IT&CMA and CTW Asia Pacific 2019 concluded on a high with delegates expressing positive experiences across the board, as a variety of business, learning and networking objectives were met through new initiatives.
Notable highlights, aside from the 12,000 business appointments, were the popular Brand Showcase Presentations, Meet-The Corporates and Exhibition Walkabouts.
The 10 Brand Showcase Presentations saw full attendance with participating exhibitors being “extremely satisfied” with the turnout of attendees and the opportunity to share their latest highlights and features they offer, according to a post-show satisfaction survey.
“It is a good platform to showcase India as a MICE destination to relevant buyers and we are extremely pleased to have more prospective buyers approaching us after the Brand Presentation Showcase,” commented Sudeshna Ramkumar, assistant director of India Tourism.
Susan Maria Ong, MICE director, Asia Pacific of Japan National Tourism Organization, which was featured in the Exhibition Walkabout, commented: “This is the first time that IT&CMA has had this Exhibition Walkabout initiative and it was a great opportunity for us to meet more association buyers at one go compared to one-to-one business appointments.”
Say Hi To Everyone, the first day’s opening ice breaker, was a highlight for many.
“Say Hi to Everyone was a very good networking session where we got to know new buyers who were at the show this year. This new initiative is definitely a good opportunity for business,” said Walter Ng, manager, sales & event services of Setia Convention Centre.
Delegates also commended this year’s networking sessions that saw a bevy of sponsored luncheons, coffee breaks, dinners and cocktails by participating exhibitors and sponsors.
“Known for mountaineering, trekking and organising renowned art and music festivals, little has been talked about Nepal being one of the preferred destinations for corporate travel despite hosting various regional government and corporate conferences. The networking luncheon organised by Visit Nepal Year 2020 Secretariat during IT&CM Asia 2019 was an opportunity to showcase the country as one of the perfect MICE destination of choice and to promote Visit Nepal Year 2020 Campaign,” stated Rohini Prasad Khanal, programme manager of Visit Nepal Year 2020 Secretariat.
Meanwhile, the expanded Asian MICE Cruise Conference, established Association Day forums, reintroduced ASEAN MICE Forum, and CTW Asia-Pacific Conference also received positive reviews from delegates.
Noor Ahmad Hamid, regional director (Asia Pacific) of ICCA, said: “IT&CMA has always been a great platform for sharing and having discussions with like-minded peers during the various knowledge sessions. The lingering question of whether CVBs and PCOs should work together for greater success was addressed during one of the Association Day forums. It was truly an eye-opener for both delegates and panelists.”
IT&CM Asia and CTW Asia-Pacific will return on September 22-24, 2020.
