Penang, Malaysia, will once again be the centre of the butterfly world as it hosts the International Conference of Butterfly Exhibitors and Suppliers (ICBES 2024) from November 4-7 later this year.
This marks the third time Penang will ICBES, following successful conferences in the years 2000 and 2009.
The first three days of the conference will be held at Ascott Gurney Penang, while the final day will take place at Entopia, Penang’s renowned butterfly sanctuary and nature learning destination.
A Welcome Cocktail will be held on November 3, setting the stage for networking and collaboration, before officially commencing on November 4 with an opening ceremony to be graced by the chief minister of Penang, Chow Kon Yeow, and the Penang State executive councillor for tourism and creative economy (PETACE), Wong Hon Wai.
There will also be a post-conference tour to Sungai Relau National Park in Pahang from November 8-10.
The conference will welcome nearly 100 participants from 19 countries, and the estimated economic impact of the event will be around RM1.5 million (US$346,060).
“Penang, known for its rich biodiversity and commitment to conservation, is a perfect setting for this important gathering,” said Joseph Goh, CEO of Entopia. “This will be a unique opportunity for all of us to exchange knowledge, explore new ideas, and foster collaborations that will further advance our collective mission.”
Participants will have the chance to explore the offerings of Penang, including a George Town Heritage Tour, a visit to the scenic Penang Hill, and a hike at Penang National Park. “Additionally, they will savour the flavours of our country’s local cuisines and Penang’s hawker delights, experiencing the island’s cultural and culinary heritage first-hand,” added Goh.
