 Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) today announced a launch of its new brand marketing communication campaign “Thailand: Redefine Your Business Events”. The new campaign has prompted the bureau to redefine its role as an industry’s partner for success. Tapping into the growing opportunities from the country’s economic development landscape and the expansion of Asia market, TCEB is committed to promoting Thailand’s position as a hub of ASEAN MICE.
Mrs Nichapa Yoswee, Senior Vice President of TCEB, said that Asia has been a fast-growing market for Thailand’s MICE industry supported by remarkable growth rates of MICE travellers from ASEAN and CLMV Countries which increased 35% and 100% respectively. In addition, Asia is predicted to be a primary source market for the Meeting & Incentives Sector in 2019 powered by a rising trend of corporate travels in China, and the growth of travellers from India and Indonesia which are predicted at 11.3% and 8.7% respectively. However, the global MICE market is changing with influences from social and technological developments. The upcoming trends are such as: an increasing focus on MICE activities that enhance active learning, and abilities to broaden fresh perspective and being adaptive; a development of online applications which assist event organisers to manage the show and enhance delegate’s engagement, and a rising numbers of shows from new sectors such as Health and Wellness, Robotic Innovations and Start-up. To take advantage of these global trends, TCEB has defined marketing strategies for 2019 which focus on four areas:
For the fiscal year 2019, TCEB estimated that Thailand will welcome 1,419,890 overseas business travellers generating 130,200 million baht in revenue to the country. The forecast is based on TCEB’s proactive marketing strategies which are aimed at attracting more numbers of mega-sized events and premium MICE groups. Also, TCEB has developed a series of supporting tools to enhance experiences for international delegates. Plus, funding programs are offered to attract new events and upgrade existing events. Meanwhile, the bureau is introducing incentives packages such as Exhibiz in Market program to raise the sale of exhibition space, and ASEAN + 6 Privilege to boost show visitors from target countries.
Event technology collaborative, The Event Tech Tribe showcases its new innovations at IMEX USA 2018. Venue booking software, Meetingselect is making their US debut at IMEX, having joined the Event Tech Tribe earlier in the year. Established in 2007, Meetingselect is currently recognized as the world's largest independent meetings distribution system and online venue booking tool. The Netherlands based company will be integrating with all existing Tribe products as part of the expanding suite of integrated solutions offered. The award-winning venue booking software certainly meets the ‘best-in-craft’ standard required to join the Tribe. Not only have they received numerous awards recognizing them technically but their people also personify the best-in-craft philosophy: “Of course we’re 100% committed to creating the newest technology in our niche, but we spend a great deal of time building deep relationships and direct connections with our venue partners around the world - getting the best response times in the market,” explained Meetingselect co-founder, Judith Huisman, who is listed as the number one female entrepreneur in the Deloitte Fast 50 alongside her co-founder Anouk Roohé, and was nominated as EY Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year 2017. “Our long history in the hospitality industry means we understand planner and marketer requirements innately and love to help them solve what’s typically their first challenge, sourcing the best venue,” she adds. The Event Tech Tribe soared in popularity throughout 2017 as a result of its unique balance of independence, collaboration, and innovation. Each Tribe company constantly updates and enhances products to ensure they promise the best-in-craft experience to customers. TRC, a founding Tribe member, is using IMEX USA to launch their latest innovation - ‘TRCBLE’ - a Bluetooth powered attendance tracking system. “TRCBLE’- pronounced ‘trackable’, is the most advanced attendance tracking solution on the market,” says founding Tribe leader, Greg Lazzaro of TRC. “So it makes sense to launch at the most popular event for events people!” TRCBLE relies on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons—which are small plastic squares, literally the size of a matchbook—that attendees carry with them on the event badge lanyards. Their movement is then tracked by custom Bluetooth readers which require no power source (i.e., unwieldy extension cords looping over and under carpets) and no internet connection. The data is aggregated in TRC’s proprietary online system and ultimately delivered to planners in a visual dashboard, providing unmatched behavioral data and predictive analytics. Singapore Changi Airport registered 5.68 million passenger movements in August 2018, a 7.9% year-on-year increase. Aircraft movements rose 3.6% to 32,890 landings and takeoffs, while airfreight throughput grew 1.8% to reach 184,000 tonnes, compared to the same period last year.
For the month of August, passenger traffic was boosted by growth across all regions. Traffic to and from Oceania achieved a double-digit increase (+10%) for the first time this year, recording over 570,000 passenger movements. Europe (+22%) and South Asia (+13%) also posted robust growth. Among Changi’s top ten markets, nine recorded higher traffic. Melbourne (+16%), Sydney (+13%) and Manila (+12%) were among the cities which registered double-digit growth. As at 1 September 2018, more than 100 airlines operate at Changi Airport, connecting Singapore to some 400 cities in about 100 countries and territories worldwide. With more than 7,200 weekly scheduled flights, an aircraft takes off or lands at Changi roughly once every 80 seconds. Meanwhile, Changi Airport expands its worldwide connectivity as it welcomed the arrival of SF Airlines from Shenzhen, China on 4 September. SF Airlines is the first Chinese express airline to launch freighter services between Singapore and China. Its weekly service increases capacity on the Singapore-Shenzhen route by 16%. On 15 September, IndiGo launched daily services from Kolkata and Tiruchirapalli, operating the airline’s first services from the two cities to Singapore. Today, Changi Airport is connected to 16 cities in India via about 260 weekly services. Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) announced its performances over 13 years of establishment at the Thailand MICE Forum 2018: Redefining Our Industry. The bureau reported that more than one trillion baht of the MICE revenue has been generated to Thailand’s economy. Since TCEB’s establishment, Thailand has been hosting 20 international MICE events per a year through the bureau's successful bids while supports have been granted to more than 5,000 MICE events in Thailand and overseas. During the forum, TCEB also announced the reform of its strategies in three parts to promote the sustainable MICE industry in the fiscal year 2019.
Dr. Atchaka Sibunruang, Chairman of the Board of Directors, TCEB, said "The statistics form 2017 showed that TCEB and operators in the MICE industry had created a positive impact on the Thailand’s economy in different aspects. MICE expenditure stood as high as 231,200 million baht, contributing 173,000 million baht, or 1.1%, to the country's GDP. The contribution rate of MICE to the country’s GDP is comparable to Singapore. Meanwhile, in the same year, the industry has contributed 21,600 million baht of tax and created as many as 167,300 jobs". In terms of the global ranking, the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) in 2017 have rated Thailand the fifth Convention Destination in Asia by numbers of conventions, and the seventh Exhibition Destination in Asia by exhibitions space sold. The country ranked the top spot in ASEAN countries for both rankings. According to TCEB, in first three-quarter of the fiscal year 2018, Thailand has welcomed 25,291,439 MICE travellers generating 154,779 million baht in revenue to the country. Into 2019 and beyond, TCEB will continue to strengthen its support for Thailand 4.0 Policy by adapting technology and innovation to develop MICE industry, enhance MICE activities in different regions especially in the secondary cities in order to encourage income distribution, raise the industry enthusiasm, and speed up process for the Ease of Doing Business to promote and facilitate MICE operators. TCEB's new operation guidelines will focus on three significant areas: 1) Generate Income and economic development; 2) Develop MICE industry through innovation; 3) Distribute wealth across all sectors of society. "The change of operation guideline enables TCEB to reform its tasks and roles by focusing on the joint effort which truly dedicates to the industry, creatively make a difference, and establish the partnership to drive the growth of MICE industry. In the fiscal year of 2019, Thailand is projected to welcome 40,356,337 MICE travellers with projected revenue at 228,627 million baht. Of those projected figures, 1,419,890 are International MICE travellers generating 130,200 million baht in revenue, while 38,936,447 are domestic MICE travellers generating 98,427 million baht in revenue to Thailand," said Dr. Atchaka.  Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is moving forward to leverage MICE venues to achieve ASEAN venue standards. Highlighting the role of Thailand as the leader of regional MICE standard development, TCEB has a high hope to equalise regional venue standards in regard to compete on a global scale.
Mr Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President of TCEB, disclosed that this year, TCEB, as the representative of Thailand, has continued to empower Thai MICE industry on ASEAN stage, and have prepared to propose the direction of standardisation for Exhibition Venue category under ASEAN MICE Venue Standards - AMVS at the meeting held during 13-15 September 2018, at Centara Grand at CentralWorld. In 2016, ASEAN agreed to use Thailand’s MICE venue standard as ASEAN venue standards. Consequently, member countries have begun to implement the standards in meetings room category. Currently, Thailand has the highest number of MICE venues certified with ASEAN MICE Venue Standards - AMVS, compared to other ASEAN countries. The total of 13 AMVS-certified venues across Thailand comprises:
Countries certified with ASEAN MICE Venue Standards (AMVS) are as follows: Brunei 3 venues / Cambodia 5 venues / Indonesia 5 venues / Laos 5 venues / Malaysia 5 venues / Myanmar 5 venues / Philippines 5 venues / Singapore 4 venues / Vietnam 5 venues / and Thailand 13 venues. Thailand Convention and Exhibitions Bureau (TCEB) introduced its 2017 global communication campaign “Thailand CONNECT Your Vibrant Journey to Business Success” to international MICE delegates and press members at the recent IT&CM Asia and CTW Asia-Pacific 2016.
The 2017 brand communication campaign followed the footstep of last year’s “Thailand CONNECT… Our Heart Your World”. The concept of “Thailand CONNECT Your Vibrant Journey to Business Success” is aimed to further strengthen the recognition among the international business community that Thailand is a premier MICE destination at the HEART of ASEAN and a leading MICE destination of the world with the quality of destinations, venues, facilities and professional services on par with international standard. Ms. Parichat Svetasreni, Director of Marketing and Corporate Image of TCEB revealed that, “The strategic direction to promote Thailand’s MICE industry is in response to the government policy of reinforcing international image in Thailand especially boosting the vibrancy of the country’s MICE industry. Business events travellers will find many destinations in Thailand with its own distinct charisma and characteristics. Each destination is embraced with its exciting allure, myriad business opportunities with government support, accommodation and infrastructure of the highest standards, and experienced, adaptable event professionals, and spontaneous Thai hospitality”. “Thailand CONNECT Your Vibrant Journey to Business Success” continues to build on the strong legacy of the three fundamental pillars of Thailand’s MICE industry including (1) Destinations (2) Business and (3) People, by showcasing the best of all three elements. The three key pillars of Thailand’s MICE industry include: 1. DESTINATIONS OF THAILAND. Exploring vibrant destinations embraced with vivid inspirations, highlighting three key attributes, which include:
2. BUSINESS IN THAILAND. Embarking on the resourceful Thailand with vital business collaborations for worldwide opportunities, highlighting three key attributes, which include:
3. PEOPLE OF THAILAND. Engaging passionate professionals with a touch of Thai vibrancy. Thailand’s MICE professionals are more than ready to service the needs of any business events and make any business journey a vibrant journey, highlighting three key attributes, which include:
In 2017 Thailand expects to welcome a total of 1,109,000 business events travellers, an increase from 1,060,000 in 2016 and earning the Thai economy a total of 101 billion baht (US$ 2,900 million), or up from 92 billion baht (US$ 2,600 million) in 2016. In 2017, Thailand continues to successfully attract major business events to the country such as the 10th International Petroleum Technology Conference with 2,500 delegates; the 10th International Convention of Asia Scholars (ICAS) with 2,000 delegates; VIV Asia 2017 with 30,000 delegates; Bangkok Entertainment Week 2017 with 700,000 participants and many more.
 The exhibition floor and full-fledged education programme at IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific 2016 kicked off on 27 September 2016. This year, more than ever before, 18 National Tourism Organisations (NTOs), Convention Visitor Bureaus (CVBs), corporates, and various organisations have snapped up close to 30 captive engagement sessions. The exclusively-branded platforms that include media briefings, destination presentations, and social networking functions, allow hosts and sponsors to effectively introduce their brands and destinations to their target delegate profiles.
IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific’s results-proven, integrated marketing approach has stimulated brands to invest beyond individual business appointments. The invaluable exposure that exposes buyers and media to new or updated product solutions that they might not have otherwise considered, make these tailored outreach platforms a worthwhile investment. Ralf Ostendorf, Visit Berlin’s Director of Market Management for Asia, Australia, and Middle East explained the motivation behind their hosted luncheon for 32 Asia-based buyers. “We were interested in finding a different way to further strengthen our network in Asia, so we decided to return as an exhibitor and come in as a first-time sponsor. The added value and targeted engagement from pre-selecting the buyers we wanted really gave us the opportunity to present our destination and show our buyers what Berlin has to offer. This gave us the exact audience we were seeking.” The return of previous year’s sponsors is also testimony to the efficacy of such platforms in achieving the necessary preliminary awareness that precedes procurement interest. It further supports the business generation front by raising potential future conversions. HRS’ Ewa Cyman, Regional Sales Manager (Hotels), Asia-Pacific, said, “Our previous years as CTW Asia-Pacific coffee break sponsors have been very beneficial as it enabled us to foster a closer relationship with our buyers on a more casual, open level. Leveraging on the various events and sponsorship spaces gave us the opportunity to share our value propositions and end-to-end solutions with our corporate clients.” Other engagement session headliners include Busan, Chiang Mai, Dubai, Fukuoka, India, Malaysia, Monaco, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Airbnb, Carey International, JW Marriott, Oakwood Worldwide®, Royal Caribbean International, Worldwide Cruise Associates & Celebrity Cruise Lines.  The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau or TCEB organises the ASEAN Conference on MICE in Collaboration with UNWTO to enable a dialogue aimed at leveraging knowledge and policy exchange, and driving regional ties towards the mutually beneficial goal of accommodating MICE travellers from around the globe. The bureau is also committed to the 10-Year ASEAN Tourism Strategy (2016-2025) as a framework to enable sustainable growth, and empower Thailand's position as a high quality MICE destination.
Mr Nopparat Maythaveekulchai, President of TCEB said that, "Promotion of the Thai MICE industry in line with the 20-Year National Strategic Plan (2017-2036) prioritises collaboration among ASEAN member countries and world-leading organisations. Since 2015, TCEB has become as affiliate member of the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) to establish connections and be part of a global network, stimulating support for the MICE sector. For the first time in Thailand, the ASEAN Conference on MICE in Collaboration with UNWTO is being held as part of the ASEAN strategy to provide a platform to help raise awareness and showcase the important role the MICE industry plays in the region among ASEAN leaders. The inaugural conference will also provide opportunities for exchange of knowledge and experience, bridging connections and collaboration in ASEAN, especially to improve the quality and standard of infrastructure and facilities to accommodate the needs of MICE travellers from around the globe, right here in Southeast Asia. Additionally, the activity, which will draw more than 270 delegates from public and private organisations as well as MICE operators from across the region, will help promote Thailand as a high quality MICE destination in ASEAN." Ms Wiparat Tharateerapab, Director of Government and Corporate Affairs, TCEB, revealed that the vision for The 10-Year ASEAN Tourism Strategy (2016-2025) is “By 2025, ASEAN will be a quality tourism & MICE destination offering a unique, diverse ASEAN experience, and will be committed to responsible, sustainable, inclusive and balanced tourism development, so as to contribute significantly to the socioeconomic well-being of ASEAN people.” To work towards the vision, TCEB has equipped the Thai MICE industry with preparedness in two directions: 1. To Enhance The Competitiveness of ASEAN As A Single MICE Destination by 1) Intensify Promotion And Marketing; 2) Diversify Tourism Products; 3) Attract MICE Investments; 4) Raise Capacity and Capability of Tourism Human Capital; 5) Implement and Expand ASEAN MICE Standards for Facilities, Services And Destinations; 6) Implement and Expand Connectivity and Destination Infrastructure; and 7) Enhance Travel Facilitation 2. To Ensure That ASEAN Tourism Is Sustainable And Inclusive such as 1) Upgrade Local Communities and Public-Private Sector Participation in the Tourism Value Chain; 2) Ensure Safety and Security, Prioritize Protection and Management of Heritage Sites; and 3) Increase Responsiveness to Environmental Protection and Climate Change. For the first time in Thailand, the ASEAN Conference on MICE in Collaboration with UNWTO is held as part of the ASEAN strategy to provide a platform to help raise awareness and showcase the important role the MICE industry plays in the region among ASEAN leaders. The inaugural conference will also provide opportunities for exchange of knowledge and experience, bridging connections and collaboration in ASEAN, especially to improve the quality and standard of infrastructure and facilities to accommodate the needs of MICE travellers from around the globe, right here in Southeast Asia. Additionally, the activity, which will draw more than 270 delegates from public and private organisations as well as MICE operators from across the region, will help promote Thailand as a high quality MICE destination in ASEAN. "To drive the MICE sector, TCEB can be beneficial to the ASEAN Strategy's regional direction of helping identify policy, targets, and strategic directions in line with regional dynamism. Previously, Thailand has worked closely with the ASEAN MICE Working Group in a wide variety of ways, but our proudest moment as a nation was at the 43rd Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers in Manila, the Philippines, where the ASEAN MICE Venue Standard, was included as part of the 10-Year ASEAN Tourism Strategy, and Thailand was appointed to help drive the standardisation. The ASEAN MICE Venue Standard was developed out of the Thailand MICE Venue Standard, which was the world's first standard dedicated to MICE venues. Moreover, we are looking forward to collaborating to move ASEAN MICE forward, ranging from marketing and promotions, to product and service development, to capability building among MICE professionals. ASEAN member countries have to work together to achieve our mutual goals in each of these areas," Mr Nopparat concluded. As host of the World Tourism Day in Thailand on 27-28 September 2016, TCEB cordially invited a top executive from the UNWTO, Mr Xu Jing, Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific to provide opening remarks, which underlined that the meetings industry in the last several decades helped speed up growth of the global tourism sector effectively, while stimulating the world economy through job creation, revenue generation, and investments. Moreover, the meetings industry also helped encourage travel all year round, as well as foster opportunities for professional networking and knowledge exchange. Reflecting the fast-growing facets of the MICE industry in this region, Mr Xu Jing also disclosed that by 2018, ASEAN will be able to welcome more than 12 million MICE visitors, out of a total of 119 million travellers from around the globe. The ASEAN Conference also served as a platform to help enable a dialogue aimed at leveraging knowledge and policy exchange, and driving growth within the region. Additionally, the UNWTO also plans to release the second edition of the Asia-Pacific MICE Industry Report in the near future. The ASEAN Conference on MICE in Collaboration with UNWTO is scheduled for 28 September 2016, with key attendants including Mr Xu Jing, Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, UNWTO, and Mr Igor Stefanovic, representative from UNWTO, who will be presenting a special session on the Role of Accessibility towards Competitive Advantage on MICE. Panel discussions with well-respected speakers from Thailand and around the world will also be held, including Dr Porametee Vimolsiri, Secretary-General of the Office of the National  Live Painter Sarah Rowan Dahl with MC Rob Carlton The first Australian Event Awards to be held on the Sunshine Coast kicked off with a bang on Wednesday evening, setting the stage for a night of celebration as over 300 people from across the country gathered to recognise the best events in Australia and achievements by Australians in the worldwide events industry.
Amongst this year's winners was a balance of Event Awards veterans and first time finalists. Byron Bay Bluesfest, Margaret River Gourmet Escape, Mumbrella360 and Santos Tour Down Under all took home gongs to add to their collections, for Best Regional Event, Visit Sunshine Coast Best Tourism Event, CIM Magazine Best Meeting or Conference and Best Sporting Event respectively. Meanwhile, Shane International Events & Entertainment were thrilled to win Best Achievement in Entertainment with their first entry into the Awards for their work on The Magical Gift of Mother Earth at the 2015 Royal Adelaide Show, and DG Global made a stunning Event Awards debut, taking home both Event Producer of the Year and Event Management Company of the Year. The Australian Event Awards recognise the best of the national events industry, regardless of event size, audience or purpose. 23 categories were presented at this year’s ceremony, awarding the best events and achievements between 1 July 2015 and 30 June 2016. The Awards will be held on the Sunshine Coast again in 2017 and 2018 after Visit Sunshine Coast and Sunshine Coast Council won a nationwide bidding process in early 2016 to bring the Awards to the coast. 2016 marks the first time the Awards have been held in a regional area since they were founded in 2009. Visit the website for full list of Winners and Finalists by category. |
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