M&C Asia Connections gathered the region’s MICE suppliers and vetted buyers for two days of tabletop meetings.
From 17 to 20 August, Kuala Lumpur became a vibrant hub for meetings and events professionals as more than 120 international delegates from across Asia-Pacific and Europe gathered for M&C Asia Connections 2026.
Supported by Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown, Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, and DMC partner Aavii Worldwide, the hosted-buyer programme combined productive tabletop meetings with immersive destination experiences, networking opportunities and first-hand insights into Malaysia's MICE offering.
“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.
“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.”
Partners make the dream work. From left: MyCEB’s Mei Phing Tan, Northstar Travel Group’s Whey Whey Ng and Irene Chua, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown’s Till Martin, and Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur’s Danny Toh.Malaysian hospitality shines
The programme opened in style at Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown with a welcome reception hosted by general manager Till Martin. The evening coincided with the hotel's first anniversary celebrations, creating a festive atmosphere from the outset.
Guests were treated to a showcase of the property's hospitality credentials, including a sustainable harvest display, live tuna slicing and a creative demonstration of how flexible event spaces can be transformed into immersive storytelling platforms.
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 next morning, the business programme got underway with a series of one-to-one tabletop meetings designed to foster meaningful conversations between buyers and suppliers. Alongside the appointments, delegates enjoyed a dynamic schedule of networking sessions, team-building activities and destination experiences.
Setting the stage for discussions was a panel session, The New Global Events Playbook: Staying Relevant in an Era of Constant Change, which explored the evolving challenges and opportunities facing event organisers in an increasingly unpredictable world.
The panel explored the evolving challenges and opportunities facing event organisers in the current climate.
Adding a fun and collaborative element to the programme, Asia Ability led delegates through an engaging escape-game challenge that required teams to combine problem-solving skills, creativity and teamwork to unlock a series of mystery boxes against the clock.
Day two shifted to the Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, where delegates continued their meetings in one of the city's most prestigious addresses. Welcoming attendees was Danny Toh, director of commercial strategy at Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, who brought participants into the heart of the Malaysian capital for another day of productive conversations and relationship building.
The team bonding challenge required teams to combine problem-solving skills, creativity and teamwork to unlock a series of mystery boxes against the clock.
The X factor of meaningful connections
For many attendees, it was the event's unique atmosphere that stood out most.
“Every year M&C Asia Connections really pushes the boundaries. Things are improving every time the event does something in different countries. I've seen new buyers and new sellers,” said Francis Cheong, The Muse & Group CEO, Aavii Worldwide, the show’s DMC partner.
“Having attended a few time, M&C Asia Connections has the ‘x factor’. It’s also about the charisma of the people here. The connection is just there, and the feeling is very different.”
M&C Asia Connections features a dynamic programme comprising two days of tabletop meetings between buyers and sellers.
First-time attendee Mei Luo from Shen Zhen’s I-Travel International Travel Service 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.
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.
Closing networking at Mesa 51, a sky-high venue above Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
Celebrating MICE excellence
A highlight of M&C Asia Connections each year is the M&C Asia Stella Awards, and the 2026 edition was no exception.
Held in the Hyatt Regency's Regency Ballroom, the awards ceremony recognised outstanding achievements across Asia's meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions industry. A total of 28 awards were presented across six categories, honouring destinations, venues, organisations and individuals that continue to raise the bar for excellence.
M&C Asia Stella Awards 2026 celebrated excellence in Asia’s 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
City escapade and cultural experiences
The final full day took delegates beyond the meeting room and into the city itself, with a curated familiarisation tour showcasing Kuala Lumpur's evolving events landscape and rich cultural heritage.
The fam programme visited the Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad, one of Kuala Lumpur’s unique landmarks.
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.