A wave of optimism is sweeping through Surabaya’s convention centres as 2025 bookings surge, indicating a strong recovery for the city’s events industry after several years of slow business.
Gito Sugiarto, general manager at Grand City Convention and ExhibitionGrand City Convention and Exhibition, forecasted a 30 per cent increase in bookings for 2025 compared to 2024.
In 2024, Grand City Convention and Exhibition recorded a 20 per cent year-on-year growth in event bookings, though activity remained at just 70 per cent of the levels seen in 2019. The venue remains positive for 2025, buoyed by a steady flow of confirmed bookings and the shifting trend toward last-minute bookings.
“This year looks even more exciting as there is a diverse range of new events lined up, bringing even greater variety to our calendar,” Gito said with optimism.
Dyandra Convention Center Surabaya is also seeing promising domestic growth, but Lusi Astuti, the venue’s general manager, shared that there is still a lack of large international conferences and exhibitions – once a significant revenue source.
“Surabaya has fallen off the map for international association events, and is struggling to regain its place in the global MICE scene. Meanwhile, the local government has shifted its focus towards supporting festivals, leaving the (business events) industry without the backing it needs,” said Lusi.
To address this, Dyandra Convention Center Surabaya is planning to partner with local associations to bid for major events. Additionally, the venue is organising a sales mission to Jakarta, with a focus on associations beyond the traditional medical, insurance, and education sectors.
To stay ahead in a competitive market in the meantime, Dyandra Convention Center Surabaya will add a 200-pax meeting room to its offerings, set for completion in 1Q2025. This upgrade is part of a larger refurbishment plan to enhance the venue’s facilities and better cater to the growing demand for diverse events.
