Northstar

10 May-Jun 2017 meetings & conventions • mcmag-asia.com M acao is a destination designed for success when it comes to meetings and events, as evidenced by the growing number of international conferences and exhibitions that take place there. And as the MICE segment continues to contribute more to the city's overall economic diversification, planners will find more choices — and support — than ever. In January of 2016, Macao consolidated the government agencies that offer support to meetings and event organizers, making the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) the official "go-to" agency for international meetings and events. The organization, which oversees the development of the MICE sector, continues to enhance the destination's "One-Stop Service" for event planners, providing assistance and information every step of the way, from bidding to support. IPIM's presence at key industry trade shows including IMEX Frankfurt, AIME Melbourne, ITCM Shanghai, CIBTM Beijing, ITCMA Bangkok and IMEX America, as well as its series of support programs, are proof of its dedication to this growing market segment. A Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China, Macao continues to experience unprecedented growth in meetings infrastructure, with more than 1.9 million square feet of meeting space, as well as more than 36,000 hotel rooms. Additional hotels on the way — including MGM Cotai and Lisboa Palace — will result in a total of 50,000 rooms in the city. Other developments, which include entertainment and event venues, are further strengthening the city's identity as a hub for the leisure and business events industry. Macao continues to attract visitors by proving that there is more to the destination than casinos (although those are certainly a draw as well). IPIM is strategically focusing on the city's unique selling proposition for international events — namely, its strategic position providing easy access to one of the world's largest economic development regions. Planners around the world are more aware than ever that Macao is the perfect place to host large groups and the statistics continue to reinforce the growth and strength of the MICE sector. According to results from the Macao Statistics and Census Service (DSEC), for the whole year of 2016, a total of 1,276 MICE events were held, comprising 1,195 meetings and conferences, 55 exhibitions and 26 incentive events, with a total number of participants and attendees reaching 1,722,000. OPTIMISM ABOUNDS FOR MACAO'S CONVENTION & EXHIBITION FUTURE LANDSCAPE Macao was the host destination of the 13th China Expo Forum for International Cooperation (CEFCO), held in mid-January 2017. This was the first time that this prestigious annual meeting of the international convention and exhibition industry was located Macao Optimism Grows for this Dynamic Meetings Destination Macao was the first-time host destination of the 13th China Expo Forum for International Cooperation (CEFCO) Macao

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