If you still doubt that Uberlândia is establishing itself as one of the main innovation hubs in Brazil, Collab Inovação 2025 is here to prove otherwise — and the Center Convention was the ideal stage for it.
With a versatile and flexible structure, the space was carefully prepared to host the event, which was planned to occupy all areas of the Convention Center, including the exhibition hall, which housed the sponsors' booths. In the other area, three integrated arenas were set up, including one for 1,200 people, and strategically designed to provide a fluid experience for participants.
The event design took into account the need to offer participants the opportunity to expand their knowledge exchange, networking, and business opportunities.
The Collab Inovação 2025 event, held in July by the Uberlândia Commercial and Industrial Association (Aciub) in partnership with Sebrae Minas, brought together approximately 2,000 participants. Leading figures from the national and international innovation ecosystem were invited to speak and discuss topics such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.
Want to know more about the planning of this event? Keep reading and discover how the Center Convention's structure directly contributed to a unique experience for the audience.
Three learning and networking arenas
One of the great differentiators of Collab Inovação 2025 was its dynamic structure, with simultaneous programming distributed across three thematic arenas, made possible by the flexibility offered at the Center Convention, and that made all the difference.
The versatile structure offered allowed the event to be fully adapted to the organizers' needs, providing independent environments with comfort, technology, and fluidity for the circulation of more than 2,000 participants. This possibility is essential for events that demand different formats – such as lectures, workshops, business rounds, and startup presentations – all happening simultaneously, with organization and the best experience for the audience.
“Main Arena” – The stage for great ideas and knowledge.
It was in the Main Arena that the biggest names from the national and international scene took to the stage and debated topics such as artificial intelligence, smart cities, entrepreneurship, and the future of business.
In this area, an auditorium format was used, with the installation of a stage and 1,200 chairs that are part of the Center Convention's furniture. The seats are upholstered and ensure the comfort of event participants, especially in the case of lectures and presentations that require longer periods of sitting.
In the Innovation Collab, in this area, participants had inspiring moments with renowned experts, such as the Nvidia Enterprise Director for Latin America, Márcio Aguiar; the professor of digital economy, Gil Giardelli, who presented alongside his robot, NAO; directly from Silicon Valley came Michelle Messina, a serial entrepreneur, CEO of an international consulting and training company, and author; the innovation and digital transformation specialist, Walter Longo; the partner at StartSe and co-author of the bestseller "Infinite Organizations," Piero Franceschi; and the innovation and business development specialist, Santiago Uribe, who came from [location missing]. Medellín, Colombia. They They brought valuable insights and new perspectives to the audience.
“"Investment Arena" – highlighting good ideas and initiatives
Aimed at the startup world, this arena has a unique, more youthful layout, with beanbag chairs instead of regular seats, bistro tables in the back for more direct interaction, and even a space to charge cell phones. This environment was designed to convey a sense of creativity, with a more relaxed atmosphere.
This space hosted panels on fundraising, presentations from investment funds, and the traditional pitches showcasing products and solutions from companies and startups; it was the place where good ideas gained visibility.
The Investment Arena activities took place simultaneously with the lectures in the Main Arena and activities in a third area. The versatility of the Center Convention for space customization, made possible by the movable partitions, allowed this dynamic event to be organized and efficient, without impacting other areas of the Innovation Collab.
“"Arena of Connections" – driving business
The planning of this arena took into account the need for moments of interaction between guests and the public, in addition to lectures. Thus, it was structured with roundtables where company representatives could meet with registered participants for business rounds, reverse pitches, and matchmaking. Furthermore, group activities and dynamics were carried out during Zuper-X, an event connected to Collab Inovação, which took place in the morning.
Just like the Investment Arena, the Connections area hosted event participants while other activities took place in the other spaces of Collab Inovação.
VIP area: highlighted institutional recognition
The Collab Inovação 2025 also featured an exclusive VIP area for the event's board of directors, special guests, and speakers. This reserved space provided greater comfort and privacy, aspects guaranteed by the Center Convention's structure, reinforcing the recognition and appreciation of these strategic audiences within the event.
More than just a distinctive environment, the VIP area played an important role in strengthening institutional relationships, offering ideal conditions for welcoming authorities and leaders with due attention. The buffet was carefully prepared by the Center Convention team, providing convenience and security for the organizer, who can rest assured that everything will be served with quality and flavor, contributing to an excellent guest experience.
Exhibition pavilion showcasing projects and products.
The Collab Inovação 2025 event also utilized the Center Convention Exhibition Pavilion, where sponsors and supporters presented their products, services, and solutions in customized booths. The space fostered direct interaction with visitors, generating valuable networking opportunities, prospecting for clients, and strategic connections between companies, startups, and the public interested in innovation and technology.
More than just an exhibition space, the pavilion was strategically designed to be part of the participant's journey. Event registration took place at the entrance of this pavilion, through which all participants passed before proceeding to the Main Arena. This created a flow where people passed by the stands right from the entrance, maximizing the visibility of the exhibitors.
In this space, every detail was strategically planned, even the bar! This space, part of a service provided by the Center Convention team, was installed in a location within the pavilion where people had to pass by the stands first, as well as when returning to the arena activities. This intelligent circulation, made possible by the Center Convention's structure, increased the visibility of supporting brands, fostered spontaneous networking, and generated business opportunities at Collab Inovação.
Flexible structure that values the participant experience.
As you can see, one of the great differentiators of Collab Inovação 2025 was the way the Center Convention space was used to create an integrated, dynamic, and fluid experience. The flexibility of the structure allowed the event to be fully adapted to the organizers' needs, with environments designed to stimulate connections and maximize audience engagement.
“Having a versatile structure for the event was fundamental. We had three arenas and a pavilion, and it was essential that the flow connected these spaces well, favoring the interaction of the participants. The Convention Center contributed greatly in this sense, allowing for strategic and efficient organization. Furthermore, with furniture from the Convention Center itself and from suppliers, we were able to create a modern environment, aligned with the profile of our innovative audience. This attention to detail was noticeable to the guests,” explains Ismália Queiroz, producer of corporate events and owner of Gaia Eventos Corporativos.
Conclusion: Collab Innovation 2025 at the Center Convention
With the success of Collab, it's clear that Uberlândia has all the ingredients to continue growing as an innovation hub: talent, infrastructure, institutional support, and a desire to transform. And the Center Convention was part of this scenario, offering a modern, functional, and strategically located structure.
Being located within the Center Shopping complex is also a great advantage for those who organize and participate in corporate events. The integrated structure offers shops, food, services, and leisure all in one place, which simplifies logistics and makes the experience more enjoyable. Furthermore, the Mercure Uberlândia Plaza Shopping hotel, also located within the complex, hosted several Collab participants, providing greater comfort and saving them time so they could fully enjoy every moment of the program.
The Collab Inovação 2025 event demonstrated the strength of Uberlândia's innovation ecosystem and the city's potential to host large-scale events that connect people, ideas, and opportunities for sustainable and technological development.
Host your event with us:
If you also want to host a successful event like Collab Inovação 2025, know that Center Convention is ready to welcome you. Our versatile structure, strategic location, and experienced team make all the difference for those seeking quality, comfort, and results.
You can also check out all the infrastructure and services available at the Convention Center and throughout the Center Shopping Complex by speaking with our team. Contact us via WhatsApp at (34) 3239-8300 or email comercial@epsempreendimentos.com.br. You can also reserve a date by clicking [here]. HERE.
