Women leaders are making significant strides in various industries, showcasing their capacity to drive growth and foster innovation within their organizations. One such leader is Mounia Arezki Sayagh, the CEO of WE MICE YOU, a prominent agency in Morocco that specializes in organizing Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE). WE MICE YOU is dedicated to crafting tailored experiences that align with clients’ values and goals, emphasizing the human aspect of events. Mounia's journey was profoundly influenced by her family of high achievers, including sisters in medicine, pharmacy, and academia, which instilled in her a strong drive to excel. Armed with degrees in Management, International Business, and Human Resource Management, she founded one of Morocco's leading Destination Management Companies, illustrating her commitment to prioritizing people in the tourism industry.

Let’s dive in to know more about Mounia Arezki Sayagh in this one on one interaction.

Could you provide an overview of your extensive career as a business leader? What key milestones have significantly shaped your professional journey?

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Tell us about WE MICE YOU. What is the core concept behind the venture, & what are its primary areas of expertise?

WE MICE YOU SA is a Moroccan Destination Management Company specializing in organizing tailored MICE events, both incoming and outgoing. The agency creates exceptional experiences that align with clients' brand image, values, and goals. With a strong focus on the human aspect, their expert teams guide clients throughout the process, ensuring flawless execution while handling logistical challenges. Their areas of expertise include meetings, conferences, seminars, incentives, reward trips, team building, congresses, exhibitions, corporate events, event technology, and communication.

Can you share the key roles and responsibilities you manage as the CEO of WE MICE YOU? What are your primary focus areas when it comes to driving the company’s growth?

MICE travel, a segment in the travel and tourism industry, focuses on business-related events like meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions. As CEO of WE MICE YOU, I’m responsible for making strategic decisions that enhance growth and profitability, while promoting Morocco as a key destination. Having succeeded in European markets, my goal is to expand into the USA and Asia. Additionally, I’m launching "Rafahya," a luxury brand offering unique, tailored events in Morocco’s most prestigious venues, to provide an exceptional customer experience.

"Adaptability & responsiveness are crucial; we continually refine our Strategies to accommodate changing circumstances While steadfastly pursuing our goals & meeting our Clients' aspirations"

A business leader’s path is filled with challenges. Could you shed some light on the significant obstacles you face in your current role? How do you tackle and overcome these hurdles?

MICE Tourism offers many benefits but also presents challenges, such as environmental sustainability. Events produce waste, consume resources, and generate carbon emissions. To address this, we implement eco-friendly initiatives like supporting local communities, promoting low-waste catering, and organizing socially responsible activities. Additionally, external factors like economic downturns, political instability, and safety concerns pose risks to the industry. To mitigate these, we manage cash flow carefully, work with trusted partners, and secure insurance to protect our business and clients from potential disruptions.

What do you consider your most significant achievements in your professional journey, and what is your guiding 'success mantra' as a leader?

My most significant achievement is making certain that each event I organize is a remarkable success for my clients. As Daniel Hurst wisely stated, “If the plan doesn’t work, change the plan—but never the goal.” This mantra truly reflects the core of our business. To excel in event planning, we must be prepared to adjust to unforeseen challenges. Adaptability and responsiveness are crucial; we continually refine our strategies to accommodate changing circumstances while steadfastly pursuing our goals and meeting our clients' aspirations.

How do you envision the corporate events landscape in Morocco evolving in the coming years? What industry trends do you believe will have the most significant impact in the near future?

Morocco's tourism sector has seen a significant boost, partly due to the Moroccan soccer team's historic performance in the 2022 World Cup, where they became the first Arab and African team to reach the semifinals. This achievement has enhanced the country’s attractiveness as a tourist destination. With Morocco set to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, there are abundant growth opportunities. Additionally, the rise in international conferences and forums being held in Morocco underscores its increasing appeal, indicating a remarkable upward trend in tourism.

Mounia Arezki Sayagh, CEO, We Mice You

Mounia Arezki Sayagh is the CEO of WE MICE YOU, a Moroccan agency specializing in MICE events. With a strong background in organizing impactful gatherings, Mounia focuses on enhancing Morocco's tourism landscape. She is dedicated to delivering exceptional client experiences while promoting sustainable practices within the events industry.