Launch countdown begins for The Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2024

The inaugural Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2024 is set to be a game-changer in the region, bringing together a stellar line-up of exhibitors, buyers, associations and partners in a MICE market that is poised to grow from US$412.18 billion in 2023 to US$783.63 billion by 2032.

Slated to take place at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore from 17-18 April 2024, The Meetings Show is owned and organised by the Northstar Travel Group, a preeminent B-to-B information, events, and marketing solutions company in the travel industry, which also owns travel and MICE events and publications such as Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, Business Travel News, Successful Meetings, Meetings & Conventions, Travel Weekly Asia, M&C Asia, Incentive, and Web in Travel.

The Meetings Show Asia Pacific is supported by the Singapore Tourism Board and boasts a robust exhibitor list, showcasing a diverse array of destinations, venues, hotels, technology providers, and key suppliers in Asia Pacific’s thriving MICE industry.

Dynamic support

With an exclusive hosted buyer format, The Meetings Show Asia Pacific combines a trade exhibition, conference, and business networking, setting the stage for a dynamic gathering of MICE professionals from APAC. The hosted buyer programme brings senior MICE buyers and planners to a bustling tradeshow floor, through a pre-scheduled meetings platform that helps target meetings with top-notch exhibitors, including the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Singapore Tourism Board, Dubai Tourism, Tourism New Zealand, Tourism Promotions Board Philippines, Royal Caribbean Cruises (Asia), Marina Bay Sands, Hard Rock International, Pan Pacific Hotels Group, Meliá Hotels International, Groups360 LLC, and more.

Leading global meetings industry associations, including MPI (Meetings Professional International), SITE (Society for Incentive Travel Excellence), and IAEE (International Association of Exhibitions and Events), have joined forces with Northstar to extend invitations to their members and foster business and professional growth at The Meetings Show Asia Pacific. Collaborating under the Global MICE Collaborative (GMC), these associations will offer actionable educational content and a vast worldwide network to MICE professionals in emerging global markets.

David Blansfield, executive VP and group publisher, Northstar Travel Group, said: “As a gateway to the flourishing Asia Pacific market, The Meetings Show Asia Pacific serves to capture the widespread business opportunities in this diverse and lucrative market. We are delighted to bring the world-class experiences from our highly successful meetings show brand from London to Singapore, a stellar award-winning MICE hub strategically chosen to host our inaugural show.”

Irene Chua, VP and group publisher, Asia, Northstar Travel Group, added: “Set against the backdrop of Singapore's vibrant business community, The Meetings Show Asia Pacific is a fantastic platform to explore the very best that Asia Pacific has to offer in the future of MICE. It is in the meeting of minds that new connections, ideas and innovations are sparked, and we couldn’t be more excited to launch this cutting-edge show in one of the world’s fastest growing region for the MICE industry.”

Exhibitor insights

As an exhibitor and venue host, Ong Wee Min, VP of sales and MICE, Marina Bay Sands, said: “Held at Sands Expo & Convention Centre, the inaugural edition is expected to offer a hub of networking and sourcing opportunities for event planners, bringing together leading MICE partners from meeting destinations and venues, to hotels and technology solution providers across the Asia Pacific region.

“With wellness becoming a growing priority amongst delegates, The Meetings Show Asia Pacific is the perfect platform for us to showcase the newly-launched Wellness in MICE programme and how it can be incorporated into itineraries. As the first-ever carbon-neutral meeting venue in Singapore, we also look forward to sharing our best practices with planners and guiding them to create impactful and sustainable meeting experiences.”

Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, president, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), said: “The Meetings Show is a high-profile MICE marketplace and platform for us to showcase new distinctive products and services and follow market trends. TCEB will offer support campaigns in partnership with attractions and shopping malls in key destinations, providing event planners with a broader and more diverse range of locations and activities.

“We also collaborate with local communities and networks to create memorable local experiences for meetings and incentives groups in various regions of Thailand. This includes the creation of MICE routes in each province and developing a premium MICE programme that transforms local products and services into souvenirs, snacks and gifts that bolster the local economy.”

Bjoern Spreitzer, GM, New Zealand & Business Events, Tourism New Zealand, said: “New Zealand is actively pursuing association conference business in the Asia Pacific region, and we look forward to sharing our expertise, events infrastructure, and unique culture with key decision makers at The Meetings Show Asia Pacific.

“We’re also looking to build on and enhance our relationships and connections, whilst growing our presence and share of conferences in the region. These range from research alignment through university partnerships, industry collaborations, and direct airline connectivity between Auckland, Christchurch and many destinations across Asia.”

Registration details

· Free for trade buyers in the meetings and events industry

· Trade visitors pay US$100 for an entry pass

· Perks for validated international meetings buyers and decision-makers in the Hosted Buyer Programme include travel and accommodation; curated pre-scheduled 1:1 meetings with targeted exhibitors; a familiarisation trip to Singapore; exclusive networking opportunities; and access to the hosted buyer lounge

· All trade and hosted buyers are vetted to be qualified for free benefits.

For more information, please visit The Meetings Show Asia Pacific website.