The International Meetings, Conventions, and Exhibitions Market (IT&CMA) and Corporate Travel World (CTW) APAC’s 2023 forums commenced with an array of knowledge sessions aimed at revolutionizing the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry. From examining the positive influences of tourism partnerships on local Thai communities to the burgeoning cruise industry, the forums explored various vital topics.
Connecting Minds, Enhancing Local Communities.
The opening keynote on September 26 illuminated the transformative power of MICE partnerships in bolstering local Thai communities. Not only have these partnerships channelled tourism spending into grassroots projects, but they have also resulted in fruitful collaborations with governmental bodies.
Digging Deeper into Community Involvement.
Following the keynote, a fireside chat took a closer look at how business events could benefit host cities. The discussion emphasized the crucial role that business meetings and events play in urban development and improving the quality of life for residents and enterprises alike.
Navigating the Resurgence of MICE Cruises.
Coinciding with the opening day, a special session dubbed “CruiseXchange by IT&CMA” delved into the post-pandemic renaissance of the cruise industry. The session navigated the challenges and opportunities posed by the cruise industry’s integration into the MICE sector.
Creating Innovative Meeting Spaces on Cruise Ships.
A subsequent panel discussed the novel prospects that next-generation cruise ships bring to the MICE industry. The panellists focused on the creative facilities offered by these vessels and how event planners could collaborate with cruise lines to design unforgettable land-based programs.
Reconciling Corporate and Employee Desires in Incentive Travel.
On September 27, the ASEAN MICE Forum, hosted by the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE), revealed a divergence in what corporations and qualifiers desire from incentive travel experiences. The discussion was fueled by research conducted in 2022 and 2023, aiming to bridge the gap between corporate expectations and individual needs.
Spotlight on Sustainability and Community Empowerment.
The following day, another session addressed the significance of focusing on sustainability and community engagement. It explored how wellness investments and a commitment to local traditions could enrich the MICE industry and local communities.
Crafting the Future of Associations.
An Association Day Forum hosted by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) offered a fertile ground for industry leaders to chart future growth strategies. The conversation concentrated on fostering member engagement and innovative practices to navigate an ever-evolving landscape.
Steering Business Travel Towards Sustainability.
On September 27, the CTW Conference delved into the urgent need for decarbonizing business travel. It presented inventive strategies built upon Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles to construct a more sustainable future for the industry.
For additional information, visit IT&CMA’s official website.
By bringing together industry leaders, professionals, and policymakers, the IT&CMA and CTW APAC 2023 forums aim to reshape the future of the MICE and business travel sectors in a sustainable, community-focused manner.
Written by: Anne Keam


















