The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (the Centre) concluded 2023 on a high note, having hosted 1,724 events for the year, and is looking forward to achieving more in 2024.
This was the highest number since 2014 and a major bounce back for the venue which hosted just 300 events in 2021, at the height of the pandemic.
In addition to hosting these 1,724 events, the Centre, also welcomed more than 1.3 million delegates to the venue throughout 2023. These visitors, both international and Malaysian, helped the Centre generate an estimated RM656 million (US$141.6 million) in economic impact for Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia – well over double the figure generated in 2022.
Ravindran Sathiamoorthy, the Centre’s director of sales, elaborated on the results: “In terms of our 2023 revenues, Conventions contributed 26 per cent, Exhibitions 28 per cent per cent while the Corporate segment (which includes banquets and functions; meetings and events) generated 46 per cent. During 2023 we hosted 29 entertainment events, many featuring international acts – the most we have ever hosted in a single year. Conventions and Exhibitions combined contributed 54 per cent of our revenue, but we aim to increase that to 60 per cent in the future. We are looking forward to a very positive 2024, having already secured 65 per cent of our targeted revenue for the year through advance bookings.
“We have 47 exhibitions and 32 conventions (26 of which are international) confirmed over the next 12 months and expect to add more over the course of the year,” he continued.
Major events the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre will be hosting include the International Surgical Week 2024; European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology meets Asia 2024, 12th World Federation of Chiropractic Global Education Conference 2024, and the International Union of Architects International Forum 2024.
In addition to its strong business performance, 2023 saw the Centre achieve success in many other areas. This included its continued commitment to many ESG initiatives, such as various waste reduction initiatives, extensive recycling programmes, food waste minimisation efforts, investment in food composting technologies, development of sustainable sourcing practices, and more.
John Burke, the Centre’s general manager was also elected to the prestigious UFI Board of Directors for a three-year term.
“It is important to continue to connect and engage with industry professionals and, when possible, give them a firsthand experience of Malaysian capabilities and hospitality. While 2023 has been a great success for us as a venue there is still a lot to do to position Malaysia as the best business events destination in the region. Malaysia offers fantastic value for money and an English fluency which sets it apart from many of its competitors in the region. It is important that we leverage these advantages to create more international awareness of Malaysia’s unique benefits,” John added.
Despite its success, the Centre is not sitting on its laurels. The past year saw a variety of enhancements and upgrades to the venue and its facilities, with more planned for rollout in 2024.
This year’s upgrades included a new look and feel for the Centre’s popular Ten on Call (TOC – small meetings) area. This included new carpets, furniture, and a layout which was designed to bring people together.
Developments for 2024 include, among others, the introduction of revamped meeting rooms and interactive meeting control technologies that will facilitate better experiences and events for delegates and organisers.
Burke concluded: Looking ahead to 2024, we stand on the cusp of another remarkable year, with 65 per cent of our revenue target already secured… We are excited about the prospects that lie ahead and the opportunity to continue contributing to the global events landscape.”
