The first ACAAF is set to take place in 2023 during the 62nd ICCA Congress in Bangkok.
During their second gathering at IMEX America 2022, the founding
members of the Asia Convention Alliance (ACA) met to discuss future
programmes undertaken by the alliance, among which was the decision to
collaborate on the first ACA event.
The founding members, comprises Thailand Convention Bureau (TCEB),
Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA), Malaysia
Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), Seoul Tourism Organization
(STO), and Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA).
Established in September 2021, the alliance has arranged numerous
meetings aimed at driving business lead sharing between members in hopes
of restoring the region's business events industry and to facilitate
knowledge exchange between member countries through collaborative
ventures.
To further spur the knowledge exchange, the ACA members have agreed to debut the first ACA Association Forum (ACAAF), dubbed #ACAAF1, scheduled to take place in 2023 during the 62nd ICCA Congress in Bangkok.
At the same time, bilateral MOUs were signed between MyCEB and STO as well as STO and TAITRA.
"Since the day Thailand initiated the formation of Asia Convention
Alliance (ACA), TCEB has been a firm believer in its potential. It has
been an honour working closely with all the founding members: MyCEB,
STO, TAITRA and TICA on this exciting journey that fosters the regional
collaboration and paves the way towards our first event’s debut," said
Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, president of TCEB.
Sumate Sudasna, President of Thailand Incentive and Convention
Association (TICA), remarked that “TICA is delighted that the ACA is
progressing with the common goal to bond the Asian region as
international conventions evolve. Alliance members are ever dynamic in
directing joint efforts to elevate our business events industry.”
Speaking on behalf of MyCEB, CEO Abdul Khani Daud said that "It is
gratifying to see the members actively contributing in every aspect to
elevate our business events industry."
Ki Yon Kil, President and CEO of Seoul Tourism Organization said that
“The partnership between ACA member destinations has been helpful
overcoming difficult time together with our effective collaboration and
cooperation. With diverse knowledge and business exchange opportunities,
Seoul Tourism Organization is looking forward to our further
collaboration activities expected in near future. We firmly believe that
our strong bond will contribute beneficial aspects towards increasing
the competitiveness of MICE industry in Asia. Also, further MoU signings
with MyCEB and TAITRA will bring more business opportunities to each
member destination.”
“Convention and exhibition activities are an important platform for
promoting economic growth. Asia Convention Alliance is a prime example
of how the Asian MICE industry uses creativity, resilience and
commitment to come back stronger after the pandemic," commented Simon
Wang, president & CEO of TAITRA.
Plans are being made for the five organisations to be co-located
within each other in future IMEX shows in Frankfurt and Las Vegas, to
validate camaraderie and spirit of the alliance.