Doha, Qatar: The second edition of Qatar Event Show 2026 (QES 2026) has concluded at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), following three days of dialogue, knowledge exchange and collaboration focused on the future of the events, exhibitions and conferences industry.
Supported by Qatar Calendar, the event brought together industry leaders, experts, companies and organisations from Qatar, the region and international markets, and provided a dedicated platform for meaningful dialogue, business development and the exchange of insights on the opportunities and evolving priorities shaping the sector.
The three-day event brought together senior industry leaders, international associations, event organisers, venue operators, agencies, suppliers, technology providers and decision-makers, creating a dynamic platform for business engagement, knowledge exchange and collaboration across the wider events ecosystem.
Organised by Mangusteen, the second edition of Qatar Event Show 2026 reflected the continued expansion of the event in both scale and industry reach, bringing together 50 exhibitors and attracting 5,730 visitors over three days. Building on the success of its inaugural edition, the 2026 show recorded approximately 100 percent growth across its exhibition space and conference programme, further strengthening its position as a platform for industry engagement, knowledge exchange and business development.
The strong turnout also reflected the increasing momentum of Qatar’s events industry, with overall attendance rising by 48% compared with the previous edition and the number of international visitors increasing by a remarkable 170%.
These year-on-year gains highlight the sector’s expanding reach and growing international profile, while demonstrating the increasing interest and participation in Qatar’s evolving events landscape.
The event also featured an extensive knowledge programme comprising more than 30 keynote addresses, panel discussions and workshops, with 42 speakers sharing their expertise and perspectives on the key issues, opportunities and developments shaping the future of the events, exhibitions and conferences industry. The programme provided a valuable forum for dialogue and knowledge exchange, further supporting collaboration across the wider industry ecosystem.
The 2026 edition also marked the launch of the inaugural QES Awards, Qatar’s first dedicated awards program celebrating excellence across the events industry. Held on the evening of the second day of the show, the awards recognised outstanding achievement, innovation and leadership, with 28 participants submitting more than 100 entries across the program and 21 winners honoured for their contributions to the continued advancement of the sector.
