Shanghai – A stellar panel of 30 industry representatives  inspired the over 3,000 delegates across the Keynote Address on 20 March, the inaugural China MICE Conference and dedicated Association Day Forums over 21 and 22 March. Special collaboration with endorsing associations like ASAE, CBEF, ICCA, SITE, and World PCO Alliance’s network, who developed the education programm along with TTG Events’ own conference team, delivered at the highest levels.

Prolific speakers included representatives from CITS MICE, CTS MICE, Hainan MICE Association, M.I.E., MSC Cruises, SITE, TUI China, Tempus, World Tourism Cities Federation and more.

Delegates gave thumbs up to the sessions’ relevant and on-point perspectives that discussed opportunities for associations by the Belt and Road initiative, the power of being a part of alliances, the relationship between DMCs and PCOs, the trends of holding meetings at sea, sustaining China’s pole position in outbound incentive in markets across the world, tapping on China’s own domestic incentive opportunities, and successful incentive formulas to attract international associations.

Domestic buyer Pan Jiang Hao, President, Beijing Paratrips, said, “The scale of this exhibition is very impressive, to have such a large gathering of MICE professionals in one place. The biggest takeaway for me as an inbound and domestic MICE player was during the Keynote Session when the panel discussed China’s current stance on gradually separating MICE from Leisure into an entity on its own. IT&CM China is one of the best MICE trade shows around.”

Delegates across board also expressed positive experiences across board, with a variety of business and networking objectives met. Notable highlights included the over 14,000 business appointments concluded, and engagement activities by 32 destinations and organisations that ranged from coffee breaks, luncheons, dinners, cocktails, FAM trips, media briefings and more.

Ashwin Gunasekeran, CEO, Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau, returning exhibitor and part of the Malaysian delegation, complimented this year’s show, “We are very impressed with the quality of buyers this year. We had promising meetings and garnered very solid association leads. At our current stage of growth, national branding plays an important part in our exposure. This is why Penang is happy to strongly support and be a part of the Malaysian contingent.”

International Luxury Buyer Yuriy Horovyy, Director, Almont Travel, first time at the show was fruitful, “It is fantastic and it is my first time attending the show and I love it. I have established so many new connections and it is all about networking for me. For the Asian market, you have to be here.”

MICE Buyer Vikrant Grover, Director, YES TEAM MICE, complimented the show, “I think IT&CM China is a great show. It is well-organised and I met many new suppliers who are here and enthusiastic about doing business both on a domestic and international level.”

Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau spoke of their destination presentation at the Association Days, “IT&CM China is our annual must-attend event, especially because the China market is important for Malaysia’s business events industry. Every year without fail, we experience solid potential in getting good business here, and this has made us a loyal partner at the event ever since.”

Lily Yang, Vice President, Changsha Female Entrepreneurs Association, said of the education sessions, “The Association Day programme was very exciting, allowing us to be exposed to international perspectives, new information and mutual learning opportunities. The education sessions have always been a highlight of the show and buyers are willing to take time out of their schedule to attend and benefit from these forums.”

Both Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau and Lily Yang were part of IT&CM China’s popular annual Association Days programme that saw heightened attendance this year. Other presenting destinations included Hangzhou Tourism Commission, Ningbo Tourism Administration, and National Institute of Tourism Promotion Argentina.