Thailand chosen a host of AFECA AGM

2023

Thailand is officially chosen as a host of the Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations (AFECA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2023 which will be held in October. The meeting will gather 155 member associations from 19 countries to discuss the elevation of MICE industry, emphasising Thailand as an international MICE leader.

Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, stated that “Thailand is officially declared as a host of the Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations (AFECA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2023 which will be held on October 2023 in Bangkok. This is another important event in MICE industry after the International Congress and Convention Association or ICCA announced the hosting of the annual general meeting in Thailand in November. It demonstrates that international MICE organisations recognise the potential of Thai MICE industry and, thus, select Thailand as a destination country for the events.

“AFECA AGM 2023 is a gathering of Asian industry leaders and regional professionals in conventions and exhibitions. The theme of the meeting “ASIA UNITES” represents the intention to synergize Asia’s MICE community in creating new business events, elevating businesses and industries, and expanding the MICE industry's infinite possibilities in Asia, without leaving anyone behind.”

As a host country, Thailand will make ‘sustainability’ the milestone of the AFECA AGM 2023, focusing on People, Profit, and the Planet, and supporting the use of the materials for the event that are sourced from local producers and farmers, and they must be produced with efficient use of resources and environmental-friendly process, including the destinations, the transportation, and the organisation that are well crafted to be in line with sustainability practices.

Furthermore, a policy of creating measurable impacts from events will also be implemented. The AFECA AGM 2023 is an opportunity to demonstrate Thailand’s potential as a host of world-class event, which will increase the chance to attract new international exhibitions to Thailand. In the meeting, there will be a discussion on building a platform for industry leaders to share and transfer valuable knowledge that is in accordance with AFECA philosophy of fostering long-term industrial relationships among international peers, training domestic MICE entrepreneurs in order to raise their profiles to the international level, including networking session which will lead to business matching between AFECA members and the Thai exhibition entrepreneurs, such as organisers and venue operators.

Marvel Stadium to host AIME 30-year celebration

The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) team, in partnership with the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB), have announced that Marvel Stadium will play host to the much-loved AIME Welcome Event on 13 February 2023. Located in the heart of Melbourne and renowned for staging AFL, A-League and BBL action under their famous retractable roof, Marvel Stadium will welcome AIME delegates with a groundbreaking evening of food and entertainment. Produced by Peter Jones Special Events (PJSE), the evening has been designed to bring the business events industry together in celebration of AIME’s 30-year milestone.The venue announcement comes early with Silke Calder, AIME Event Director, explaining the teams could not wait to reveal the news.

“AIME, MCB, PJSE and Marvel Stadium have worked tirelessly to create a 30th anniversary extravaganza and we are delighted to make the eagerlyawaited venue announcement ahead of time. The business and events industry should take a moment for themselves to appreciate the hard work it’s taken to get us to where we are today,” said Julia Swanson, MCB Chief Executive Officer.

“As owners of AIME, we are delighted to be co-hosting the 2023 Welcome Event and to celebrate close to a third of a century of bringing the business events industry together, building connections and sharing knowledge at AIME, right here in Australia’s events capital, Melbourne. AIME is now the foremost business events trade show in the Asia-Pacific region. This is a significant testament to the longevity and legacy of the show and its importance to the global business events industry.”

AIME 2023 is shaping up to be its best year yet with over 400 hosted buyers, over 2,000 visitors and over 350 exhibitors confirmed – more than 10,000 meetings have been prescheduled. The AIME show floor includes new features: The Accor Hosted Buyers Lounge, a new ‘Tech’ area, and a Wellness Café where visitors can enjoy some pampering. A huge kangaroo and a special anniversary lanyard featuring First Nations’ artwork, are some of the ‘touches of Australia’ delegates will be treated to throughout.

Kicking off AIME’s 2023 program on 13 February is the Knowledge Program – the launchpad for the global events industry to come together and immerse in learning. The program will include an address from Australian tennis star, Jelena Dokic, and will see a mix of industry business leaders and renowned professionals as well as keynote speakers share their knowledge and experience.