Despite the current travel situation, Seoul Convention Bureau has released various support programmes for hybrid events, as well as conducted strategic planning, to plan for the return of business events in the future.
Aside from beefing up meeting technology around the city to support hybrid events, SCB has released a Reassuring Package, aimed at providing MICE delegates with a peace of mind when visiting the city. The package includes emergency medical insurance, language services, and general concierge services for hotel and transportation reservations.
Organising an online or hybrid event will also be eligible for financial supports and more. For instance, when utilising the Virtual Seoul platform, not only are the 3D graphics offered at no charge, 10 million Korean won (US$8,980) will also be provided as a stipend to event planners to offset operating expenses.
Application requirements have also been eased to make it easier for event planners to receive the appropriate level of support when hosting an international conference. This support at the bidding phase includes consultations, official supporting letters, presentation tips, and a maximum stipend of 200 million Korean won during the hosting phase.
SCB also plans to offer consulting services in international marketing and IT technology to help local planners advance their skills as SCB pushes for more hybrid events are expected to take place.
The bureau has also enacted a strategic growth plan with the aim of developing international exhibitions comparable to CES. Currently, 34 exhibition organisers have been selected and provided with a grant of 80 million Korean won to scale their events up.
And finally, SCB is cooperating with the Korea Exhibition Organizers Association to develop an online platform so that local organisers need not create one on their own for every event.
