The outstanding infrastructure, array of attractions, and exceptional support from the authorities have been strong drawcards for MICE planners to hold a multi-venue event in Macao and Hengqin.
Since the launch of the MICE² Macao x Hengqin joint development partnership, both destinations have seen a deluge of event wins. Macao, in particular, is set to host 1,000 events by the end of 2023, and there is a growing trend of events incorporating Hengqin in their programming, demonstrating the feasibility of hosting multi-venue events across both cities.
The feedback from event organisers has been unanimous: with the outstanding infrastructure, additional attractions, and support from the regions’ authorities, hosting a multi-venue event in Macao and Hengqin is seamless, well-supported, and has produced remarkable results.
Gateway for high-growth industries
Over the past decade, Hengqin has emerged as a regional hub for China’s sci-tech R&D, high-end manufacturing, modern finance, cultural tourism exhibition and trade, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) industries, complementing Macao’s strengths in integrated leisure tourism, MICE, and finance. Macao and Hengqin are therefore especially well-suited for events in these industries.
One example is the 2023 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition (MIECF) that took place 17-20 August at The Venetian Macao Cotai Expo. The extensive four-day event included close to 20 forums and meetings, five business matching sessions, a Green Showcase exhibition spanning more than 10,000sqm with both Chinese and overseas exhibitors, and a Green Public Day open to local residents.
The 2023 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition (MIECF) featured multiple meetings, business matching sessions, and exhibitions.To accommodate the scale of the event, several of the MIECF’s forums and meetings were held in Hengqin. These included the Macao University Health Industry Green Development Forum at the Hengqin International Commercial Center (ICC), as well as the 2023 Carbon Peak and Carbon Neutrality Innovation Project Exchange Conference held at the Hengqin Qianyuan Hotel. Through these meetings, delegates were able to glean insight into what Hengqin offers in the fields of business and technology.
“Hengqin has excellent scientific and technological innovation resources, which serve as a good reference for Macao enterprises when it comes to knowledge exchange,” shared Jiajie Zhu, project consultant at the Macau Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineers. “I’m looking forward to more in-depth collaboration in my industry through the multi-venue event model.”
Fast-track to success for conventions and exhibitions
Several other large conventions and exhibitions have also expanded their programming and welcomed more visitors thanks to the increased capacity, flexible exhibition arrangements, and business opportunities available in Hengqin. One such event is The 28th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair, held at The Venetian Macao Cotai Expo, along with business matching and networking sessions for businesses and MICE professionals in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area.
The exhibition was held in parallel with two other exhibitions, the 1st China-Portuguese-Speaking Countries Economic and Trade Expo (Macao) (1st C-PLPEX) and the Macao Franchise Expo 2023 (2023MFE). In total, the events spanned four exhibition halls and a total area of 37,000sqm, and attracted over 60,000 visitors in four days — a feat easily achievable with Macao’s ample event space and accommodation capacity.
The 28th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair helped 160 enterprise representatives, exhibitors and buyers to Macao and Hengqin, including attendees from Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil and Portugal.“Macao is working closely with Hengqin to provide more venue options and flexibility for MICE planners to stage events in both places, under a new 'multi-venue event' MICE model,” said Vincent U, president of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM). “Macao and Hengqin will also jointly participate in global MICE trade shows to enhance international awareness.”
Expanded attractions and opportunities for attendees
The region’s leading tech and innovation conference, BEYOND Expo 2023, also leveraged the 'multi-venue event' model as it hosted its third edition at The Venetian Macao, as well as other exhibition areas in Hengqin targeted at businesses and investors keen to learn about building their presence in the region.
In addition to multiple summits under three sub-brands, the expo — spanning nearly 100,000sqm of space — also saw a record 15,000 attendees from 50 countries and territories, proving that Macao remains a spellbinding destination in the MICE scene.
The Macao x Hengqin MICE platform is enriching some of the region’s biggest conventions and exhibitions, such as the BEYOND International Science and Technology Innovation Expo (BEYOND Expo 2023).With multi-venue events, MICE visitors are also able to explore Macao and Hengqin’s unique blend of Portuguese and Chinese heritage through trade delegations and post-event tours. The BEYOND Expo, for one, featured a demonstration zone for autonomous vehicles and drones in Hengqin, giving attendees to embark on test rides of self-driving buses and shuttles.
With its one-stop service for MICE bidding and support, IPIM can assist event organisers in maximising event success in Macao and Hengqin. Visit Meet @ Macao and invest-hengqin, or email [email protected] to learn more.
This article is brought to you by Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute.