September 18-20, 2018
Saifuddin Ismailji (Founder-eTC) | Maria (Editor)
The 26th installment of IT&CMA and 21st CTW Asia-Pacific concluded at the Bangkok Conventions Center at Central World, in Bangkok, over a 3-day program with a focus on Cruise Industry in the Asia-Pacific region and an educative forum on Experiential Marketing.
Supported by TCEB (Thailand), IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific maintain the undisputed leader in MICE and Corporate Travel Exhibition and Conference in the region, which conducted 100 businesses, networking and educative seminars over the 3-day Event.
The 2-Day Exhibition featured 316 destinations and corporate brands – the largest showing to date with a 15% increase in Exhibitors from Companies and Organizations.
Japan by JTB pavilion showcased six Global NICE Cities: Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Kobe, Nagasaki, Osaka and Sapporo.
The event participated by more than 3000 delegates from around the world, included 450 MICE associations and corporate buyers and media, from more than 50 territories.
“Business objectives remain the main focus of IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific in providing MICE and Corporate Travel-centric opportunities for all our exhibiting suppliers and buyers to achieve their goals for the region. The advocacy of knowledge-based sharing is also a key pillar at our events in advancing the intellect and innovation within our growing industry and we are happy to see so many destinations and brands take up captive social functions to personally get to know their audience.” Said TTG Asia Media MD, Darren Ng.
On Day 1 (18 September), the seminar touched the topics bearing “strongest education series in the show’s history.
The inaugural half-day Asian MICE Cruise Conference, rolled out by TTG MICE, which was attended by some more than 400 major cruise industry players (including Star Cruises, RCCL and Princess Cruises) and stake holders.
“Insights centered on the industry’s burgeoning demand for MICE onboard cruises and the kinds of incentives and initiatives present to meet this potential. Star speakers across both sessions included:
Angie Stephen, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.;
Steve Bloss, Co-Founder and President, Worldwide Cruise Associates;
Michael Goh, Director, Star Cruise Travel Service Pte Ltd and Senior Vice President – International Sales, Genting Cruise Lines;
Farriek Tawfik (unprofessional ethics – no reply to repeat cruise enquiry ref: ATF 2014), Southeast Asia Director, Princess Cruises; and Svend Dalgaard, Conference Cruise Designer, #CruiserByHeart – Conferences at Sea.
According to Angie Stephen (Managing Director, Royal Caribbean) “Cruising provides great value to MICE groups that they might not yet be aware of right now. The popularity of cruise is just now starting to grow in the region and it is important for all of us to come together with key stakeholders to continue to fuel that growth. This is why we see major players here today to heighten that awareness.”
In the Q&A session, a key issue was raised on visa requirement for the many cruise destinations and how the cruise liners may develop a working strategy with the related immigration of cruise Port of Call Destinations to cater ease of visa availability on board.
At the Official Opening Ceremony & Welcome Reception on Day 1 (18 September) themed “Thailand Limited”, Khun Nichapa Yoswee, Senior Vice President for Business at Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) highlighted the launch of new brand:
Thailand Redefine Your Business Events.
The opening ceremony was held, next to the venue of IT&CMA, in the GMM Live House at CentralWorld (Floor 8), featuring a colorful night of Thai hospitality and entertainment, highlighting delectable local cuisines including Thai desserts and herbal drinks.
On Day 2 (19 September): This years’ keynote address Experiential Marketing set the tone towards the transformation of audience engagement with a perspective, with Switzerland Tourism as a role model, on Current Market Trends, Challenges, and Shifts in Priorities.
The session was presented by:
Martin Nydegger, CEO, Switzerland Tourism;
Oscar Cerezales, COO, MCI Asia-Pacific;
Khun Nichapa Yoswee, Senior Vice President – Business, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB); and
Daniel Chua, Vice President – Meetings & Incentives, Singapore Associations of Conventions and Exhibition Organisers (SACEOS);
The follow up of the Forum on the final day featured a Successful Game Plan to engage your audience. Presenter: Joe Ciliberto, Global Director Sales and Marketing, EventsAIR.
At the Media Briefing & Social Networking Functions
Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB): Introduced its new campaign “Thailand: REDIFINE Your Business Events” that will position Thailand as the hub of ASEAN MICE.
The regional countries showed commitment towards MICE development along into the MICE market.
• Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Indonesia affirmed Lake Toba in North Sumatra, Borobudur in Central Java, Lombok and Komodo Island as destinations beyond Bali.
• Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau pomoted the BE@Penang (6-7 December 2018).
• Tourism Promotion Board Philippines (TPBP): Palawan made presentation as a new emerging MICE destination of S.E.Asia.
• IT&CMA Events Development update and forming partnerships towards mutual growth and progress.
• Taiwan Convention & Exhibition Association presented its “Fun Taipei” map.
• Japan Airlines & American Airlines announced the fastest growing Asia Pacific Network and unmatched experience across the Pacific Ocean.
• Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute put under limelight the longest bridge of the world from Hong Kong to Southern China.
• Desaru Coast, Malaysia promote the premium destination integrated resort.
On the final Day (20 September), the TTG 17th Annual Sticky Award rewarded marketing excellence and applauded the ingenuity and innovation of exhibiting delegates and individual personalities, each making an impact in their B2B efforts, giving buyers and visitors an unforgettable experience while conducting business, and taking a pinch of local flavors at each country pavilion, and at social functions.
Concluded – IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific 2018
IT&CMA | CorporateTravel World generously offered delegates about 30 networking functions to Meet Your Peers, coffee breaks and hosted activities. “Exclusive networking activities by Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Prk, Busan, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Desaru Coast, Dubai, EventsAIR, HRS, Indonesia, Japan airlines and American Airlines, JTB, Krung Kavee Golf Course, Princess Cruises and Radisson Hotel group, take on a variety of brand building platforms such as hosted luncheons, thought-leadership through speaking slots, and conference track presenters, advertising and hotel partnerships – a first of its kind initiative hosting buyers at their property throughout IT&CMA and CTW Asia Pacific 2018”, said Darren Ng.
Post Tours to Rayong or Kanchanaburi were offered to buyers to experience a taste of destination attractions. Additionally, the Philippines Tourism Board offered fam trips to selected buyers to boost destination Philippines.
The next year IT&CMA will be held:
Date: 24 to 26 September 2019
Venue: Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, Bangkok, Thailand
www.itcma.com | www.corporatetravelworld.com/apac
About IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific
(Organized by TTG Events, a business group of TTG Asia Media)
IT&CMA Established in 1993, has been at the forefront to fostering MICE growth opportunities for the Asia-Pacific and beyond. Its multi-faceted program engages regional and international industry suppliers and buyers in the realms of business, education and networking. IT&CMA also features dedicated platforms designed around the interests of valuable MICE niche segments, enabling the event to consistently deliver a delegate profile that is both relevant and dynamic. IT&CMA remains uniquely positioned as the only global event with the largest exhibition showcase of Asia-Pacific MICE suppliers. The show has been incorporating Luxury Travel since 2012, and is part of the IT&CM Events series. www.itcma.com
Corporate Travel World (CTW) Asia-Pacific
Launched in 1998, CTW Asia-Pacific is dedicated to cultivating Travel and Entertainment (T&E) best practices among Asia-Pacific’s corporate travel professionals. Influencers, planners and decision makers of corporate travel functions in their organization attend the annual conference and exhibition to keep themselves abreast of the latest trends and knowledge that enable them to get the most out of their T&E decisions.
www.corporatetravelworld.com
As the only corporate travel event of its kind within the region, CTW Asia-Pacific offers an unparalleled platform to grow networks and business prospects through a host of networking, education, and sourcing opportunities with like-minded industry professionals. In addition to attracting the largest congregation of Asia-Pacific corporate travel management buyers through a comprehensive hosted buyers program and education offerings, CTW Asia-Pacific also features exclusive sponsorship platforms such as captive networking coffee breaks and hosted luncheons
CTW Asia-Pacific’s high buyer-to-seller ratio coupled with its engagement solutions, go beyond a single facet to enable sponsors achieve its brand building and market activation goals. sales.ctwapac@ttgasia.com
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