M&C Asia Connections gathered the region’s MICE suppliers and vetted buyers for two days of tabletop meetings.
From 17 to 20 August, more than 120 international delegates from across Asia-Pacific and Europea got together for a hosted-buyer programme featuring tabletop meetings, networking, site inspections and MICE familiarisation experiences in Kuala Lumpur.
The event was supported by Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur Midtown, Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, and DMC Aavii Worldwide.
“Malaysia has everything it takes to deliver world-class, dynamic and strongly distinctive MICE experiences,” said Irene Chua, VP/group publisher Asia at Northstar Travel Group.
A lively affair as M&C Asia Connections kicks off with a welcome reception coinciding with the first anniversary of Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown.“The table top format creates a valuable space for deeper conversations. It allows us to better understand our partners, discover new opportunities and build fresh ideas for stronger connections.”
KL hospitality shines
The programme opened at Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown with a welcome reception kicked off by GM Till Martin at The Courtyard, coinciding with the property’s first anniversary celebration.
Highlights included a sustainable harvest showcase, live tuna slicing and a demonstration of how the flexible meeting rooms can turn into a visual storytelling platform.
Day Two at Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, kicked off by Danny Toh, director of commercial strategy at the Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur, brought delegates into the heart of the city centre for meetings with the most distinctive address. The closing reception was held at Mesa on 51, a contemporary rooftop venue with stunning view of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers that set the tone for an unforgettable networking session.
M&C Asia Connections features a dynamic programme comprising tabletop meetings, team bonding inspiration, familiarisation experiences and networking opportunities.Setting the tone
A panel discussion, “The New Global Events Playbook: Staying Relevant in an Era of Constant Change”, kickstarted the programme before the tabletop appointments. The discussion offered insights on the new challenges of planning and curating events in an increasingly unpredictable global environment.
“Every year M&C Asia Connections really pushes the boundaries. Things are improving every time you do somethign in different countries. I've seen new buyers and new sellers. Having attended a few time… The show gives ‘x factor’. It is also about the charisma of the people here. The connection is just there, and the feeling is very different,” said Francis Cheong, The Muse & Group CEO, Aavii Worldwide, the show’s DMC partner.
Networking at a rooftop venue in Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.First-time attendee Mei Luo from Shen Zhen’s I Travel International Travel Service from, was impressed by the beyond-regional exposure to suppliers, and the comfortable format combining destination familiarisation and business meetings. “I also really enjoy the atmosphere. It was all very well-organised,” she said.
Stella Awards 2026
The hallmark event for M&C Asia Connections, the M&C Asia Stella Awards 2026, took place at the Hyatt Regency's Regency Ballroom.
Twenty-eight awards were presented across six categories, celebrating excellence throughout the Asian MICE industry.
Malaysia took home the award for Best Meetings Destination (Asia). Singapore was named Best MICE Destination (Asia), with Macao rounding up the Destination category for Best Conventions Destination (Asia).
Related: Meet the winners of M&C Asia Stella Awards 2026 | Meetings & Conventions Asia
Stella Awards 2026 celebrated excellence in Asia’s MICE industry.City escapade and cultural experiences
The final full day moved beyond the hotel environment with a familiarisation tour designed to showcase Kuala Lumpur’s wider event ecosystem.
One of the highlights was Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad, the 130-year-old cultural city landmark which reopened to the public in February following an extensive 11-month conservation and restoration project under the Warisan KL initiative.
Inside, delegates were able to discover how heritage and usability come together with immersive displays about Kuala Lumpur's early days, exhibition galleries, retail and craft spaces.