The Leading International MICE Event Centered in Asia-Pacific.
IT&CMA remains uniquely positioned as the only global event with the largest exhibition showcase of Asia-Pacific MICE suppliers. Co-located with CTW Asia-Pacific as Asia-Pacific’s Only Doublebill Event in MICE and Corporate Travel, IT&CMA is part of the IT&CM Events series organised by TTG Events, a business group of TTG Asia Media.
Last year in 2022, in the post-covid period, the event was a special edition, marking the event’s first-ever hybrid edition in person and online. With a buzz show floor of activities, entertainment, increased demand for targeted networking sessions, and added knowledge sessions.
The 2022 event welcomed over 1,200 validated and qualified unique in-person and remote delegates over 3-days; the 2022 show saw 363 exhibitors from 27 new and returning Territories / Countries like Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Monaco, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and many more, including the 414 MICE, Association and Corporate Buyers and over 60 Media, who took advantage of the bountiful procurement and networking opportunities.
Delegates attended meetings and exchanged contacts for potential business in the Asia-Pacific regions. Gaining fresh perspectives was the highlight for Team Umbrella Events’ Mi Anna Karin Johnson, who attended IT&CMA for the first time.
Navigating the post-pandemic landscape was one of the key focuses of the event in 2022. The Opening Keynote presented by Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), shared insights on critical ways the MICE industry has and should progress, emphasizing the continued value of “phygital” – a blend of physical and digital events; embedded wellness; and inclusive events that are universally accessible for a diverse audience.
The distinguished keynote panel included Max Boontawee Jantasuwan, President of SITE Thailand Chapter; Waikin Wong, Regional Director of Asia Pacific of ICCA; and moderated Karen Yue, Group Editor of TTG Travel Trade Publishing, explored the various changes the business events and travel industry had to face during the pandemic, and discussed the strategies moving forward into the future.
The first evening culminates with the ever-popular Opening Ceremony and Welcome Reception, co-hosted by the event’s strategic destination partner and host country, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB). The two-hour extravaganza features a tasty variety of foods and a music performance by The SwingKings.
Throughout the 3-day event, delegates experienced educational components like the IT&CM Asia MICE knowledge sessions. The Asia-Pacific conference sessions, and partner event Future Leaders Forum, emphasized a forward-looking theme, helmed by leading industry partners and experts to deliver their expertise.
On day two of the event, opportunities were boundless for delegates to meet new people and reconnect with familiar faces after a 2-year long of meeting virtually. Arunroj Phitthayapruek, Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC), shared with event organisers, “You can expect an appetizing array of business and networking activities at this event. It’s a valuable source for corporate, agency, and association buyers that need the Asian connection. This event also put us in touch with everything from buyers and suppliers to services, conferences, seminars, pre-show city tours, and post-show incentive trips.”
Delegates also had the chance to obtain first-hand information from NTOs such as the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), MEET Taiwan, Tourism Promotions Board, Philippines (TPB), Promotion Bureau of the Principality of Monaco – Asia, Korea Tourism Organisation, Incheon Tourism Organisation, and Gyeonggi Tourism Organization on their latest highlights and development during the Brand Engagement sessions over the two days. Over 30 shortlisted buyers had the opportunity to hear about Thailand’s latest MICE updates during the 20-minute Exhibition Walkabout by TCEB. Prizes were also given away at the end of the session.
Destinations and organisations also displayed experiential elements with activities, giveaways, and entertainment at their booths. The highlights included taking selfies with the Magic Thailand AR Graffiti and receiving “Thai Dessert Soap” at the Thailand booth, DIY handicrafts at the Taiwan booth, and a virtual reality experience showcasing Taiwan in 360°.
The networking and education opportunities did not end there as the event continued on the virtual platform, EventsAir, till October 5th, which was extended from September 28th due to overwhelming requests. Exhibitors and buyers could still conduct business appointments at the 3D Virtual Exhibition. Walk-in meets and watch the on-demand content, including knowledge sessions, brand engagements, and buyer procurement showcases.
To see more of the happenings at the IT&CMA and CTW APAC 2022 check out the event highlights video on the TTG Events YouTube channel.
If you would like to register, procure, network, and learn at IT&CM Asia and CTW Asia-Pacific 2023, attend the 2023 event from 26 – 28 September 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand; log onto www.itma.com www.corporatetravelworld.com/apac
