ICE — Incentive Conference & Event Management (Interview)
Headquartered in New Delhi, ICE has established itself as a trusted name in India’s MICE and events industry. Known for its ability to interpret client ideas and translate them into impactful experiences, the agency combines international standards with a deep understanding of the Indian market.
By Prashant Nayak
Below, Naveen Rizvi, Executive Director, ICE, shares insights on the company’s strengths, adaptability in a post-pandemic world, the role of creativity and technology, and its commitment to sustainable events.
Q. ICE has been a key player in the Indian MICE and events industry. What would you highlight as your company’s core strengths and differentiators?
Answer: Our strength lies in delivering end-to-end event solutions with consistency and reliability. We manage corporate meetings, incentives, conferences, conventions, and other types of events with the same focus, clear objectives, and seamless execution. What differentiates us is our ability to combine international standards with a strong understanding of the Indian market. We work as partners with our clients, not just vendors, ensuring their goals are translated into meaningful outcomes. Agility and adaptability have always been central to our approach, and that has helped us build long-term trust in a competitive industry.
Q. Incentive travel and conferences have evolved significantly post-pandemic. How has ICE adapted to meet the changing needs of clients?
Answer: Clients today expect business events to be more flexible, personalised, and meaningful. We have strengthened our hybrid capabilities, enabling us to extend audience engagement beyond the physical venue. Incentive programmes now focus not just on rewards but on wellness, cultural immersion, and shared experiences. At the same time, we are conscious of sustainability and integrate eco-friendly practices in how we plan and deliver. Overall, the shift has been from purely managing logistics to designing experiences that are relevant and responsible.
Q. How important are creativity and storytelling in the way ICE designs events and incentive programmes?
Answer: Creativity and storytelling are vital because they give an event its identity. A strong theme and narrative ensure that participants connect with the purpose of the gathering, and not just the content. We focus on designing cohesive experiences, from the way the agenda flows to how the environment and activities reinforce the message. It is this attention to story and design that makes our events memorable and impactful.
Q. Technology and hybrid formats are reshaping MICE. How does ICE leverage digital tools to enhance engagement and reach?
Answer: Technology has become a catalyst in how we design and deliver events. We see digital tools not as replacements for face-to-face interaction but as powerful enhancers. We use digital platforms for registration, engagement, and communication, and hybrid formats to expand reach and inclusion. Tools like live polling and event apps make participation more engaging, while data and insights help us improve outcomes for clients. Beyond logistics, technology enables us to design smarter and more sustainable events, whether that means reducing paper, streamlining travel coordination, or providing real-time feedback. Ultimately, it ensures that our events deliver both reach and impact.
Q. In what ways do you bring sustainability to life at your events?
Answer: As a company, we aim to embed CSR in our company’s culture and generate awareness among all event participants by encouraging them to support sustainability. We strive to minimise our event footprint by implementing recycling programmes, using energy-efficient technology, designing décor from recycled materials, replacing printing with digital solutions, developing event apps, and partnering with local businesses to reduce costs. We partner with venue suppliers and hotel chains that support and promote sustainable practices, possessing green credentials. As an agency that has pledged to make sustainable meetings and events part of our service offerings, we help our clients craft meetings and events while taking the environment into consideration.
Q. Looking ahead, what trends do you see shaping the MICE landscape in India and globally, and how is ICE preparing to stay ahead?
Answer: Sustainability, personalisation, and new destinations will define the future of MICE. Clients are seeking greener practices, more tailored experiences, and fresh locations that go beyond traditional hubs. India is poised to play a more significant role as both a host and an outbound market, given its growing global connectivity. We are preparing by investing in sustainable practices, strengthening our technology capabilities, and building partnerships that enable us to deliver innovative solutions across markets.