Macau is affirming its appeal as a MICE destination with the latest unveiling of the upcoming Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) and 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena, set for an opening in 1H2021.
Operated by the Galaxy Entertainment Group, GICC will bring a total of 40,000m2 of event space, including a 10,000m2 pillarless exhibition hall, an auditorium for 650 guests, a banquet hall for up to 2,400 guests, a 4,000m2 conference hall comprising three dividable spaces, and a ballroom catering to more than 1,000 guests.
There will also be a luxury lifestyle hotel with more than 700 keys, teased to be a brand that has “strong emphasis on taking its local surroundings and weaving it into the hotel product”, revealed Galaxy Entertainment Group’s director, operations development, new resort, Scott Kreeger.
“What MICE delegates want, is the opportunity to culturally immerse themselves in the destination. We wanted a hotel brand that could help us bring these local flavours into the MICE experience,” Kreeger explained.
These new developments will be connected to Galaxy Macau, the destination’s largest collection of luxury hotel brands under one roof comprising The Ritz-Carlton, Macau; Banyan Tree Macau; JW Marriott Hotel Macau; Hotel Okura Macau; Galaxy Hotel and Broadway Hotel.
GICC is also touted to be able to elevate MICE planning capabilities by introducing Event Studio – a team of event professionals who can collaborate with organisers on venue selection, theme, décor, entertainment, as well as visual and lighting effects.
For instance, one of the most innovative features planners can look forward to is the interactive capability of wall displays around GICC. These digital screens can be synced to mobile devices, allowing attendees to interact with their smartphones.
Organisers can also choose to customise the sweeping 75m LED façade wall, a capability which will have huge potential in “creating excitement for the event even before (attendees) enter the building”, said Kreeger.
He added that in the lead-up to GICC’s opening in 2021, Galaxy will be working with local MICE stakeholders to hoist up the destination, with a focus on raising awareness of the destination’s offerings.
This includes participating in more regional and international shows – namely Tourism Expo Japan and IBTM World in Barcelona – where Galaxy will unveil GICC.
