The 2023 Asian MICE Forum (AMF) is returning to a physical format this September. Organized by the International Trade Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs and executed by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council, this year's AMF will revolve around collaboration. The Forum explores conference management, destination marketing, business leisure travel, and future trends in exhibitions from the perspective of key players in the MICE industry. The theme of the 2023 Forum is Together We Can, signifying the collaborative effort of MICE industry partners to overcome challenges and facilitate cross-industry and cross-border resurgence after the pandemic.

The International Trade Administration invited experts from MICE sectors in Japan, Singapore, Thailand, and Taiwan to gather at the Taipei International Convention Center (TICC) and provide global perspectives through keynote speeches and panel discussions. The panel discussion on The Power of Collaboration will feature insights from former presidents of well-known PCOs and the World PCO Alliance (WPCOA), sharing how associations, governments, and organizations collaborate to promote the industry and address challenges posed by the pandemic. With the rising awareness of sustainability, the 2022 GREENTOPIA Sustainable MICE City initiative under the MEET TAIWAN program garnered recognition by integrating international marketing efforts that promote Taiwan's sustainable MICE industry by upholding United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and carbon neutrality. The initiative was honored as the Best Sustainable Event at the 2023 Eventex Awards and will be featured at this year's AMF. Additionally, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau will share on the growth of bleisure (business leisure travel) prompted by the pandemic as Thailand has been actively promoting the bleisure tourism industry.

After a 55-year gap, Osaka, Japan, is set to host the World Expo in 2025, a major international event following the Tokyo Olympics. The AMF has invited a representative from the Osaka Convention Promotion Office to share insights on innovative destination marketing that combines the Expo with concepts of innovation, environmental protection, and sustainability, which is expected to lead to further discussions. In addition, in light of the dominance of virtual exhibitions driven by digital transformation, renowned event technology company Cvent will share insights into future exhibition trends and the post-pandemic model of hybrid events. The concluding session of the Forum, the Inter-generational Dialogue on MICE, will engage prominent domestic exhibition companies in discussions about innovation, talent development, and sustainable growth. This inter-generational exchange is expected to spark new insights and ideas.

Source: Taiwan External Trade Development Council