IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific 2026 will bring the international MICE and corporate travel industry to Bangkok from 22–24 September 2026. The three-day event will take place at the Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld.
The programme combines professional education, business appointments, an exhibition, brand presentations and networking. Each day has a different emphasis. Tuesday begins with training and the official opening. Wednesday delivers the fullest programme of appointments and conference sessions. Thursday provides a final day of business meetings, market intelligence and networking.
This day-by-day guide is based on the official programme available on 13 August 2026. Times are shown in Bangkok local time (GMT+7).
Monday, 21 September 2026: Pre-show experiences
The main event begins on Tuesday. However, registered participants can start their Bangkok programme one day earlier with two optional culinary experiences. Both activities require advance registration, and places are subject to eligibility and availability.
The Blue Elephant Cooking School programme runs from 15:00 to 19:00. Participants will learn to prepare four Thai dishes and a dessert during an afternoon introduction to traditional Thai cuisine.
The Bangkok Evening Food Tour by Lost Plate takes place from 17:00 to 21:00. The tuk-tuk tour visits five food stops and introduces participants to regional Thai cuisine and local markets beyond the city’s best-known visitor areas.
Tuesday, 22 September 2026: Education and the official opening
The first official day places education at the centre of the programme. It begins with a choice of professional development, cruise-sector learning and buyer engagement. The afternoon brings all delegate groups together for the opening plenary and the first major networking event.
| Time | Programme | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 08:00–17:30 | Registration for exhibitors | Registration Counters, Level 22 |
| 08:00–22:00 | Booth setup and decoration | Exhibition Hall, Level 22 |
| 09:00–12:00 | Global MICE Collaborative Certificate Session | Lotus Suite 11, Level 22 |
| 10:30–12:00 | Cruising into MICE: Innovative Event Solutions at Sea | World Ballroom A, Level 23 |
| 10:30–12:00 | Buyer Engagement Programme, hosted by ICCA | Lotus Suite 7, Level 22 |
| 14:00–14:10 | Welcome remarks | World Ballroom B&C, Level 23 |
| 14:10–14:25 | Opening keynote | World Ballroom B&C, Level 23 |
| 14:45–15:35 | Opening keynote panel: The Psychology of Meetings & Corporate Travel | World Ballroom B&C, Level 23 |
| 15:35–16:00 | Networking break | World Ballroom Foyer, Level 23 |
| 16:00–16:15 | Event briefing | World Ballroom B&C, Level 23 |
| 16:30–18:30 | Evening Get-together | Pre-function Area, Level 22 |
The Global MICE Collaborative Certificate Session is delivered by the International Association of Exhibitions and Events, Meeting Professionals International and the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence. Presented by June Kim of Kim’s M&T DMC Korea, it introduces the principles behind conferences, exhibitions and incentive events.
The course will examine meeting design and delivery, the role of incentive travel in organisational performance, and the business value of exhibitions. It combines expert instruction with practical assignments and case studies. Participants will also receive resource materials, templates and tools while gaining opportunities to connect with other industry professionals. The session is open to all delegates, but pre-registration and an additional fee are required.
Running at the same time, “Cruising into MICE: Innovative Event Solutions at Sea” will examine the use of ocean ships, river vessels and expedition ships for meetings, incentive programmes, conferences and charters. The panel features Diana Bloss of Worldwide Cruise Associates, Jan Basson of National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions and Matthew Boutwell of Crystal and Abercrombie & Kent MICE. Karen Yue, Group Editor of TTG Asia Media, will moderate. Advance registration is required.
The official opening begins at 14:00. Darren Ng, Managing Director of TTG Asia Media, and Dr Supawan Teerarat, President of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, will deliver the welcome remarks. Dr Supawan will then present the opening keynote.
At 14:45, “The Psychology of Meetings & Corporate Travel: Why We Travel. Why We Meet. Why It Matters.” will consider why face-to-face meetings remain important during a period of artificial intelligence, hybrid working and digital communication. It asks a central question: why do people still travel to meet?
The discussion will approach that question through behavioural science, human connection, destination appeal and organisational purpose. It will also examine why some meetings build trust, change minds and stimulate innovation, while others deliver less lasting value.
The panel brings together Professor Bongkosh Rittichainuwat of Siam University, Rajeev Kohli of Creative Travel India, Ric Gazarian of the Extraordinary Travel Festival and Wisutthisak Machchacheep of Trip.Biz Thailand. David Barrett of The Slate Phuket will moderate.
The day concludes with an event briefing followed by the Evening Get-together. The reception gives buyers, exhibitors, speakers, media and other delegates an early opportunity to develop contacts before the appointment programme begins.
Wednesday, 23 September 2026: Business appointments and sector discussions
Wednesday is the first full exhibition day. Pre-scheduled appointments take place during the morning and afternoon, while walk-in meetings continue throughout the day. The education programme covers association meetings, corporate travel and the changing incentive travel market.
| Time | Programme | Location |
| 09:00–17:30 | Registration for trade visitors | Registration Counters, Level 22 |
| 09:00–12:15 | Exhibition and appointment sessions | Exhibition Hall, Level 22 |
| 09:00–18:00 | Exhibition and walk-in meetings | Exhibition Hall, Level 22 |
| 09:20–09:50 | Brand Showcase Presentation 1 | The Theater, Level 22 |
| 10:00–11:00 | Café Connect – Sip, Speak, Connect | Buyers Lounge, Level 22 |
| 10:15–10:55 | Why People Still Gather: The Future of Human Connection in the Meetings Industry | The Theater, Level 22 |
| 11:15–12:15 | Corporate Travel World Exchange I, powered by GBTA | The Theater, Level 22 |
| 12:15–13:30 | Networking luncheon | Buyers Lounge, Level 22 |
| 13:30–16:45 | Exhibition and appointment sessions | Exhibition Hall, Level 22 |
| 13:50–14:20 | Brand Showcase Presentation 2 | The Theater, Level 22 |
| 14:00–17:00 | Coffee Get-together for Thai buyers | Thai Buyers Lounge, Level 22 |
| 14:40–15:20 | The New MICE Demography: Reshaping Incentive Travel for Multi-Generational Travellers | The Theater, Level 22 |
| 15:30–16:30 | Coffee Get-together for Thai buyers, as separately listed in the official programme | Thai Buyers Lounge, Level 22 |
| 15:45–16:15 | Brand Showcase Presentation 3 | Buyers Lounge, Level 22 |
| 16:30–17:30 | BizMatch & Meet | The Theater, Level 22 |
| 17:00–18:00 | The Closing Hour and Until Next Time | Buyers Lounge, Level 22 |
| 18:00–21:00 | GCC Goyang Night: Meet, Dine & Discover | Lotus Suite 11, Level 22 |
| 18:00–21:00 | Hosted dinner by The Blue Elephant | Blue Elephant Bangkok Sathorn Cooking School & Restaurant |
“Why People Still Gather” is hosted by the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives and the International Congress and Convention Association. Waikin Wong, Senior Regional Director at ICCA, will join moderator Octavio “Bobby” Peralta, founder of PCAAE, to examine the continuing value of human connection in meetings.
Corporate Travel World Exchange I is powered by the Global Business Travel Association. Eugene Tan, General Manager of Trip.Biz Southeast Asia, will join moderator Karen Yue. The wider conference programme identifies multi-generational corporate travel as a central theme, including how travel policies can respond to different expectations around flexibility, wellbeing and productivity.
The afternoon session “The New MICE Demography” applies a similar generational lens to incentive travel. Hosted by euromic Academy, it will explore how planners can design programmes for participants ranging from Baby Boomers to Generation Z. Traditional luxury remains important, but younger participants increasingly expect cultural immersion, sustainability and experiences with a strong sense of place.
The speakers are Cindy Lui of MGM MACAU and MGM COTAI, Sumate Sudasna of Conference & Destination Management, and Juan Paredes of Destination Asia. Rajeev Kohli of Creative Travel India will moderate.
BizMatch & Meet then uses a speed-meeting format to create short introductions between MICE professionals. The show-floor programme continues into the early evening with informal refreshments in the Buyers Lounge.
Two hosted functions follow at 18:00. Goyang Convention & Exhibition Bureau will present GCC Goyang Night at the Bangkok Convention Centre. A separate Blue Elephant dinner will take place at the restaurant’s Sathorn location. Both evening functions are available by RSVP only.
Thursday, 24 September 2026: Data, corporate travel and final meetings
The final day provides another two appointment blocks and a full day of exhibition access. Its education programme focuses on global MICE data, corporate travel and brand presentations.
| Time | Programme | Location |
| 09:00–17:30 | Registration for trade visitors | Registration Counters, Level 22 |
| 09:00–12:15 | Exhibition and appointment sessions | Exhibition Hall, Level 22 |
| 09:00–18:00 | Exhibition and walk-in meetings | Exhibition Hall, Level 22 |
| 09:20–09:50 | Brand Showcase Presentation 4 | The Theater, Level 22 |
| 10:00–11:00 | Café Connect – Sip, Speak, Connect | Buyers Lounge, Level 22 |
| 10:15–10:55 | INSIDE MICE: Trends and Data for Strategic Decision-Making | The Theater, Level 22 |
| 10:30–11:00 | CTW Spin-off Stage | CTW Hub, Level 22 |
| 10:30–11:00 | Corporate Travel World Exchange II, powered by GBTA | The Theater, Level 22 |
| 12:15–13:30 | Networking luncheon | Buyers Lounge, Level 22 |
| 13:30–16:45 | Exhibition and appointment sessions | Exhibition Hall, Level 22 |
| 13:50–14:20 | Brand Showcase Presentation 5 | The Theater, Level 22 |
| 14:45–15:15 | Brand Showcase Presentation 6 | The Theater, Level 22 |
| 16:00–17:00 | BizMatch & Meet | The Theater, Level 22 |
| 17:00–18:00 | The Closing Hour and Until Next Time | Buyers Lounge, Level 22 |
“INSIDE MICE: Trends and Data for Strategic Decision-Making” is hosted by the Global MICE Collaborative. June Kim will present international market data and examine how MICE organisations can identify trends, evaluate emerging opportunities and use evidence to support strategic decisions. The session is designed to help participants understand the current global MICE market, analyse industry data and develop practical strategies for adapting to change.
The Corporate Travel World programme continues with a session powered by GBTA. A separate CTW Spin-off Stage will take place in the CTW Hub, creating another point of contact for corporate travel buyers and suppliers.
The afternoon returns to scheduled appointments and brand showcases. BizMatch & Meet begins at 16:00, followed by a final hour of informal networking from 17:00 to 18:00.
Post-show destination programmes
The official programme also lists post-show tours between 25 and 27 September. Qualified buyers and media can apply for a three-day, two-night programme in either Chiang Rai or Khao Yai. A separate two-day, one-night Phetchaburi experience will focus on the province’s culinary identity and its status as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
Participation is subject to organiser approval, and the final itineraries will be supplied to confirmed participants.
Planning a working schedule
Delegates with appointments should allow enough time to move between the Exhibition Hall and the conference rooms. Most trade meetings take place on Level 22. Tuesday’s opening keynote programme is held on Level 23.
Several activities run at the same time. On Tuesday morning, delegates must choose between the certificate session, the cruise panel and the ICCA buyer engagement programme. On Wednesday and Thursday, conference sessions and brand presentations overlap with business appointments.
The live programme currently shows two overlapping Thursday sessions in The Theater: “INSIDE MICE” from 10:15 to 10:55 and Corporate Travel World Exchange II from 10:30 to 11:00. It also repeats a Wednesday coffee gathering for Thai buyers at two times. Delegates should check the official event programme and event app closer to the show for any timetable revisions. Brand Showcase hosts had not yet been named when this guide was prepared.
IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific 2026 takes place from 22–24 September at the Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, Bangkok, Thailand.
Official programme: https://itcma.com/event-programme/
Event website: https://itcma.com/
Registration: https://itcma.com/register/
Unravel Travel TV post about the event: https://unraveltraveltv.com/category/itcma/
