2010

E & MICE is known for its international profile of exhibitors. This year, the total number of exhibitors of the exhibition increased 2.5% to 625. They came from 46 countries and regions, with 16 of them from Asia, 13 from Europe, 5 from the Middle East, and the rest from Africa, Americas, Oceania, and the Pacific.

Amid uncertainties in the world economy, the 24th edition of ITE and the 5th edition of ITE MICE were held successfully. There were more exhibitors, more trade and public visitors, and a recorded number of newly participating countries and regions. Also new were a Geo-park theme pavilion on eco-tourism, and several new official participations and pavilions by tourism authorities mostly from Europe and the Middle East.

The number of trade and corporate buyers and visitors including those from local, mainland China and abroad rose by 2% to 11,464, pre-registrations for all corporate travel seminars 35% to around 1,200, while training seminar by the Asia cruise association was 50% over-subscribed. Public visitors this year increased by 7% to 68,900. Findings of previous surveys indicate some 70% of all public visitors preferred traveling in FIT.

MICE writers and editors with representatives of Thailand Convention Exhibition Bureau during a
visit to Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.

A group of MICE writers and editors from Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan and Vietnam were invited by Thailand Convention Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) to witness first hand the return of the exhibitions industry in Bangkok. Members of the media were brought to view and walk through two major exhibitions – ProPak Asia 2010 held at BITEC and Asian Paper 2010 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. Situation in Bangkok has now returned to normal and the Royal Thai government is working hard with other authorities to reinforce Thailand’s reputation as a globally preferred destination for MICE activities, as well as bolstering the country’s MICE industry.

Supawan Teerarat, TCEB’s exhibition director has this to say, “The long term economic impact of the protests on the country as a whole is expected to be limited, with latest forecast anticipating 4.5 percent GDP growth this year, an increase from its 3.5 percent forecast last December. This reflects the strong confidence that Thailand remains the globally preferred exhibition destinations, and as the top destination in ASEAN.” This was demonstrated by Bangkok playing host to three major exhibitions in June. According to TCEB, the recent protests have not had a significant impact on the exhibitions industry.

IT&CMA 2010 sees returning exhibitors pledging substantial increase in their participation. National Convention and Exhibition Bureaus such as Thailand, Brunei Indonesia, Seoul and Korea have committed to larger floor spaces of 20% to 50%.

“The increased participation affirms Asia-Pacific’s desire to further expand the MICE industry in Asia. Choosing IT&CMA is testimony of their confidence that the event can deliver superior business prospects,” acknowledges Darren Ng, managing director of TTG Asia Media, the organiser of IT&CMA and CTW 2010. With some five months to the event in October 5 to 7, IT&CMA 2010 has sold more than 90% of its exhibition space.

Confidence in the show remains buoyant despite the recent challenges in Bangkok. “The safety and welfare of our delegates are our utmost priority. As normalcy returns to Thailand we are confident that the event will be staged with minimal disruption,” assures Darren Ng. Long-standing partner Thailand Convention and Exhibitions Bureau (TCEP) have also re-affirmed their support and commitment to making IT&CMA and CTW 2010 a success.

The team remains positive that industry demand will spur IT&CMA and CTW 2010 to out perform last year’s sales and delegate numbers. In addition to exhibitor bookings, the organisers have received more than 500 applications from interested buyers, corporate travel managers and media to date. These numbers are set to increase as marketing efforts heighten in the run-up to the event. Registrations for IT&CMA and CTW 2010 can be made at www.itcma.com www.corporatetravelworld.com respectively.

Grand Prix Formula 1 “fever” is on in Kuala Lumpur. The Pavilion, Malaysia’s premier shopping destination held a press conference to announce what is in store in celebration of the Grand Prix (GP).

Pavilion Pit stop promises three days of excitment which includes dining specials, racing themed entertainment, fashion show and Champagne party. For shoppers, there are shopping discounts from several of the retail outlets and an opporunity to meet the Grand Prix drivers. At the main entrance of shopping venue are on display a Formula 1 racing car. Fashion enthisiasts can look forward to the Pavilion night of fashion and glamour on the red carpet.

The Kuala Lumpur Pavilion is located in the heart of the city along the thriving Bukit Bintang shopping district. It houses the best of the international retail brands, as well as food and beverage offering a lifestyle experience.

Malaysia’s most popular singer, Shiela Majid sitting on a Formula 1 car.

A Fashion show at the Kuala Lumpur Pavilion shopping centre.

Julia Douglas with Nikola Hassan, Public Relations Manager of Kuala Lumpur Pavilion.

In conjunction with the official opening of Pullman Kuching, the hotel hosted a dinner for guests, clients and the media. It was held at the Colosseum ballroom of the hotel.

Entertainment was provided by the Chinatown Shanghai specially flown in from Shanghai, China. Reigniting the fun and fantasy of Shanghai’s 1930’s heyday is Chinatown created by veteran entertainer Norman Gosney and dancer cum actress Amelia Kallman. The troupe presented a mix of cabaret, vaudeville and broadway live variety show.

The Colosseum is a ballroom measuring 1,615 square metres that can accommodate up to 1,500 people for a sit-down banquet and 3,000 people for cocktail reception.

Chinatown Shanghai girls on stage at the Colosseum, Pullman Kuching.

The troupe with Julia Douglas.

Welcome to the show.

Pullman brand hotel was officially opened by Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, Chief Minister of Sarawak on March 16 at the lobby. It is the second Accor Pullman hotel in Malaysia and the first in Kuching, Sarawak. Strategically located in the city’s commercial business district called the “golden triangle” and atop the hill of Jalan Mathies, a mere 20 minutes drive from the international airport.

The hotel is outfitted with a total of 389 spacious guest rooms. Opening of the hotel in Kuching was timely, as it will allow the Pullman to position itself for the growing meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) sector in Sarawak.

Chinese lion dance troupe waiting for the arrival of guests.

Guests at the official opening held at the lobby of the hotel.

A “lion” greeting Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and VVIP guests.

Drumming away to bring in good fengshui (luck) to the hotel.

The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Asia Pacific organised a get-together of members and friends. It was organised by Noor Ahmad Hamid, Regional Director Asia Pacific ICCA at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. During the meeting, Christian Mutschlechner, Director of Vienna Convention Bureau breiefed everyone regarding the workings of the bureau. Among members present at the event were Tourism Malaysia, Malaysia Convention Bureau, Sarawak Convention Bureau, Thailand Convention Bureau, Malaysia Airlines and Macau Government Tourist Office (represented by its office in Malaysia). MICE in Asia was invited to the networking session.

Members and friends of ICCA at the get-together and networking session.

This year marks the seventh consecutive year that Kuala Lumpur City Hall has organised and will host the KL Grand Prix City festival. It coincides with the year 2010 Formula One Grand Prix World Championship to be held in Malaysia. People from around the world and in particular motor sports enthusiasts will undoubtedly look forward to marking this festival in their calendar.

“KL is definitely a great haven for events such as this. We have established our name globally in the field of F1 racing and are now looking to broaden the scope of events and activities that will be available for locals and tourists alike,” commented the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur.

KLGP as it is known creates a buzz within the city of Kuala Lumpur with a hive of events to chose from which includes fashion shows, entertainment, culture and cuisine – all created to attract tourists to the city. The KLGP 2010 festival runs from March 16 to April 4.

The Mayor of Kuala Lumpur inspecting the Malaysia Formula 1 car with the Chairman of Sepang International Circuit.

Julia Douglas with Sarinda Satria, Public Relations Manager of Sepang International Circuit.

The Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Patinggi Mohd Najib Tun Razak declared open the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on March 2 in a grand opening ceremony. It was attended by more than 1,000 guests with the Chief Minister of Sarawak, Datuk Pattinggi Taib Mahmud and Datuk Hajah Raziah Mahmud, chairman of BCCK.

Since it began operation in October last year, BCCK has hosted 45 events for about 50,000 people.BCCK is the first dedicated convention and exhibition centre in Borneo. It is located on a six hectare riverfront site at Sejingkat, about 8km from Kuching City centre.

Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Patinggi Mohd Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak (centre) officiating the opening ceremony with Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Datuk Raziah Mahmud, Chairman of BCCK (extremet left) and Pehin Sri (Dr) Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud, Chief Minister of Sarawak (right looking up).

Borneo Convention Centre Ballroom where the grand opening was held.

Gracie Geikie, Associate Dean of UCSI University with Julia Douglas.

Since inception five years ago, the MICE in Asia magazine has established a good working relationship with Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB). Julia Douglas, managing editor, while in Bangkok, touched base with representatives of TCEB, that is with Suprabha Moleeratanond, director of conventions, and was introduced to the new senior executive – public relations, Sumet Kanchanapan.

Matters discussed were on promoting Thailand’s MICE industry and upcoming events in the country. Also TCEB will continue through its public relations department to update MICE in Asia on its latest activities.
Julia Douglas also held meetings with Jintana Pongpakdee, corporate communications manager of IMACT Exhibition Centre. Located outside Bangkok at Muang Thong Thani, this centre is fast becoming a top exhibition and convention venue in South East Asia.

While in Thailand, the team from MICE in Asia was hosted by the public relations department of Amari Watergate Bangkok for a two night stay.

Meeting with Suprabha Moleeratanond, director of conventions and senior executive – public relations, Sumet Kanchanapan (second on the left).

The main lobby of the Amari Watergate Bangkok.