Leaders of Asia’s MICE associations convened in Bangkok for the inaugural Asia 20 Business Events Forum. Photo Credit: Xinyi Liang-Pholsena
In 1999, the G20 was established in response to global crises,
bringing together finance and central bankers from the world’s largest
economies. Fast forward to 2023, over 150 leaders of Asia’s MICE
associations drew inspiration from the G20, and convened in Bangkok for
the inaugural Asia 20 Business Events Forum.
Vincent Lim, president of the Asian Federation of Exhibition and
Convention Associations (AFECA), envisions the A20 as “the G20 of the
business events world”. The forum serves as a platform for association
members to contribute meaningfully to government policies and foster
mutual growth and development through knowledge sharing, advocating that
“the business events industry is a major contributor to the economy”.
The Asia 20 Business Events Forum was organised by AFECA alongside
its AGM, the AFECA Asian MICE Awards & Gala Dinner, as well as the
AFECA Asia MICE Youth Challenge. The three-day event, which took place
from 21-23 November 2023, was hosted by the Thailand Convention and
Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) at Bangkok Marriott The Surawongse.
Emphasising unity and collaboration, the event aimed to galvanise
professionals in the exhibitions and conventions sector to address key
issues collectively and amplify the industry voice. Renowned figures
such as Weerasak Kowsurat, former Minister of Tourism and Sports of
Thailand, delivered the keynote on the evolving landscape of Asian
business events.
The forum also focused on the themes of facilitating the ease of
doing business in the region; enhancing manpower, skills and
sustainability; and providing business events updates and guides, which
were encapsulated in the Bangkok Declaration unveiled at the A20’s
conclusion.
A20 Organising Committee chair Sumate Sudasna, in his closing
remarks, also looked upon the event as “APEC of Asia’s business events”,
delivering a powerful and meaningful message to the government and
general public.
Participating trade organisations at the forum included heads
from the Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers
and Suppliers (MACEOS), Singapore Association of Convention and
Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (SACEOS), Association of Korean
Exhibition Industry (AKEI), Taiwan Exhibition & Convention
Association (TECA), among others, with representatives from regional
government bodies.
With 15 member countries participating in the Asia 20 Business Events Forum 2023, Lim
envisions expanding membership to 20 countries in 2024. Several member
countries have expressed interest in hosting the A20 forum in 2024, with
the outcome soon to be revealed.