Andrea Scipioni, local director of Triumph Singapore, talks about the event management company’s pivotal role in the success of Feed the World 2024 (IFW), the region's first-ever conference on edible insects
Congratulations on the successful organisation of Insects to Feed the World 2024 (IFW) earlier this year. I heard it is the first-of-its-kind conference in the region, how did Singapore come to host the event?
The Asian Food and Feed Insect Association members were the ones who created a local committee to bid for and host the 2024 event in Singapore.
We believe that IFW 2024 was a strategically important event, and are pleased with the results achieved. This edition saw the highest participation to date, and we worked closely with the Singapore Food Agency to ensure the proper importation and preparation of insects, which were specially approved to be served in separate buffet lines. Delegates had the opportunity to enjoy dishes prepared by renowned chef Joseph Yoon, one of the event’s guest stars. We also received strong support from the Singapore Tourism Board, and the congress generated notable interest, receiving extensive media coverage.
How did Triumph International come into the picture?
We were approached by the General Chair of the congress, who was initially seeking a PCO in May 2023 to provide greater assurance and become a partner in the project after they had started organising the event.
By chance, our client came across the official website for the World Congress of Dermatology, which we had built from the ground up. They were impressed by the layout, the attention to detail in the graphics, and the overall structure, which led them to reach out to us.
After our first meeting, it was a perfect match – we all became passionate about the project and worked wonderfully together.
The congress is a biennial event, and the next edition will be held in 2026 in Turin, Italy. We had the pleasure of meeting the committee, who attended IFW as guests, and we wish them the best of luck.
Could you highlight the potential of this new industry and what it means for Singapore?
One of the most significant outcomes of the congress is its contribution to Singapore’s recent decision to approve 16 insect species for human consumption. We are eager to see how this industry evolves and are proud to have played a role in its growth through this event.
It is exciting to uncover an intriguing and emerging industry. Insect farming industry aligns perfectly with Singapore’s needs and its agenda to become more resilient by producing 30 per cent of the food consumed within its borders by 2030. Insect farms provide a significantly higher amount of protein per square metre compared to traditional farming, making this an industry with significant growth potential.
The community of researchers and industry professionals we encountered during IFW 2024 is dedicated to raising awareness of this niche sector, which is often surrounded by misconceptions that can make many people hesitant or uncomfortable.
I understand Triumph International is relatively new to this region, and was set up just before the pandemic. How did the company survive the pandemic?
In 2019, Triumph Group’s decision to establish an office in Singapore was driven by our long-term vision of making the Lion City a strategic hub for events.
From day one, our team here was involved in a large-scale project – organising the World Congress of Dermatology scheduled for 2023. This provided us with a clear goal, as we knew pulling out was not an option. Our commitment to long-term objectives, combined with nearly 40 years of experience, helped us weather the pandemic’s impact.
We also took this time to transform, including rebranding as a benefit company and acquiring a digital market company (Twist by Triumph). This acquisition not only reinforced our stability but also opened up new revenue streams. By pivoting our strategies and viewing the challenges as opportunities for growth, we emerged from the pandemic as a more resilient and adaptive organisation.
What are Triumph’s plans for expansion in region?
Triumph Group is here to stay, and we plan to continue growing in the region. Our commitment to Singapore as a strategic hub remains strong, and we have built a team with extensive expertise across corporate events, congresses, and incentive programmes. We are actively exploring opportunities to expand our offerings.
As our clients in the region expand their presence in South-east Asia, we are planning to follow suit by extending our footprint across key markets. Our goal is to ensure that Triumph Group not only supports our clients wherever they go, but also establish a stronger presence in the region.
To tell the business events sector that we are firmly rooted in Singapore, we are rolling out targeted digital campaigns, forming more strategic partnerships, and participating in key industry events. We are excited about the future and committed to growing alongside our clients in this dynamic region.
Could you tell us more about how Triumph International came to be?
Triumph Group has a nearly 40-year history, having been founded in Rome in 1986, where our headquarters are still located. Over the years, we have expanded globally, and today we have offices across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. We have been present in Asia for 20 years, starting with our first office in Shanghai.
To give you an idea of the events we organise, while we were managing IFW 2024, our headquarters was simultaneously organising the G7 Summit in Puglia.
In addition to our strength in institutional events, we are also highly regarded in the corporate sector, where we manage global events for seven multinational companies under framework agreements. Our core business has always included congresses, particularly in the medical field, which has been a key focus since the early days of the company.
We also have extensive expertise in luxury events, and are excited to be launching our new division for private events, called Trend by Triumph. Beyond this, we handle special projects, such as the opening ceremony of the 2021 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in Cortina, which we successfully organised during the pandemic.
It is good to know that Asia-Pacific features prominently in Triumph International’s plans. What is your opinion of the region’s business events sector then?
I believe the business events sector in the Asia-Pacific region is incredibly promising, with excellent growth prospects. However, it is important to recognise that many other regions around the world are also emerging as strong contenders in the industry, and will soon become fierce competitors.
One of the keys to maintaining an edge in this competitive landscape will be staying at the forefront of current and future trends, such as sustainability and AI. Another crucial way we plan to stand out is to keep prices competitive while enhancing the attractiveness of events for delegates by offering increasingly customised and immersive experiences.
These experiences should not only be unique, but also allow delegates to fully immerse themselves in the rich history and traditions of the local cultures. By doing so, the Asia-Pacific region can continue to grow and thrive as a leading destination in the global business events market.
