This year marks the 10th anniversary of Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings Asia (IT&CMA) and an intensive programme of…
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings Asia (
As the pioneer trade show for the meetings, incentive, convention and exhibition (MICE) industry, IT&CMA has always striven to serve bigger and better offerings each year. So far, some 300 hosted and trade buyers have confirmed participation in IT&CMA 2002 and more are expected to sign up in the next fortnight, given the immense value the revitalised and expanded exhibition, seminars and social events carry.
To date, 300 companies, including national tourist organisations and associations, have booked space at the show, a 46-per cent increase over 2001. Comfortably spread over 5,000 square metres at the IMPACT Convention Centre in Pakkret City, north of Bangkok, the three-day exhibition from 23-25 October features strong MICE exhibitors that will draw quality buyers and visitors and provide a rewarding experience for all attendees.
Starting early on 22 October, some 80 delegates are expected to tee off in a friendly golf tournament at the Rose Garden Golf Course, sponsored by Amadeus, The Rose Garden, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and TTG Asia. The day will progress with complimentary city tours in the afternoon. The highlight of the evening will be the opening ceremony and welcome dinner at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) hosted by TAT, QSNCC and Index Promotion Agency.
IT&CMA organiser, TTG Asia Media, has planned a novel event to kick-off the first business session on 23 October. Then at night, Central Hotels & Resorts will join TTG Asia in hosting the 14th TTG Asia Travel Awards at the Sofitel Central Plaza Hotel. It is the first time that these prestigious awards are being presented at IT&CMA, and 50 categories will be honoured, including the Travel Personality and Destination of the Year as well as a special Hall of Fame to be introduced this year.
Project Manager Melinda Mak said: Besides the daily workshops addressing various industry issues, creative exhibits and even pockets of entertainment in the exhibition area, we are spicing up lunch on 24 October with the support of the Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA). Called `You say, we say`, it will be an interactive power lunch arranged by TICA in partnership with Incentive & Meetings Asia (IMA) and co-sponsored by TAT, Thai Airways International and Optimum. Distinguished industry personalities will comment on topical MICE issues. Lunch guests will then vote on whether they agree or disagree with them, thus providing a quick gauge of the industry`s views. We are also introducing `Sticky Awards` for exhibitors who provide customer delight.
Ms Mak added that sponsorship interest had been strong, attesting to the trade`s confidence in the quality of the show. Not only are local hotels such as Dusit Hotels & Resorts and Shangri-la Bangkok hosting the ever-popular social networking functions, but Deutsche Post Global Mail (official international mail service provider) and DHL (official international express service provider) have also signed on as sponsors. And as a further indication of the keen interest in the host destination, of the six post-show tours designed to let buyers and media delegates sample various regions of the country, two – Chiang Rai/Chiang Mai and Phuket/Krabi – are already fully subscribed.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
