Asian MICE Forum embraces the future as it marks its 20th year

Marking its 20th edition this year, the Asian MICE Forum kicked off on 19th September, on the 14th floor of the Taipei New Horizon Event Space in the Taiwanese capital.

Revolving around the theme Beyond 20+: Embracing Tomorrow, speakers and participants are looking to a future that weaves together technological innovation and sustainable practices to stage highly engaging meetings, conferences, and exhibitions in Asia and elsewhere in the world.

Likewise, as Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) president and chief executive Simon Wang put it, the event also celebrates the human component of the MICE industry and the importance of connection and shared experiences.

Wang said: "The true value of MICE lies in the stories shared when people meet."

Celebrating growth and maturity
Speaking to open the event, deputy secretary-general Susan Hu of the Taiwanese Ministry of Economic Affairs pointed out that the Forum's 20th run heralds a period of growth and maturity for the event and the MICE sector in general.

Hu recalled: "20 years ago, the Ministry started investing in Taiwan's MICE industry. At first, everything happened at the Taipei World Trade Centre and, later, the International Convention Centre. As demand grew, we built a new exhibition centre; a little later, Kaohsiung, Tainan, and Taoyuan joined the party. You could say that Taiwan created a full MICE corridor from north to south."

But Hu also pointed out that the growth went beyond infrastructure, delving deeper into Taiwan's soft power.

More than an IT hub
Taiwan is known throughout the world as a key player in the global IT sector thanks to its position as a leader in the semiconductor and consumer electronics industries.

Hu declared that MICE and related industries have played a major role in the country's industrial success.

She said: "Events like Computex and Semicon Taiwan bring tens of thousands of international buyers, investors, and innovators to Taiwan. At these events, they don't just see our products, but they can also connect with our industry professionals and create opportunities for them. In short: no MICE, no market."

Hu also explained how MICE doesn't just benefit the sectors hosting events and the companies who stage these for them.

MICE also benefits the greater population: hospitality providers, restaurateurs, retailers, as well as service providers.

Celebrating the past, embracing the future
For TAITRA's Wang, the 20th Asian MICE Forum not only honours a storied past, but it also opens discussions regarding the future of MICE in Asia and beyond.

He said: "20 years ago, the total output of MICE in Taiwan was about US$68 million; today, this has jumped to US$63 billion. Also, the role of TAITRA moving forward is to build platforms, connect industries, and introduce digital and sustainability solutions."

Wang opined that every encounter should be seen as an opportunity.

In which case, every conference and exhibition opens a chapter, a door into collaboration later on.

Wang concluded his remarks by saying: "Let's keep planting these seeds of opportunity; let's keep nurturing them to see if we can work towards another 20 years of Taiwan MICE stories."

This is an exclusive story published in Travel Daily Media written by Marga Manlapig.