In a dazzling debut that has reshaped the landscape of the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry, the Meetings Show Asia Pacific launched its first-ever event at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. This landmark occasion, held on April 17-18, 2024, has quickly become the talk of the region, drawing more than 1,000 industry professionals from across the globe.

Organized by the renowned Northstar Travel Group, the show featured a stunning array of over 160 exhibitors, including destination bureaus, luxury hotels, cutting-edge technology providers, and other key industry suppliers. The event was rich with educational sessions led by top-tier influencers, a Technology Campfire Showcase, networking receptions, and an impressive schedule of nearly 5,000 meticulously curated business appointments.

Northstar Travel Group’s David Blansfield, Bob Sullivan and Jason Young; Singapore Tourism Board’s Yap Chin Siang; MBS’ Tane Picken; STB’s Chi Chuan Poh.

David Blansfield, Executive Vice President and Group Publisher at Northstar Travel Group, captured the sentiment of the event: “The Meetings Show Asia Pacific represents a watershed moment for the MICE industry both regionally and globally. It’s unprecedented to witness such a gathering of influential professionals in one dynamic Asian hub, collaborating and driving forward best practices.”

The global MICE community was well represented, with participation from significant associations like the Global MICE Collaborative, which includes Meetings Professional International (MPI), the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE), and the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE). The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), and the Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS) also contributed significantly to the educational offerings.

One of the highlights of the conference was its focus on future trends affecting the MICE industry, such as the global economic rebound in tourism, the impact of geopolitical tensions, advances in technology, including augmented and extended reality, and the influence of Generation Z on the workforce. Moreover, the show emphasized luxury experiences, event marketing innovations, and sustainable wellness practices, setting a new standard in the industry.

Business meetings at TMS APAC 2024.

Adding to its innovative streak, the show introduced the Snapsight™ tool, a pioneering AI content analysis and translation technology developed by Gevme. This tool is set to revolutionize how MICE industry insights are shared globally.

Ong Wee Min, Vice President of Sales and MICE at Marina Bay Sands, highlighted the networking and sourcing opportunities the event presented: “This inaugural edition was a perfect stage to introduce our new Wellness in MICE programme and underline our commitment to sustainability, which is increasingly important to delegates.”

The Meetings Show Asia Pacific is already scheduled to return to Singapore on April 23-24, 2025, promising to build on this year’s success and continue fostering essential industry connections.

For more details about the Meetings Show Asia Pacific, visit their website or contact Whey Whey Ng at the Northstar Travel Group.

Written by: Octavia Koo

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