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Should MICE professionals consider adding start-up pitching to their events?
One of the bigger trends we've noted with regard to MICE throughout the first half of 2025 is the growing number of pitching sessions featured in industry-centric events. At the recently concluded Digital Travel APAC 2025, one of the highlight sessions was one inspired by pitching programmes like Dragons' Den and Shark Tank wherein three entrepreneurs came onstage to pitch fresh ideas in front of potential investors. Edmund Goh, a young Singaporean entrepreneur, won the pitching round at the event, and this helps put his socials-driven and youth-centric digital travel platform Sotravel on the radar of other interested parties in the industry. Digital Travel APAC isn't the only event to feature pitching sessions, though its more compact and fast-paced format makes it a dynamic example. Earlier this year, ITB China in Shanghai also featured a segment featuring traveltech visionaries, each presenting innovative concepts with the potential to change the industry over the next several years; and we are aware that niche events covering tourism and F&B also have similar activities. But, seriously: are pitch events something that MICE professionals ought to consider adding to the slate of industry events? Edmund Goh presents his winning concept for Sotravel at Digital Travel APAC The case for pitching at events Based on our observations, there is a lot going for the addition of pitching sessions to an event slate For one thing, everyone who matters will be at these events. Startups will be mingling not only with potential investors, but also companies or individual innovators they can work with. This also offers an opportunity to scope out the competition: see what peers are thinking about or working on, enabling startups to consider improvements or adjustments to their own concepts. Second, events offer an opportunity for proof of concept presentations. Especially if startups opt to join in as exhibitors as opposed to mere pitchers, they can actually show a wider audience the capabilities of a product or the viability of an innovation. Proof of concept presentations pique the curiosity of visitors, pushing them to learn more about what they've just seen as well as the company behind it. Igotopia's James South gets ready to make his pitch There is, however, a catch... But pitching at events also has a number of drawbacks to take into consideration. There is, unfortunately, the potential for others to pirate any concepts presented at the event. In which case, it pays to have a patent or copyright in place prior to pitching; it protects creators and startups from anyone base enough to even consider taking their ideas. Also, the time limit given to pitchers doesn't give them that much time to present their ideas in detail. At Digital Travel APAC, the three participants were given just five minutes to make their pitch; at ITB China, roughly the same. Even with slide presentations playing, it really isn't enough time to make an indelible mark on the minds of audiences and investors. Likewise, there is also the possibility of leaving out key details from one's pitch; even if you come in prepared, nerves and needing to conform with given parameters have the potential to drive some ideas out of one's mind. TwinMatrix Technologies' Eric Liu presents the merits of his concept Tips for startups pitching at industry events For startups given the opportunity to pitch at a MICE event, either invited by potential investors or joining by paying an entrance fee, we offer the following tips for a successful presentation. Come prepared; it pays to submit your presentation several days, even weeks, prior to the event. Plus, be sure to coordinate with onsite tech teams to ensure your material plays smoothly; Be conscious of the time as you've mere minutes to get your idea across. Be sure to be concise and precise with your language to properly get your point across in the time you're allotted; Answer any questions thrown your way as candidly as possible as this will influence the judges taking your concept into consideration; and Make your presentation lively and engaging, as this will help drive audience appeal in your favour.
ITB India Conference 2025 to focus on Experiential Travel, MICE and Trends Shaping the Surging Indian and South Asian Travel Markets
The ITB India Conference 2025 is set to take place alongside ITB India from 2-4 September at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, promising two days of forward looking insights, strategic dialogues and impactful industry discussions. With a diverse lineup of speakers and an agenda centred on emerging trends in MICE, Corporate Travel, Travel Technology, Cruise Travel, Film Tourism, Sustainability & Eco Tourism and beyond, the third in-person edition of ITB India Conference is a must-attend for travel and tourism professionals seeking to stay ahead of the curve in one of the world’s most dynamic travel markets. South Asia’s travel industry is undergoing a dynamic evolution, driven by digital innovation, rising affluence and a growing appetite for experience-led journeys. As traveller expectations shift, new opportunities are emerging for businesses to create targeted, high-impact offerings that drive meaningful growth across the region. Keynote Highlights: Navigating a Changing Travel Landscape Keynote addresses will offer compelling insights into the key opportunities and challenges shaping the travel industry, led by some of its most influential voices. Among them is Scott Wegener (Head of Asia Pacific, Tripadvisor) who will inaugurate the conference with his insights and thought leadership. Two Stages, Four Conference Tracks, over 40 Sessions The ITB India Conference 2025 will take place across two main stages: the Knowledge & MICE Theatre and the Tech & Experience Theatre, offering four dedicated conference tracks with more than 40 sessions of curated content, expert talks and actionable strategies. The Knowledge Theatre track will feature leading voices discussing strategic outlooks and macro-trends that are shaping the future of travel. Topics will range from emerging travel trends to responsible tourism and luxury travel. Notable speakers include Shaurab Kapadia (Vertical Head - Travel & Food Tech, Google India), who will share profound insights on the evolving Indian travel landscape, and Rama Mahendru (Country General Manager - India, Intrepid Travel), who will discuss the growing impact of responsible tourism in the session “Beyond Sustainability: The Rise of Responsible Tourism in the Global South”. The MICE & Corporate Travel track will delve into the evolving landscape of meetings, events and business travel – with a focus on shifting priorities, smarter budget strategies and the transformative role of new technologies. Highlights include Judith Huisman (Founder and Chief Product Officer, Meetingselect) offering an in-depth look at how digital innovations such as smart booking tools, automation, AI-driven personalisation and real-time data are transforming MICE operations. Deepesh Jethwani (Vice President (Corporate), Tripjack) will explore how travel management companies (TMCs) and corporations combine technology with human insight to create proactive, personalised duty-of care programmes tailored to the specific needs of Indian corporate travellers. The Travel Technology track puts technology centre stage, focusing on the tools, platforms and AI that are revolutionising the travel industry. Anurag Jain (Executive Vice President – APMEA, RateGain) will lead a session that explores how AI and innovation are transforming the booking process and travel experiences. Rikant Pittie (Co-Founder, EaseMyTrip) will offer forward-looking insights into how emerging technologies are set to transform the travel industry. Debuting in 2025, the Experiential Travel track spotlights high-value, immersive tourism from film and cruise travel to cultural and sustainable journeys. Speakers include Romil Pant (Sr. Vice President, Leisure Travel, Thomas Cook India Ltd) and Isha Goyal (Co-founder, India Cruise Forum and Director/CEO, STIC Travel Group). They will provide key insights into the evolving landscape of cruise travel in India. With a packed agenda and the latest trends in focus, ITB India Conference 2025 will provide strategic direction for companies seeking to understand and grow within the Indian and South Asian markets. The full conference agenda is now available, as well as the speaker lineup. Early Bird Rates and All-Access Ticket for Trade Visitors Trade Visitors can benefit from Early Bird rates until 29 August 2025, with full access to the ITB India Conference and all three co located shows – ITB India, MICE Show India, and Travel Tech India. Visitor registration and further details are available HERE!
‘Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Tokyo remain MICE powerhouses’: Vikash Kejriwal
Vikash Kejriwal, CEO, SKIL Top MICE destinations stay ahead as they show excellence in providing policy support, world-class infrastructure, and accessibility. Vikash Kejriwal feels that there has also been a rise of aspirational, sustainable destinations like Da Nang, Bali, and Langkawi that are now on corporate radars. Experience, safety, and personalisation are outweighing legacy price-point negotiations when it comes to procurement for events. In an interview with Travel Daily Media (TDM) Vikash Kejriwal, CEO, SKIL shares more on event management, India outbound MICE trends, corporate travel trends and tells us about the privilege of creating moments that matter… Travel Daily Media (TDM): What inspired you to choose a career in travel, hospitality and event management? What have been your best experiences in being part of this journey? Vikash Kejriwal (VK): My journey into this industry wasn’t planned ‐ it was instinctive. What started as an operational curiosity evolved into a deep appreciation for what travel and events can truly accomplish when done right. The sectors of mobility, hospitality, and experience management have historically functioned in silos. At SKIL, we set out to change that by building an integrated ecosystem where travel is not just about transit, and events are not just about glamour. They are both about purpose and impact. One of the most fulfilling chapters was transforming SKIL Cabs from a conventional car rental provider into a tech-enabled mobility solution that supports both day-to-day corporate needs and large-scale movement during mega-events. To see that evolution recognised nationally reaffirmed the path we chose. And in a space that evolves by the minute ‐ with new platforms, shifting expectations, and global disruptions ‐ there’s always a reason to innovate. TDM: Which are the top performing MICE cities in Asia Pacific? What trends do you see shaping business travel in Asia Pacific, especially post the pandemic? VK: Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Tokyo remain MICE powerhouses due to policy support, world-class infrastructure, and accessibility. However, what’s interesting is the rise of aspirational, sustainable destinations like Da Nang, Bali, and Langkawi that are now on corporate radars. Post-pandemic, we’re seeing a return of intent in business travel. There’s greater focus on ROI, purpose-driven engagements, hybrid models, and sustainability. Companies are consciously shrinking group sizes but raising experience standards. At SKIL, we’ve responded with MICE programs that are ESG-aligned, modular, and value-driven ‐ so clients get the best of both worlds: impact and efficiency. TDM: Which are the top performing MICE cities in India? Which major corporate events have you covered here in 2025? What were the PAX statistics for the same? What’s on the cards for 2026? VK: The Indian MICE circuit thrives in Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, Goa, and Jaipur. These cities combine strong aviation links, destination appeal, and operational depth. In 2025 alone, SKIL has executed over 120+ business events across India. Two events stand out: A 20,000 pax multi-national networking and product launch event in a stadium in Delhi, and a 700+ pax Corporate Offsite in Goa focused on employee experience. Both events combined hybrid streaming, custom app engagement, and seamless backend logistics. In 2026, we’re scaling further ‐ with cross-border MICE exchanges, high-impact industry fairs, and state-level government partnerships. We anticipate a 20‐25% growth in MICE-linked business travel volume. TDM: What are the nuances of managing artist events across India? Which are the most popular cities for their events? How do you handle crowd management? VK: Artist events are a high-octane blend of creativity and control. No two shows are the same, and no city follows a standard playbook. Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Goa continue to dominate because of their infrastructure and cultural appetite, but every market has its own quirks ‐ from noise regulations to licensing complexities. What we’ve learned is that predictability comes from preparation. At SKIL, we’ve built custom dashboards and on-ground SOPs that track artist movement, crew rosters, equipment logistics, and real-time audience engagement. Crowd management, especially, is a multi-agency effort involving local law enforcement, private security, and emergency services. But beyond control, our intent is to enhance experience ‐ so the audience leaves with joy, not just a selfie. Partnering with emergency personnel, private security, and local authorities so as to guarantee that visitors' experiences don't stop. We aim to create engaging, pleasant experiences, in addition to crowd administration. TDM: What are the trends that you are seeing among business and corporate travellers across India? Could you please support the revert with some statistics? VK: Today’s business traveller is informed, tech-savvy, and purpose-led. Our internal research across 40 enterprise clients reveals that: 78% now prefer smartphone-first platforms for booking and trip management. Over 60% of corporate travellers extended their trips for leisure ("bleisure") in Q2 2025. ESG is no longer an option ‐ it’s expected. Clients demand visibility into emissions, carbon tracking, and sustainability credentials. There’s also a shift in procurement priorities. Experience, safety, and personalisation are outweighing legacy price-point negotiations. Our fastest-growing segment includes curated travel for women leaders, CXOs, and sector-specific delegations. TDM: Where are India's Top CXOs Travelling and why so? VK: India’s top CXOs are traveling to places where the future is being written. We’ve seen strategic movement to Singapore, Dubai, Nairobi, Jakarta, and Tel Aviv ‐ centers of innovation, capital, and geo-economic relevance. Domestically, Tier-2 cities like Coimbatore, Indore, and Bhubaneswar are drawing CXO interest due to industrial expansion and policy shifts. At SKIL, we’ve managed delegations for tech consortia, global board meetings, and private equity scouting tours. Interestingly, CXOs are also choosing unplugged locations like Udaipur or Kovalam for leadership offsites focused on recalibration, vision alignment, and culture-building. TDM: What is the best part of being in your profession? What advice would you want to give to youngsters who want to be part of this field? VK: The adrenaline. The diversity. The privilege of creating moments that matter. In this line of work, you wear many hats ‐ producer, problem-solver, host, analyst. But if you love building meaningful experiences, you’ll never tire. My advice to the next generation: romanticise excellence, not just the industry. It’s not just about travel and events; it’s about delivering promises, managing chaos, and leading from the front. Focus on the three E’s: Execution, Empathy, and Ethics. Clients remember reliability more than flash. And the best careers are not built on shortcuts ‐ they’re built on consistency, curiosity, and character.
Thai MICE sector gains momentum in Chiang Rai
The vision of the northern Thai city of Chiang Rai to become a major MICE destination for the F&B sector took a significant leap forward with its successful hosting of the Global Coffee and Tea Association Forum 2025: Shaping the Future Together from 17th to 20th July. Showcasing the city's MICE potential, this landmark event featured a combination of insightful presentation and discussions, dynamic exhibitions, and immersive site visits. The Forum brought together 211 delegates consisting of 165 Thais and 46 overseas participants from 11 territories, namely Australia, Cambodia, Mainland China, Colombia, Denmark, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Myanmar, Japan, Singapore and Vietnam. During the forum, participating industry professionals engaged in knowledge exchange, networking, and business development. Participants also engaged directly with local plantations, processing facilities, and tasting experiences, brewing substantial opportunities to drive growth across Chiang Rai's tea and coffee sectors. Strong support Building on the momentum of two international Tea and Coffee symposia in 2023 and 2024, the forum was supported by strong multi-institutional collaboration among the Tea and Coffee Institute of Mae Fah Luang University, Singha Park Chiang Rai Co Ltd, and the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB). According to TCEB acting president Puripan Bunnag, Acting President of TCEB, Chiang Rai has proven its capacity as a secondary city capable of hosting major business events. Bunnag declared: "MICE serves as a powerful driver for the local economy. The success of the Global Coffee and Tea Association Forum 2025 not only reinforced the city's ambition to become a destination for quality tea and coffee on domestic and regional levels but also supported Chiang Rai's goal of emerging as a center for national and international tea and coffee festival events." Fostering dialogue within a global industry The forum commenced with a convention at Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort, bringing together experts and entrepreneurs from China, Japan, Indonesia, Myanmar, Singapore, Denmark, Australia, Vietnam, and Thailand. Key topics explored a broad spectrum of issues, ranging from prevalent challenges and product innovation to sustainability, carbon footprint, blending and flavouring, and wellness-oriented consumption. Sessions were complemented by showcases of product development, processing research, and production solutions. Following the convention, the Chiang Rai Brewtopia Green Season exhibition at Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park which ran from 18th to 20th July 18 to 20 was inaugurated by Bunnag together with Chiang Rai vice-governor Rutisak Rangsri, and Dr Piyaporn Chueamchaitrakun, head of the Tea and Coffee Institute at Mae Fah Luang University. The exhibition featured around 40 coffee and tea entrepreneurs providing overseas delegates with direct access to uniquely blended teas and coffees crafted by ethnic hill tribes, emerging local talents, and artisanal creators. Complemented by workshops, business talks, and product showcases, the event highlighted Chiang Rai's growing influence and innovation within the industry.
Pullman Danang Beach Resort invites guests to experience innovative MICE options
Perfectly positioned between business and leisure, Pullman Danang Beach Resort continues to elevate the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) experience in Central Vietnam. Following a comprehensive renovation in September 2024, the resort presents a refreshed MICE portfolio designed to meet the evolving needs of modern event organisers, combining versatility, creativity, and a distinctive coastal charm. Nestled along the white sands of Bac My An Beach, the beach front resort offers a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor venues with a total capacity of up to 1,500 guests. Whether for an executive workshop or a beachfront gala, Pullman Danang is ready to host events with style and substance. The perfect venue for any kind of event The resort's Lotus Ballroom provides a sophisticated setting for up to 500 guests, enhanced by advanced AV systems and a customizable 16-million-color LED lighting setup to bring any concept to life. For open-air occasions, the lush beachfront lawn and private beach area together accommodate up to 1,000 guests, offering breathtaking views and fresh coastal energy, ideal for evening celebrations, networking sessions, and incentive gatherings. Indeed, from strategic meetings to celebratory milestones, Pullman Danang Beach Resort is where business meets the beauty of Central Vietnam, setting a new standard for MICE experiences with purpose and personality. A taste of excellence Culinary excellence is at the heart of every event, so from interactive food stations to internationally inspired menus and local Vietnamese delicacies, the resort's F&B team curates experiences that are both memorable and tailored to each occasion, from a casual coffee break to a refined gala dinner. With a passionate team boasting over a decade of event expertise, Pullman Danang ensures smooth coordination, attentive service, and end-to-end support. Likewise, high-speed internet, hybrid meeting options, and professional technical assistance provide added assurance for seamless execution. As general manager Agnaldo Garibaldi puts it: "We offer not only a MICE service, we create a comprehensive, culturally inspired experience shaped by our beachside setting, local engagement, and proven organisational excellence."
Beyond boardrooms and broadcasts: key takeaways from the Singapore MICE Forum 2025
For MICE professionals, a great deal goes into the planning and execution of a successful event, and the team behind Singapore MICE Forum 2025 certainly pulled it off. But what is unique to the event's third live run in the post-COVID period is that this was no longer just a MICE event, but a business event geared towards MICE professionals, one that would help broaden their perspectives and, in turn, lead to the evolution of the way events are done in Singapore and beyond. SMF 2025 co-chair Adeline Lim shared: "Bringing in professionals from fields outside of the MICE experience was intentional. We'd like people to come and hear the insights shared from the outside. What they do next with the information they received during the forum is entirely up to them." Indeed, there is a great deal that MICE professionals could pick up from fields as diverse as sport and sports coverage, even heading straight to food and beverage and hospitality, many of which have interacted with or required the services of events experts. As the event has drawn to a close, we at Travel Daily Media share with you, our readers, the various key concepts presented throughout the course of SMF 2025. Lessons from the field Broaden your horizons and keep an open mind The beauty of this year's SMF was how the majority of panellists weren't from the MICE sector, but came instead from fields as far off as haute couture and comedy productions in order to show professionals a different way of doing things. Keeping an open mind also means becoming flexible, thus becoming more capable of dealing with evolving situations, especially given the uncertainty of today's world. Flexible thinking also trains individuals and organisations to think fast on their feet, especially necessary in the event that they encounter situations wherein they need to come up with solutions on the fly. While the brand is important, the people behind the brand are more important When it comes to events, building a recognisable brand that works is the key to ensure audience recall, as well as longevity. Think about it: the Oscars are one, the Olympics are another; in the contemporary context, we also have the likes of Paris Fashion Week and San Diego Comic-Con. But people tend to forget that these events weren't exactly a flash in the pan: they were built up over time by people who dedicated themselves to make them work. So, why not humanise a brand to make it more approachable, relatable, and memorable? MICE professionals can make this possible by sharing behind-the-scenes looks at their events on social media or build excitement up prior to an event with talking heads teasing the insights they intend to share onstage. This enables core audiences to appreciate the amount of effort that goes into bringing an event to life on top of building brand image and recall. Leverage the power of technology Love it or hate it, artificial intelligence (AI) is most probably here to stay; so why not get some good use out of it in the context of MICE? AI's applications for events are manifold: while admittedly imperfect, the technology can be used to transcribe oral interviews and panel discussions which, at the end of the event, may be condensed into an official summary for dissemination to participants via the official event website or social media accounts. At major international events like the Macau International Travel Expo and ITB China earlier this year, AI was also put to work for automatic translation: an especially useful addition given the global audience in attendance, many of whom had little to no understanding of the local lingua franca. Likewise, we are already seeing the extensive use of QR codes for fielding questions for speakers, holding polls throughout the duration of a session and revealing results as they come in, and getting post-event feedback from participants. Hardware matters when it comes to connectivity The necessary equipment for staging events now goes beyond microphones, projectors, sound systems, and lighting. Aside from projection screens on which to flash a speaker's presentation, today's events go the extra mile and offer live broadcast studios for podcasters and content creators, enabling them to share their experiences from the floor to their followers in real time. This aspect was an offshoot of the pandemic and led to the development of hybrid events, further expanding the scope of MICE in the post-pandemic era as they bring events to those who may not be able to attend in person. On a more mundane level, placing tablets with pre-installed applications or relevant content for the use of event participants also helps in boosting onsite interactivity. Make the most of your online presence I have personally noticed, particularly among corporate events in Asia, that related social media accounts tend to seem underutilised. Most of the time, social media tends to be used for pre-event marketing; hype-building, so to speak. However, MICE professionals should not discount the ability of their socials to amplify the total impact of their event. Thanks to app functions like Instagram Live and Facebook Live, organisers have the ability to bring a wider audience base to where the action is currently happening. At the same time, recordings posted after an event (even immediately after a session) can boost follower engagement on so many different levels, depending on whether these are full-length video footage or more easily digestible snippets or reels. Also, while they may be temporary, short-form stories posted on social media also give viewers the opportunity to be at an event if only for a fleeting moment; add a poll related to the content, and the event's engagement stands to grow at a significant rate. On to the next one... The post-mortem of any event is the time when both organisers and suppliers can look back and see the minutiae, so to speak, of what just came to pass. This part of the event brings up participant feedback, and this should always be interpreted in a positive light; a challenge, to be exact, to make the next event better. Indeed, as the organisers of SMF 2025 put it: the feedback, the notes, and the learnings are all there; what you as organisers, suppliers, or even participants do with all that is entirely up to you.
Tan: On Singapore MICE today and beyond
“I truly, truly believe in our MICE sector,” was the reassuring statement with which Singaporean Minister of Trade and Industry / National Development Alvin Tan greeted those assembled for the Singapore MICE Awards 2025 held on Thursday, 24th July, at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre. Tan said: “I've been here many years; but I truly, truly believe in our MICE sector. When I first started in office, I was assigned the portfolio for the MICE sector and it was a very, very different thing in a very, very different environment during the depths of COVID.” The minister lauded how the sector has had a renaissance over the past couple of years, and its turnaround is a solid testament to the efforts of sectoral professionals and the talent inherent in the industry. Given how this year’s Singapore MICE Forum centred around the theme What’s Next, Tan first called on the audience to reflect on what was going on in the present. He said: “Let's come to the present and reflect on what's happening now. (2:14) So what's now? As all of you already know, the global situation now is getting increasingly uncertain. With US tariffs, with hot conflicts, wars, economic uncertainty, now more than ever, Singapore must shine. The world must know that Singapore is a shining little red dot in a time of great uncertainty; a trusted place to do business, a trusted place to hold events.All of you here tonight are key to this effort.” No room for complacency Tan added that Singaporeans never rest on their laurels, and it is a constant cycle of refreshing offerings to remain relevant in the global experience. With that, he drew the conversation into what’s new in the Singapore MICE sector, and these include the hosting of three new events. Singapore is slated to host the Asian edition of some of Europe’s leading global trade shows, specifically Passenger Terminal Expo Asia and Breakbound Asia next year, and InnoTrans Asia in 2027. Tan opined: “What this shows is that these are really forefront events covering growing industries such as aviation, logistics and transport technology: areas that support Singapore's economic industries and our strengths. He added that the country will also host the Swift International Banking Operations Seminar (SIBOS) 2027. Tan said of this: “SIBOS further reinforces our status as a global financial hub, shaping the future of FinTech as well as economic collaboration. Then, we also recently secured rights to host the Milton Institute Asia Summit from 2026 to 2028. This again underscores the Milton Institute's confidence in Singapore's ability to facilitate discussions on sensitive topics such as geopolitical risks and economic uncertainties.” The minister pointed out that this innate ability to attract new events to Singapore is a testament to the local MICE industry's dedication to excellence and reputation. However, he reminded assembled professionals that there is a constant need to push boundaries even further. So, what’s next? Tan remarked that Singapore seeks to grow its MICE tourism receipts threefold from $1.4 billion in 2019 to $4.5 billion by 2040. He explained that both the government and private sector are aware that the global MICE market is projected to double in value, with the Asia-Pacific region as one of the fastest growing markets globally. In order to succeed in this vastly growing market, Tan presented several key points for development: Quality tourism Quality tourism is a key principle that has shaped Singapore’s Tourism 2040 roadmap. What needs to be done is to grow tourism receipts faster than the rate of international visitor arrivals. As the country pursues high growth segments, the importance of its MICE industry has grown significantly, hence the need to attract more MICE visitors who stand to spend double in Singapore than in any of its regional neighbours; A greater emphasis on local talent People are at the heart of every MICE experience, and behind every successful MICE event. Tan said: “Whether you start at 5.30 in the morning, and those who are cleaning up after today's dinner, these are all dedicated professionals that deliver these experiences. That's why we must continually identify, grow and develop talent for our industry;” Focus on partnerships In the Singapore MICE industry, if one succeeds, then others succeed. The benefits to one part of the ecosystem can uplift the entire industry, which is why the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has been working with SACEOS and the Singapore Business Federation to draw the industry closer. Indeed, as of April 2025, STB and SBF signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen the local MICE ecosystem and expand the pool of local hosts for association conferences. This includes identifying and supporting local trade associations to bid and host world-class business events in Singapore; and Focus on going green and boosting technological innovation With regard to sustainable MICE, Tan reported that Singapore has made progress towards its goal of having all six purpose-built MICE venues and ensuring that 80 percent of SACEOS members obtain internationally or nationally recognised sustainability certification. To date, four of Singapore’s six MICE venues have attained the relevant certifications. With regard to technological innovation, he lauded the industry’s use of the latest tools with which to plan its events and how this will serve as a gateway for even more developments over time.
Four collaborative agreements signed at Singapore MICE Forum
Four collaborative agreements that could have a significant impact on the MICE sector in Singapore and beyond were signed today, 24th July, at Singapore MICE Forum 2025. These agreements ran the spectrum from the creation of a new business event accelerator, to enhancements to related tertiary academic programmes, to bringing sustainability training and certification overseas. As such, these will go a long way towards improving human resources as well as sustainability initiatives within the sector. Cultivating concepts at home The first of these agreements was signed between the Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (SACEOS) and the Singapore Tourism Board for the creation of BEInspiredSG, a new business event incubator and accelerator that aims to grow high-quality business event concepts and support industry talent through mentorship and resources. Asccording to STB executive director for exhibitions and conferences Poh Chi Chuan: "BEInspiredSG marks a strategic step forward in the way we drive growth in Singapore's MICE industry, creating and cultivating homegrown concepts aligned with Singapore’s key economic clusters to help them scale sustainably.' Poh added that the pilot programme harnesses the collective wisdom of Singapore's events industry: combining SACEOS' mentorship, market feasibility studies, and STB's support to develop the capabilities of local players in running impactful international events. By doing so, the country may strengthen its position as the World’s Best MICE City. Other key signings SACEOS – Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) This agreement seeks to incorporate an event sustainability module in SUSS’ BSc Events Management curriculum. SUSS – International Association of Exhibitions & Events (IAEE): SUSS' second signing aims to enhance its Bachelor of Science Events Management programme with an internationally recognised Certified in Exhibition Management certification. NTUC LearningHub – Earth Productions This agreement will expands NTUC LHUB’s Certified Event Sustainability (CES) Programme to Hong Kong and Macau. Witnessed by SACEOS president Richard Ireland, the agreement fuses NTUC LHUB's strength as Singapore's leading provider of continuing education and training with regional insights regarding sustainability, event consultation, and management from Earth Production's experts
Singapore MICE Forum opens the conversation on the sector’s future
With over 300 participants coming in from Singapore and beyond, the Singapore MICE Forum 2025 opened conversations on what's next in a changing world at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre today, 24th July. MICE professionals and those from a diverse range of industries were encouraged to ponder the theme What's Next in the face of evolving technologies, sectoral innovation, and increasingly complicated geopolitical situations in Asia and beyond. Richard Ireland, president of the Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (SACEOS) formally opened the event by addressing the assembly together with SMF co-chairs Adeline Lim and Dylan Sharma. Lim said of the event: "Everything is new this year: new speakers, new formats, no coffee breaks. But you're not going to want to miss a single minute of this." Sharma said: "You'll hear many different things. You'll hear people talking about things that you don't hear at a normal MICE conference. But the true value of your participation is through the value that you extract for yourself and for what's best and what's next for your organisations." Going live for a third time The 2025 event is SMF's third live edition in the post-pandemic era. As such, the event has made the most of the Great Reset of 2023 even as the industry sought to return to normalcy. If the 2024 event celebrated the moments of momentum that make the MICE sector, this year ponders the question of what comes next. For the team behind SMF, answering that question calls for interaction not just within the MICE sector, but with professionals from other sectors and industries. As Sharma puts it: "I think we've really positioned this as a business event for the MICE industry, as opposed to a MICE event. We're going to be talking about a very broad range of issues you typically will not hear at a MICE conference." This was intentional as those from other sectors have a great deal to teach those in MICE and vice-versa. With that in mind, it did not come as a surprise that iconic Singaporean hotelier and thought leader KP Ho, founder of the Banyan Group led in the discussions. Ho set the pace for the day's discussions as he spoke of being open to change and innovation, as well of flexibility to adjust, thrive, and grow further, especially in such challenging times it what is rapidly being acknowledged as the Asian Century.
Singapore MICE Forum makes a splash as it welcomes delegates
The Singapore MICE Forum dove right into What's Next as it welcomed delegates to its opening reception at the new Singapore Oceanarium at Resorts World Sentosa on the evening of 23rd July. The welcome reception was sponsored by One World Rentals Singapore which specialises in digital devices and IT paraphernalia for events. The cool backdrop of marine archaeology and live aquariums was a fitting setting for an event that seeks to discuss current trends and the future of the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) in Singapore and beyond. Indeed, even as it officially opens to the public today, 24th July, the Oceanarium's new event spaces are piquing the interest of everyone from academic institutions to global haute couture brands. SMF co-chair Adeline Lim A warm welcome in a cool setting Adeline Lim, co-chair for this year's forum, was on hand to warmly welcome guests and to advise them that the upcoming discussions would be filled with key insights for the industry and to build contacts among professionals. For his part, One World Rentals' regional manager for the Asia Pacific Mike Day remarked that this year's theme is all about what's next for the MICE, expressing an interest to discuss new innovations and how the professional community could work to transform these into real solutions. Day added: "There has been a lot of change whether it's the focus on environmentally-friendly events or virtual reality. COVID, of course, created the pivot to virtual and hybrid events and now there will be a lot of discussions surrounding AI and its integration within the MICE industry." The Singapore MICE Forum and the Singapore MICE Awards will both be held later today at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre at the Marina Bay Sands.
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