M&C Asia Connections took place for the first time in Bangkok from 19–20 August 2025 across two venues – Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit & Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit.
The vibrant capital city of Bangkok provided the perfect backdrop for M&C Asia Connections 2025, which made its Thailand debut after successful editions in Singapore and Macao.
More than 120 delegates from across the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, and the US converged in Bangkok for two days of exclusive tabletop meetings, networking events, educational sessions, hotel site visits, cultural immersion, and more.
Supported by Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit and Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit – two hotels where M&C Asia Connections 2025 took place – this exclusive tabletop trade show is also backed by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) as destination partner and MICE Magnet Asia as event partner.
"We chose Bangkok for a reason," explained Irene Chua, vice president and group publisher Asia at Northstar Travel Group. "As MICE planners, you'll get to see for yourselves the countless possibilities this vibrant city has to offer."
M&C Asia Connections 2025 forged a valued partnership between Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit’s Oliver Schnatz, M&C Asia’s Irene Chua and Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit’s Sammy Carolus.Talking business across two inspiring venues
M&C Asia Connections' hallmark one-on-one tabletop meetings were spread across two venues, with day one taking place at Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit's Regency Ballroom and day two at Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit's Le Grand Ballroom.
Delegates experienced the unique character of both properties while connecting with leading MICE suppliers and international buyers.
Pre-qualified international buyers met with top MICE suppliers during exclusive tabletop sessions at M&C Asia Connections 2025.Hospitality and events expertise in action
Both hotels showcased their culinary and hospitality strengths during breakfast, lunches, and cocktail receptions. The warm hospitality – and attention – both properties gave to events hosting, service, and decor did not go unnoticed by the attendees.
Backed by an experienced team at the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit, last-minute weather disruptions did not dampen the mood for the welcome cocktails at the hotel.While the welcome cocktail reception on day one at the rooftop Spectrum Lounge & Bar did not materialise due to rainy weather, the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit team quickly turned it around and delivered a blast for the group at Market Café by Khao.
The closing cocktail reception took place at Belga Rooftop Bar & Brasserie, Level 32 of the Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, where panoramic views set the mood for relaxed networking.
Delegates enjoyed Thai-inspired hospitality and dining at Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit.Meet well, learn well, play well
While the one-on-one business matching programme was the main focus of M&C Asia Connections, buyers and sellers also attended targeted education sessions where key opinion leaders from the MICE industry discussed trends and opportunities in the regional market.
David Blansfield, executive vice president and group publisher of Northstar Meetings Group, presented the Cvent-Northstar PULSE survey data arising from global MICE industry research. Meanwhile, a panel discussion comprising event professionals from the US, the UAE and Malaysia, shared insights on creating brilliant experiences amid the current uncertain market.
Dr Supawan Teerarat, president of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau at the opening of M&C Asia Connections 2025.Dr Supawan Teerarat, president of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), during her keynote address, unveiled TCEB's ambitious "Meet Well" campaign, positioning Thailand as a wellness- and experience-driven MICE destination built on four pillars: Wellness, Well-Connected, Well-Balanced, and Heartfelt Welcome.
M&C Asia Connections clearly lived up to expectations of a holistic event with wellness elements weaved in for delegates to take a breath in between meetings.
Delegates were tasked to work together to dance to catchy tunes during the team bonding activity.A lively team bonding activity featuring dancing – which elicited plenty of laughter among the delegates – was incorporated into the agenda, followed by a CSR programme where visually impaired children worked alongside delegates to create handmade bracelets to sell as a fundraising initiative.
Stellar recognition for MICE stars
Twenty-eight awards across six categories celebrated Asian MICE excellence during a gala dinner ceremony at Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit's Regency Ballroom on 19 August 2025.M&C Asia Connections 2025 was also held in conjunction with the M&C Asia Stella Awards 2025, with the awards dinner and ceremony taking place at the Hyatt Regency's Regency Ballroom. Twenty-eight awards were presented across six categories, celebrating excellence throughout the Asian MICE industry.
Thailand took home the Best Meetings Destination (Asia) award, whilst Singapore claimed the coveted Best MICE Destination (Asia) title. Other regional powerhouses recognised included Japan for Best Incentives Destination and Macao for Best Conventions Destination.
View the full list of winners here.
Seaside business immersion
Delegates explored community-based experiences and business venues during the post-event trip to Pattaya.Beyond the tabletop meetings, M&C Asia Connections' comprehensive programme extended beyond Bangkok with a two-day familiarisation trip to Pattaya. Sponsored by TCEB, the fam tour demonstrated the rich possibilities in Thailand's ability to combine business infrastructure with cultural authenticity.
The journey began at the Takhian Tia Community, where delegates experienced coconut plantation learning and traditional indigo fabric dyeing using natural coconut husk colours – a masterclass in sustainable, community-based tourism.
Cultural immersion continued with visits to The Sanctuary of Truth and Nong Nooch Botanical Garden, whilst business facilities were showcased through comprehensive hotel inspections at both Meliá Pattaya Hotel and Pattaya Marriott Resort and Spa. A visit to Legend Siam Pattaya included an aromatic salt sachet workshop, blending experiential activities with professional development.