How to have MICE events with impact in Macao-Hengqin

The MICE² Macao x Hengqin platform helps planners discover new venues and ideas for bigger and more successful events.

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Want to get started with planning your next meeting, convention, exhibition, or incentive trip in Macao and Hengqin? Read the new digital guide to Macao x Hengqin to find ideas, success stories, and support programmes for event organisers.

Macao has long been a top-rated MICE destination, with accolades like Best Convention City at the M&C Asia Stella Awards 2023 and ranking among the top cities in Asia in the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) rankings. Yet, the city isn’t resting on its laurels.

In 2023, Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute of the Macao SAR (IPIM) and the Economic Development Bureau of Hengqin launched a joint promotion platform to supercharge business and MICE development in both cities, located just next door to each other. Event organisers in Macao and Hengqin can now gain access to more venues, accommodation options, and coordinated support for expanding their event.

From seamless global connectivity and exceptional venues to diverse cultural experiences and extensive government support, you’ll experience the unique advantages that make this uniquely linked double-city destination the ideal choice for memorable and successful business gatherings.

A rising MICE powerhouse, Macao has won industry accolades as the Best Convention City in Asia. *Photo Credit: IPIM*

State-of-the-art venues and hotels

When it comes to meeting in style, few destinations offer the diversity and quality of venues that Macao and Hengqin offer. Macao’s six integrated resorts boast cutting-edge facilities across their properties, all of which are connected to world-class hotels. These include the 2,000-seat, 4K-equipped MGM Theater at MGM COTAI, the new Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) and a 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena at Galaxy Macau, and the Smart Stage at The Londoner Macao, a professional broadcast-quality studio with extended reality (XR) capabilities.

For a fresh perspective, cross the border into Hengqin: the Hengqin Bay International Convention Center spans an impressive 16,000sqm, including a 3,000sqm pillarless ballroom. Planners will also find familiar names to house delegates, including the Hyatt Regency Hengqin, Hengqin Hilton Garden Inn, and Angsana Zhuhai Hengqin.

From state-of-the-art ballrooms to unique venues, planners can unleash their creative ideas in Macao and Hengqin. *Photo Credit: Sands Resorts Macao*

From cultural landmarks to experiential spaces, Macao and Hengqin’s unique East-meets-West history makes for equally unique venues. Creative events will be right at home in places like Casa Garden, a colonial-era mansion that dates to the 18th century, or Albergue SCM in Macao’s St. Lazarus District — the city’s cultural and creative hub. For a more laid-back meeting or incentive trip, Hengqin’s Sumlodol Camping Town and Serensia Woods lets delegates reconnect with nature and the great outdoors.

Memorable experiences for delegates

Macao and Hengqin’s many attractions, like the renowned Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, make for fascinating post-conference tours, incentives, or leisure activities.

Macao and Hengqin are known for having some of the best dining, entertainment, and leisure attractions in Asia. With 400 years of culinary heritage encompassing Chinese and Portuguese flavours, Macao’s title as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy is well-deserved: from Michelin-starred and Black Pearl Diamond restaurants to traditional Macanese cuisine, each culinary experience tells a story delegates won’t soon forget.

MICE groups can also watch history come to life as they explore Macao’s UNESCO-listed historic centre and newly revitalised districts, such as the day and night markets of Rua Da Felicidade and street art-filled Barra District. Hengqin, on the other hand, immerses visitors in traditional Chinese culture and cuisine with attractions like the Red Sandalwood Museum, which showcases the traditional fine art of sandalwood carving.

More reasons to meet in Macao and Hengqin

Timing events to coincide with Macao and Hengqin’s major business events and festivals can drive attendance and increase engagement.

Macao and Hengqin’s exciting calendar of business events and vibrant leisure festivals makes both cities a magnet for MICE groups and businesses looking to expand into or out of Mainland China. The UFI Asia Pacific Conference 2024, for instance, attracted 300 MICE industry leaders and experts from 20 countries and regions when the premier event returned to Macao for the second time.

Outside the exhibition hall, seasonal highlights like Lunar New Year, Macau Grand Prix, and Light Up Macao (during Christmas/New Year) add to the delegate experience. Planners can get creative with VIP event tickets, group bookings, or even team-building activities — from lantern making to go-karting and dragon boat races.