countries, visa-free entry to China is available.
This means:
simplified logistics for delegates,
reduced costs for documentation,
increased attendance at events,
easier planning for corporate clients.
In 2025–2026, an expansion of visa-free agreements is expected, making Shanghai an even more open entry point to Asia.
2. Developed infrastructure for events of any scale
Shanghai is one of the few cities where it is convenient to hold both intimate business sessions and global congresses.
What is important for MICE organizers:
International exhibition centers: NECC, Shanghai Expo Center, World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center.
Hundreds of hotels with full conference facilities (W Shanghai, Bellagio, Edition, The Middle House).
Convenient transportation network, two international airports, high-speed trains.
The city is physically created for large-scale events.
3. Shanghai is the largest center of innovation in Asia
MICE visitors value technology, and Shanghai is one of the most progressive venues in the world:
automation of registration, access, and analytics processes,
active implementation of AI services,
integration of AR/VR solutions in presentations, exhibitions, and shows,
digital-first approach of most venues and agencies.
For brands, this is an opportunity to present themselves as modern and provide participants with a unique experience.
4. A city that inspires: culture, gastronomy, energy
Impressions are a key component of any event.
Shanghai offers:
The legendary Bund and ultra-modern Pudong
Hundreds of restaurants, rooftop bars, lounges
The best nightlife locations in Asia
A rich cultural program: museums, exhibitions, theaters, art spaces.
This allows creating not just business meetings, but full emotional journeys.
5. A convenient starting point for companies entering the Asian market
For brands looking to scale into Asia, Shanghai is a strategic point.
Advantages:
international business communities,
large industry exhibitions,
a strong digital ecosystem,
a high concentration of investors and partners.
A MICE event here can be a launchpad for entering a new market.
6. A strong local event production market
Shanghai is one of the few cities where the event industry is developed to the level of:
high-tech productions,
professional technical teams,
agencies capable of creating international projects,
transparent processes and high execution speed.
For foreign companies, this means: no risk of “cultural misunderstandings,” the result is predictable and high-quality.
Conclusion
Shanghai is a combination of accessibility, innovation, safety, and an inspiring atmosphere. In 2025–2026, the city will become one of the most sought-after venues for MICE events: from executive seminars to international forums and branding congresses. If your company is looking for a place where business meets culture, technology, and great potential—Shanghai will be the ideal choice.
In the world of business events, competing cities are becoming stronger, but Shanghai confidently maintains its leadership. Especially in 2025–2026, when China introduces new visa relaxations, opens new venues, and strengthens international cooperation.
Why Shanghai?
We look at the key factors that make the city the best choice for companies in 2025–2026.
1. Visa accessibility has never been easier
For participants from Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and several other countries, visa-free entry to China is available.
This means:
simplified logistics for delegates,
reduced costs for documentation,
increased attendance at events,
easier planning for corporate clients.
In 2025–2026, an expansion of visa-free agreements is expected, making Shanghai an even more open entry point to Asia.
2. Developed infrastructure for events of any scale
Shanghai is one of the few cities where it is convenient to hold both intimate business sessions and global congresses.
What is important for MICE organizers:
International exhibition centers: NECC, Shanghai Expo Center, World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center.
Hundreds of hotels with full conference facilities (W Shanghai, Bellagio, Edition, The Middle House).
Convenient transportation network, two international airports, high-speed trains.
The city is physically created for large-scale events.
3. Shanghai is the largest center of innovation in Asia
MICE visitors value technology, and Shanghai is one of the most progressive venues in the world:
automation of registration, access, and analytics processes,
active implementation of AI services,
integration of AR/VR solutions in presentations, exhibitions, and shows,
digital-first approach of most venues and agencies.
For brands, this is an opportunity to present themselves as modern and provide participants with a unique experience.
4. A city that inspires: culture, gastronomy, energy
Impressions are a key component of any event.
Shanghai offers:
The legendary Bund and ultra-modern Pudong
Hundreds of restaurants, rooftop bars, lounges
The best nightlife locations in Asia
A rich cultural program: museums, exhibitions, theaters, art spaces.
This allows creating not just business meetings, but full emotional journeys.
5. A convenient starting point for companies entering the Asian market
For brands looking to scale into Asia, Shanghai is a strategic point.
Advantages:
international business communities,
large industry exhibitions,
a strong digital ecosystem,
a high concentration of investors and partners.
A MICE event here can be a launchpad for entering a new market.
6. A strong local event production market
Shanghai is one of the few cities where the event industry is developed to the level of:
high-tech productions,
professional technical teams,
agencies capable of creating international projects,
transparent processes and high execution speed.
For foreign companies, this means: no risk of “cultural misunderstandings,” the result is predictable and high-quality.
Conclusion
Shanghai is a combination of accessibility, innovation, safety, and an inspiring atmosphere. In 2025–2026, the city will become one of the most sought-after venues for MICE events: from executive seminars to international forums and branding congresses. If your company is looking for a place where business meets culture, technology, and great potential—Shanghai will be the ideal choice.






