The Meetings Show Asia Pacific breaks new ground with roaring debut

The_Meetings_Show_APAC_launch-240419 — Organised by Northstar Travel Group, The Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2024 concluded on a brilliant note, bringing together the largest gathering of MICE professionals in Singapore. Photo Credit: Meetings & Conventions Asia

The inaugural edition of The Meetings Show Asia Pacific concluded successfully at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, drawing over 1,000 MICE industry professionals from across Asia Pacific and worldwide for two days of learning, networking, and business activities on 17-18 April 2024.

Organised by Northstar Travel Group, this premier MICE trade show marked the largest organic launch in the company's history, featuring a comprehensive showcase of over 170 exhibitors representing destination bureaus, meeting venues, hotels, technology providers, and suppliers. The event boasted a Tech Campfire Showcase, networking receptions, hosted buyer business meetings, and an informative conference led by industry influencers.

David Blansfield, Executive Vice President and Group Publisher at Northstar Travel Group, said: "The Meetings Show Asia Pacific represents a watershed moment for the MICE industry throughout the region and globally. Never have so many influential MICE industry professionals come together in one place at one time in a leading Asian destination to connect, share best practices, and do business together as they have this week.

“There’s no denying that on so many levels, when it comes to leading our industry forward, Asia Pacific is ascendant. Northstar is committed to continuing to showcase the best that this region offers annually at The Meetings Show Asia Pacific,” he added.

Following its launch edition, The Meetings Show Asia Pacific is scheduled to return in 23-24 April 2025, solidifying its position as a flagship event for Northstar Travel Group.

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Innovative offerings and dynamic insights

The Meetings Show Asia Pacific facilitated extensive networking opportunities and collaboration among international meetings professionals, with prominent industry associations like the Global MICE Collaborative (GMC), International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), and Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS) converging at the event.

Conference attendees delved into key topics including the outlook for business travel and events in APAC, event marketing strategies utilising technology and AI, the opportunities and challenges in adopting sustainable practices in meetings and events, elevating MICE experiences with luxury offerings, and behavioural learning for enduring wellness, gaining valuable insights to shape the future of the MICE industry.

The show also highlighted innovative offerings, such as a two-day Sustainable Event Professional Certificate Course workshop by the Events Industry Council, alongside featured unique activations from Singaporean entities like immersive audio provider CINEWAV and chocolatier Janice Wong.

Additionally, the Tech Campfire Showcase provided attendees with insights into the latest event management technology and AI-powered solutions from leading firms including Unearthed Productions, Pigeonhole Live, Jublia, Gevme, Zenus, Cvent, Groups 360 and Song Division.

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Networking excellence: testimonials from buyers

Through its signature Hosted Buyer Programme, The Meetings Show Asia Pacific attracted top meeting buyers and decision makers from around the world, with privileges such as a dedicated meeting diary with target exhibitors, sponsored travel and accommodations, and access to exclusive networking events.

Timothy Glanzer, Founder and CEO, Elevated Meetings Solutions in the US, praised the event's impeccable organisation and engagement, highlighting its seamless execution despite being an inaugural event. “This show is a trifecta of excellence – Northstar, Marina Bay Sands and Singapore. It is very well organised. It is an inaugural event but you’d think that they’ve been running it for 10 years!

“The floor is designed incredibly. I love the intimacy of the event and the 20-minute appointment format. It’s fantastic, as it allows you to really learn about the destinations, companies and individuals that you’re speaking to. I’ve had the opportunity to make some really useful connections at the show,” he added.

Effendy Dharmawan, CEO of Preferred Tours Management in Indonesia praises the meeting of like-minded MICE professionals at The Meetings Show Asia Pacific, facilitating efficient discussions on MICE business prospects. “It’s great to be able to speak with exhibitors and companies who already understand the MICE business, so it's efficient and we don't have to explain what we do and what we’re looking for. The tourism boards and CVBs present at the show are also very interested in expanding their MICE business to their countries, so they look very interested to attract MICE to their destination.”

For Minh Anh Vu, founder and managing director of Terraverde Travel, a DMC in Vietnam, lauded the event's focused approach. “The event's strength lies in its focused approach, allowing for meaningful interactions and access to high-quality educational programmes. The integration of technology was particularly beneficial for discovering new tools to propose to our event organisers. While the scale was relatively small, I believe there is potential for it to grow, and I am considering exhibiting as a DMC next year.”