The Southeast Asia Business Events Forum (SEABEF) 2026 will take place in Jakarta Indonesia on 28–29 July 2026, bringing together government representatives, destination leaders, industry associations, academics, and international business events professionals to examine the future of the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sector across Southeast Asia.
Staged alongside Indonesia Business Event Mart (IBEM) 2026, the forum will be held in the Merak Room at the Jakarta International Convention Center (JICC). SEABEF has established itself as an annual platform for regional collaboration, policy dialogue, and knowledge exchange, providing an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss emerging global trends, industry challenges, and strategies that support a more innovative, sustainable, and competitive business events sector.
The 2026 edition will be held under the theme: “Beyond Business Events: Redefining the Future of Events as a Catalyst for Competitive, Sustainable, and High-Value Tourism Growth.” The theme reflects the growing recognition of business events as a driver of economic development, destination competitiveness, and sustainable tourism rather than simply a platform for meetings and exhibitions.
Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, will deliver the opening keynote address. She is expected to highlight the importance of transforming the business events industry into a strategic contributor to high-value tourism through stronger collaboration, innovation, and the adoption of sustainable practices.
The programme will feature leading speakers from across government and industry, including Mohammed Hafez Marican (Singapore Tourism Board), Hendarsam Marantoko (Ministry of Immigration and Corrections of the Republic of Indonesia), Irvan Mahidin Sukamto (IVENDO), Ananda Mikola (Mandalika Grand Prix Association), Daswar Marpaung (Dyandra), Feon Ang (LinkedIn), and Hosea Andreas Runkat (ASEPERAPI), together with other regional and international experts.
Delegates will participate in six themed sessions examining key issues shaping the future of the sector. Topics include regional policy and global positioning, developing future-ready destinations, innovation and digital transformation, talent development, and strategies for strengthening destination bidding capabilities.
The discussions aim to provide practical insights into how governments, convention bureaux, event organisers, venues, and private-sector partners can work together to enhance Southeast Asia’s competitiveness in the global business events market.
By hosting SEABEF 2026, Indonesia reinforces its commitment to regional cooperation and industry innovation while positioning business events as an important catalyst for sustainable tourism, investment, and long-term economic growth across Indonesia and Southeast Asia.
About SEABEF
The Southeast Asia Business Events Forum (SEABEF) is an annual regional forum that brings together policymakers, industry associations, destination representatives, academics, and business events professionals to exchange knowledge and share best practices. The forum focuses on government policy, emerging industry trends, innovation, sustainability, and the opportunities shaping the future development of Southeast Asia’s business events industry.
SEABEF 2026
Dates: 28–29 July 2026
Venue: Merak Room, Jakarta International Convention Center (JICC), Jakarta, Indonesia
Held alongside: Indonesia Business Event Mart (IBEM) 2026 (28–31 July 2026)
Event website: www.seabef.com
