Apart from the physical conference, there were three other programmes which invited select delegates to take part at, including a Discover Penang Fam Tour. Photo Credit: Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau
With Malaysia's reopening of interstate travel and the MICE sector, Penang has officially concluded its first post-pandemic hybrid business events conference: BE @ Penang 2021 from 9-10 December.
After switching to a virtual format in 2020, the recent easing of pandemic measures meant that the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) and PCO (professional congress organiser) Anderes Fourdy Events could implement the homegrown event's 6th edition 'live' at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre, while streaming the conference online.
A total of 150 local delegates attended in-person by invite only, while another 100 joined the event online, representing more than 20 countries.
Across the two days, both attendees and the organising committee abided by a series of Covid-safe rules, including mandatory RTK testing (negative results) at registration and entry, mask wearing, and proof of full vaccination.
To ensure social distancing, delegates followed a specially mapped out path throughout the convention centre. For food breaks and sit-down lunches, all attendees sat six to a table with 1m distancing, and were served by catering personnel, who wore masks and gloves to reduce contact.
Delegates putting their heads together at an interactive workshop on day two.Back to business
As the first in-person event to kickoff in Penang, the conference opened with the theme: 'BE Connected. BE Inspired’, signalling the fresh start in regaining momentum for organising and attending physical and hybrid conferences and events.
Conference conversations shone the business events spotlight on insights within the domestic market, in line with global trends.
Panel speakers such as the leaders of MyCEB, PCEB, BESarawak and Sabah Tourism Board gave insight on topics ranging from 'Business Events Malaysia 2022 & Beyond Outlook', 'Maximizing Social & Legacy Impact of Business Events', to 'The Rise of Multi-Hub & Hybrid Events'.
Also at the event was keynote speaker slash author Boonsiri Somchit, and John D. Chacko, President of the International Advertising Association (IAA) Malaysia, who gave the closing keynote speech. Chacko is also the Chairman of the upcoming 46th IAA World Congress which will be held in Penang in 2023.
Apart from the physical conference, there were three other programmes which invited select delegates to take part at: the Discover Penang Fam Tour, the ICCA workshop and the Workshop by Leaderonomics.
For the Fam Tour, outstation delegates as well as speakers of BE @ Penang 2021 were taken to key sites in George Town including the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, Cheah Kongsi, Khoo Kongsi and the Penang State Art Gallery.
Just like pre-Covid conferences, the last day saw Setia SPICE Convention Centre holding a cocktail dinner event, where PCEB also took the opportunity to launch its new global marketing campaign – ‘BElong in Penang’.
Similar to the conference, food was served to the tables, and the rule was for masks to be kept on except when delegates are eating.
A total of 150 local delegates attended in-person by invite only, while another 100 joined the event online, representing more than 20 countries.For those who could not attend or wish to visit specific sessions on the conference platform, on-demand recordings are available from now to 15 March 2022, here.
In anticipation of more in-person events for Penang, an easy to follow video has also been uploaded to walk delegates through the safety elements of a hybrid meet.