Best City for MICE Events

1 Singapore
2 Hong Kong
3 Bangkok





Singapore clinched the top spot as the Best City for MICE Events once more, well ahead of Hong Kong and Bangkok, which came in second and third respectively.

Despite the tough global economic climate in the first half of 2009, conferences and exhibitions held in Singapore attracted large numbers of visitors and met organisers’ projections and expectations. Successful events included the International Furniture Fair, International Maritime Defence Show IMDEX Asia and Singapore International Water Week.

Marc Wortmann, executive director of Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), which held its 2009 conference in Singapore, says: “ADI chose Singapore for its high level of customer service, the financial support, and the strength of the national association, Alzheimer’s Disease Association Singapore.

“We enjoyed great hospitality and got similar feedback from many delegates.” Bruno Leunen, managing director of Destination Unlimited, Belgium, calls Singapore a “no-stress city” in which to organise an event.

As part of Singapore Tourism Board’s ‘2009 Reasons to Meet in Singapore’ campaign, delegates enjoyed special meeting and accommodation packages, and promotions for dining, retail, healthcare and wellness, via the campaign’s City Advantage tag. “These value-enhancing promotions showcase Singapore’s attractions and provide memorable experiences for business visitors,” says Melissa Ow, assistant chief executive, Business Travel and MICE Group.

Complimentary tours for ITB Asia 2009 buyers, for instance, were themed on the dynamic transformation of Singapore and exciting entertainment and nightlife experiences and new retail concepts.

The strong performance of events in the last quarter not only underscores the resilience of Singapore’s business events industry, it also augurs well for 2010. The two integrated resorts opening in early 2010 are expected to intensify Singapore’s edge in the market.

Yvonne Low, executive director of The Traveller DMC, says: “Singapore’s transformation means MICE buyers now have an expansive playground on which to stage world-class events.”

Hong Kong also rose to the many challenges of 2009, remaining a relevant and desirable business events destination. Jimé Essink, president and CEO of UBM Asia, says: “Hong Kong combines a central location with a pro-business environment, first-class venues, strong exhibition support services and an enjoyable visitor experience.”

The Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, organised by UBM Asia, became the world’s largest jewellery exhibition last September, occupying 120,000 sqm of event space.

Meanwhile, the city’s hardworking new convention bureau, Meetings and Exhibitions Hong Kong (MEHK), and the dedication and professionalism of its event specialists saw several other major events reach new heights.

“MEHK organised special immigration channels for Sibos 2009 delegates, as well as staffing a city information counter at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre for the duration of the event,” says Panos Tzivanidis, head of events and Sibos operations for Swift. “In both cases, they are only the second city to provide this in Sibos history.”

Further highlights from the year’s events calendar included Top Gear Live, the Clinton Global Initiative, the successful return of Asian Aerospace and the launch of Food & Wine Year.

Bangkok remains one of the region’s busiest events destinations and is looking ahead to 2010 with measured optimism. The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) estimates MICE events will bring in US$1.25 billion and 500,000 visitors this year. New laws and safeguards will protect the country’s airports and meeting venues.

TCEB senior manager for meetings and incentives Puripan Bunnag, says: “The new insurance policies should give event organisers and tourists additional peace of mind.” Frans Betgem, co-owner of Khiri Travel, says while international arrivals have dropped, there are some signs of an upturn and they are optimistic for the future.