The capital of the Philippines will be hosting the 14th annual general meeting of AFECA (Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations) for the first time later this year.
Held from October 9-11, the general meeting in Manila will be graced by up to 170 business events experts from 18 countries.
AFECA treasurer Marisa Nallana revealed one of the highlights this year is the AFECA Asian Awards, which will have a total of seven categories including a new category for Outstanding Technology Solutions, and Service Award, in recognition of achievements in creating new and innovative technology solutions in the industry.
Moreover, the Asian MICE Youth Challenge is expected to be bigger this year than last, with more interest from students of accredited universities and colleges to come up with a novel event that showcases why their country is the best MICE destination in Asia.
Nallana added that PACEOS (Philippine Association of Convention/Exhibition Suppliers) will be holding the Philippine MICE Forum on October 10 on the sidelines of the general meetings. Topics to be discussed include country branding, the future of global MICE, and the Internet of things in relation to MICE.
AFECA will be jointly hosted by the Philippine Department of Tourism and its marketing arm – Tourism Promotions Board – and PACEOS.
