In a remarkable display of industry unity and innovation, the Meetings Show Asia Pacific debuted unprecedentedly at Marina Bay Sands Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Singapore. This pioneering event has swiftly established itself as the quintessential gathering for the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector across the Asia Pacific.
Over 1,000 industry experts from global locales converged on April 17 and 18, 2024, setting the stage for the region’s largest MICE industry event launch by Northstar Travel Group. The event featured over 160 exhibitors, including destination bureaus, luxurious hotels, innovative technology providers, and essential meeting venues.
David Blansfield, Executive Vice President and Group Publisher at Northstar Travel Group, described the event as a “watershed moment for the MICE industry,” praising the unprecedented assembly of influential professionals in a leading Asian hub. This gathering facilitated a fertile environment for sharing best practices and forging substantial business connections.
The event’s extensive agenda was enriched by contributions from significant MICE associations like the Global MICE Collaborative, which includes Meetings Professional International (MPI), the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE), and the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE). They were joined by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), and the Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS), all offering valuable educational sessions.
One notable highlight was the introduction of the Events Industry Council’s Sustainable Event Professional Certificate Course, marking its first presentation in the region at this event. Attendees explored diverse themes such as the resilience of the MICE industry, the impact of geopolitical tensions, the rapid evolution of technology, including augmented and extended reality, and the emerging preferences of the Gen Z workforce.
The conference showcased advanced insights into sustainability, the integration of luxury in elevating MICE experiences, and the future of event marketing. This emphasis on high-calibre learning and networking was exemplified by the Technology Campfire Showcase and nearly 5,000 tailored one-to-one business meetings orchestrated for attendees.
Timothy Glanzer, Founder and CEO of Elevated Meetings Solutions, commended the intimacy and effectiveness of the 20-minute appointment format, noting the superior quality of interactions compared to other industry events.
The significance of the Meetings Show Asia Pacific as a strategic platform was echoed by Bjoern Spreitzer, General Manager of Tourism New Zealand, who highlighted the event’s role in amplifying New Zealand’s conference business within the Asia Pacific market.
Following its triumphant introduction, the Meetings Show Asia Pacific is set to return to Singapore on April 23 and 24, 2025. For those looking to stay ahead in the dynamic world of business events, further details can be accessed at the event’s official website or by contacting Whey Whey Ng at Northstar Travel Group.
As the dust settles on this landmark event, the MICE industry anticipates next year’s gathering, poised to further the innovations and connections sparked at this year’s successful launch.
Written by: Kanda Limw
