Signing success: Thailand’s distinctiveness as a MICE destination sets it on a trajectory for greater success. Photo Credit: TCEB
As a strong endorsement of its MICE capabilities, Thailand has been
chosen by UFI to host UFI Asia-Pacific Conference 2026 in Bangkok. An
MOU signing ceremony between TCEB and UFI took place at Queen Sirikit
National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok on 22 August 2023 to
officially launch Thailand as the host and to support its commitment to
the success of the conference. The event will be event’s second edition
in Thailand following the 2016 edition in Chiang Mai.
Kai Hattendorf, CEO, UFI (The Global Association of the Exhibition
Industry), said: “UFI and TCEB have a long-standing partnership, and UFI
is delighted to return to Bangkok in 2026 – this time with our
Asia-Pacific Conference. Together, UFI and TCEB will make sure that
event industry leaders from the region and beyond will find their time
well spent – and leave with new insights, make and renew contacts,
explore business opportunities, and experience Thailand’s friendship,
hospitality and professionalism.”
Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, president, Thailand Convention &
Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), said: “Thailand is currently ASEAN’s top
destination for exhibition. The decision of UFI in choosing Thailand for
its Asia-Pacific conference has played a vital role in emphasising and
strengthening the readiness and distinction of Thailand as the centre of
exhibition.
The good news of UFI’s return to Thailand following the event’s 2016 edition drew positive support from the local media. Photo Credit: TCEB“In addition, it offers opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs to
showcase their potential and expand network in the global market. All of
which will boost the numbers of exhibitions, both in Thailand and the
region, during global economic slowdown.”
Panittha Buri, president of Trade Exhibition Association (TEA), said:
“TEA will be working closely with TCEB to make this event a fulfilling,
lively and memorable experience in Bangkok. We hope that the Thai MICE
industry players together with our industry colleagues from around the
world will be able to reconnect and benefit from sharing best practices
within the UFI community.”
For fiscal year 2022:
· Overseas exhibition visitors: 67,668
· Revenue: 4,423 million baht (US$127 million)
· Economic impact: 9,468 million baht,
· Jobs: 5,301 jobs
· Tax revenue: 189 million baht
First 3 quarters of the fiscal year 2023:
· Overseas exhibition visitors: 204,397 (46% of the total overseas MICE visitors)
· Revenue: 13,017 million baht.