A new alliance to promote the business events industry and drive business events to Asia was formally established through the virtual signing of MoUs (Memorandums of Understanding) on September 2.
Named Asia Convention Alliance, the five founding members are Thailand Convention Bureau (TCEB), Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA), Seoul Tourism Organization, Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), and the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB).
Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, president of TCEB, revealed at the virtual signing ceremony that the idea of forming an alliance with other Asian counterparts was first mooted by TCEB and TICA back in December 2020 when they foresaw that the convention market in Asia was the most promising and on the verge of recovery. This was partly due to the economic stimulus policies of governments in the region.
He elaborated: “The alliance aims to help local professional conference organisers in each country build confidence and be prepared to respond to fresh demands of the post-Covid-19 pandemic when businesses and organisations will utilise conventions in gathering advanced knowledge, latest technologies and new experiences to reignite professional and business growth.”
The alliance aims to restore the region’s business events industry which has been badly hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, strengthen relations, and facilitate the exchange of knowledge between member countries through collaborative ventures.
There is also a goal of hosting and bidding for more conventions, as well as organising joint conventions in member countries on a rotational basis. Each member in the alliance is also encouraged to invite other convention bureaus to become members of the alliance.
