Since its official opening in September 2022 after an extensive three-year renovation, the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC) has held over 400 international and domestic events to date, with more slated to happen in the coming months.
“Previously, QSNCC mainly hosted domestic exhibitions and meetings, but (since the revamp), we have welcomed international tradeshows, global conferences, and entertainment events,” Sutichai Bunditvorapoom, executive vice president – marketing, sales and operations division from QSNCC told TTGmice.
He further shared that QSNCC’s portfolio has also changed slightly after its top-to-toe overhaul, where new clients include luxury brand launches such as Porsche and Lamborghini, as well as music concerts. Longstanding clients, such as the annual Book Expo Thailand – which registered around 160,000 in footfall during its October 2022 show – also continue to hold their events at QSNCC.
“We are happy with the response to our opening, and the line-up of business so far. We continue to receive many requests for RFPs. During the peak seasons of September, October, and November, we are quite fully booked. The challenge is trying to fill the venue during the low season in December and January,” noted Sutichai.
When asked if he could outline QSNCC’s strategy for the next five years, Sutichai shared: “Our profile will be clearer next year. This is because we are also trying to bring in new events in the innovation and technology space, as well as fintech. One notable win is Money 20/20, which announced (in April) that our venue will be hosting the 2024 edition.”
Moving forward, QSNCC will be focused on luring more business from Asia, as the “economy is strong, and corporates are willing to spend”. Further afield, the venue will continue to seek out business in France, Germany and UK as well.
Aside from bringing in new revenue streams, QSNCC also wants to become a “hub for the local community”, evident from its leisure offerings such as shopping, F&B outlets, and spa.
As to the business events future of Asia and Thailand, Sutichai is largely optimistic. “The growth is here in Asia, and it’s not just China. Many other countries in Asia are doing well too.”
However, several challenges the events industry is facing, along with the rest of the world, include shortage of manpower, rising travel costs, as well as other verticals – such as catering, security, and housekeeping – necessary components that make an event.
