Asia"s MICE industry thrives in 2014

One-stop convention solution is here.

The MICE calendar for 2014 is packed with major biennial conferences and well attended shows. Analysts believe that a strong pipeline of corporate events will be catalysts for more MICE corporate travel in 2014 compared to the previous year. For instance, in Singapore, the ongoing Food Hotel Asia and Singapore Air Show are keeping hotels and conference venues fully booked. One venue that proves to be at the forefront of the MICE industry is Suntec Singapore.

A glowing re-opening year 

The 12 months since Suntec Singapore’s big reopening have signalled a strong return to the market after the convention and exhibition centre undertook a yearlong, SGD 184 million modernisation programme. Since it reopened on 3rd June 2013, the Centre has hosted over 750 events and greeted over 3 million visitors. 

“Our goal was to create a venue that would stay at the forefront of the MICE industry well into the next decade.” shared Suntec Singapore’s Chief Executive Officer, Arun Madhok. Suntec Singapore’s integration of cutting edge technology with efficient and impeccable service creates an overall customer experience that makes it the preferred place to meet. Major environmentally friendly upgrades were also included in the modernisation programme to set a standard that will still be a benchmark for years to come. Extensive and versatile LED Lighting, including programmable lights, also enable organisers to adjust the environment of their event on the fly.

Free, high-speed WiFi that has been designed to meet the needs of 6,000 simultaneous users has enabled Suntec Singapore to attract and impress high-tech events such as Cloud Asia.

The Big Picture, the world’s largest HD video wall, welcomes visitors to Suntec Singapore and adds valuable visibility for the Centre’s clients. Digital signages

throughout the Centre automatically update the activity in each room, and help complex events such as IFLA’s World Library and Information Congress, which require a high degree of flexibility of conference space, for 3,980 delegates from 122 countries.

Several multi-year contracts with major international events capped off of a brisk year for the MICE venue. “We are delighted to be the venue of choice for

so many long-term partners.” explains Mr Madhok, “We’ve recently extended our relationship with IDEM, the number one dental event in the Asia Pacific Region,

for another two shows in 2016 and 2018. We have also closed a three-year deal with JEC Group, the world’s largest organisation dedicated to the promotion of the composites industry. We’ve hosted JEC Asia since 2008 and we are happy to see a client grow their event with us through the years,” he adds.

While Suntec proves to be one of the go-to places for MICE events in Singapore, Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall bills itself as the one-stop convention solution for conferences outside of Bangkok, Thailand. 

PEACH sustains foothold in Thailand’s MICE industry 

For 15 years and running, Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall has been offering an ideal location, modern facilities and professional services that cater to a wide variety of events from wedding banquets to international conferences.

With 53 different meeting venues measuring over 23,500 square metres and capable of seating from 10 to 10,062 delegates, PEACH allows organizers the opportunity to achieve serious business solutions within a self-sufficient environment. Just two hours from Bangkok, 75 minutes from the International Suvarnabhumi Airport, and 40 minutes from the soon-refurbished U-tapao Pattaya International Airport, PEACH is easily accessible to delegates. It also boasts of two fully licensed helicopter pads for guests who wish to arrive by helicopter.

Vitanart Vathanakul, executive director at PEACH, says they aim to deliver personalized and professional services at all times with value-added choices in product and facility. “We position ourselves in ensuring that innovative and creative ideas are augmented and that we are flexible and accommodating to the current trends and needs,” he adds. To make this happen, PEACH has a dedicated team of professional conference and incentive specialists to assist with every conference need.

Delegates attending conferences at PEACH need not worry about their accommodation as PEACH is located on a private estate with four five-star hotels, providing delegates with about 5,000 rooms to pick from. Whatever accommodation the delegate chooses, PEACH houses experienced chefs from the Royal Cliffs Hotel Group, offering to everyone menus that feature the freshest of local and regional produce.

An impressive range of restaurants features cuisines from all over the world, allowing the guests a taste of everything in just one location.

Recreation is also at its finest at PEACH, with 2 private beaches, the Lotus Pond garden, picturesque tropical terraces, numerous poolside settings and ballrooms. Tropical islands, temples, entertainment, shopping and theme parks are also short drive away from the convention center. Security is not a problem, as the Royal Cliffs Hotel Group has over 100 professional security personnel patrolling the premises on a 24-hour basis. CCTVs surround the area, and vehicle entry points are always manned and gated.

Endorsed as a ‘green’ venue by The Best Green Hotels of USA, PEACH carefully adheres to environmental standards while faithfully living up to its five-star brand.

Asia"s MICE industry thrives in 2014