Asia’s DMC Power List: East West Planners, Singapore

Led by Janet Tan-Collis, the Singapore-based DMC prides itself on delivering ‘created experiences’ through its four-decade operation.

East West Planners CEO Janet Tan-Collis has amassed over 40 years of experience, and has the accolades to prove it.
East West Planners CEO Janet Tan-Collis has amassed over 40 years of experience, and has the accolades to prove it. Photo Credit: East West Planners

It’s been four decades’ worth of industry growth and change that Singapore-based DMC East West Planners has gone through during its four decades of operation, and CEO Janet Tan-Collis is optimistic that there is more to come.

“After the catastrophe of the Covid period, a new and exciting era of MICE business is upon us,” she said. “We have experienced an incredible hunger for the experiences that Singapore and the rest of the region can offer.”

Now, clients are demanding what the seasoned veteran calls “created experiences” in order to better learn and understand the destination in a way that is both innovative and compelling.

From its beginnings in 1982, offering outbound corporate travel destination management services to Singapore and the rest of ASEAN region, East West Planners has since carved out its niche in the MICE market. Today, the DMC specialises in hosting organisations based in the US, UK and Europe, where clients focus on creative responses to briefs and value.

The most fulfilling aspect of my work? Collaborating with like-minded partners and suppliers who share the same passion and commitment to ensure a mind-blowing event for the client.
Janet Tan-Collis, CEO, East West Planners

Tan-Collis, who was the president of the Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS) from 2013-2020, has picked up numerous industry awards for her outstanding contributions to the travel and MICE industry throughout her career.

And she fully intends to contribute more. Tan-Collis shares that she finds most fulfilment through working with vendors and suppliers who are equally committed to making sure clients have their minds “blown” as far as their objectives are concerned.

“[I’m motivated by] the knowledge that what we do in the business events industry is an important and critical aspect in stimulating and inspiring growth for client organisations… That, and the amazing and long-lasting friendships I’ve made along the way!”

 

This article first appeared in the April-June 2024 issue of M&C Asia as part of “The DMC Power List feature. Click here to read more from this issue.