Northstar

S P E C I A L F E A T U R E May-Jun 2017 11 meetings & conventions • mcmag-asia.com outside Mainland China. The Forum was co-organized by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade & the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI), International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), and the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO), and was undertaken by the China Chamber of International Commerce and the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute. In total, more than 800 industry leaders were in attendance. The participants came from all around the world, successfully exchanging the newest information about the industry, and shared business opportunities within a two-day collaborative setting of plenary sessions and group meetings. The leaders of three international exhibition industry associations — UFI, IAEE and SISO — were invited to the Forum to share their expertise and explore further opportunities for Macao and the region. Forum leaders, some first-time visitors, were impressed with Macao's infrastructure and MICE offerings and offer their expert industry perspectives. Among the positive feedback: • Andreas Gruchow, President of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) and first-time visitor to Macao, attended the opening ceremony, delivered a speech and participated in a series of meetings and exchange activities. He stated that during these events, he made lots of new friends and obtained much valuable information. Regarding the development of Macao's convention and exhibition industry, Gruchow expressed optimism in Macao's environment and facilities and regarded them as well suited for hosting meetings. He encouraged the government's commitment in the area of promotion and development of Macao into a City of Events in the convention and exhibition sector. He noted the most important assets of a destination geared for conventions and exhibitions are its hotels, venues, surrounding recreational facilities, and convenient transportation, all of which Macao is equipped with. • Similarly, David Dubois, President and CEO of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), another first-time visitor to Macao, stated that Macao has perfect facilities to support conventions and exhibitions, with the capability of hosting large-scale meetings and enterprise meetings. In addition, its venues and hotels have been equipped with a full set of facilities, and are surrounded by readily available recreational and shopping sites, so that participants and their family members can enjoy their stay in their preferred ways. He is quite optimistic about Macao's future convention and exhibition industry, evidenced by the successful outcome of CEFCO 2017. He is confident more and more international convention and exhibition organizers who experienced the event will recognize Macao and consequently attract more international large-scale meetings. • David Audrain, Executive Director of the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) visited Macao seven years ago and was amazed by the rapid pace of development in Macao's infrastructure, including technology software and hardware that support conventions and exhibitions. Having once lived in Las Vegas, he thinks that Macao is similar to Las Vegas in many aspects — the magnificent hotels, venues, and the diverse and innumerous attractions. He suggested that Macao learn best practices from a destination like Las Vegas on how to develop strengths and overcome challenges that will initiate a wider scope of development for Macao's convention and exhibition industry. For more information, visit the official IPIM website: www.ipim.gov.mo or www.mice.gov.mo 2017 UPCOMING LARGE- SCALE EVENTS IN MACAO 39th Asia Pacific Dental Congress: Medical professionals from 30 countries and regions are projected to participate The Road Ahead: Asia Pacific Leadership Summit 2017 Organized by Marriott International Asia Pacific FY18 Medtronic Greater China Kick Off Meeting: Over 3,500 delegates from medical related industries are expected to attend International convention and exhibition professionals took a group photo in front of the Macao Pavilion.

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