Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/937644
ON LOCATION | Incheon, SOUTH KOREA 54 JAN-FEB 2018 meetings & conventions • mcmag-asia.com Urbane and eco-savvy Incheon has built up a reputation for its smart city plans in achieving a small carbon footprint and is attracting the attention of corporate groups with a green agenda. Its CVB achieved certification as a Sustainable Destination from 2015 to 2017, meeting Green Mice Industry's (GMIC) destination standard for the first time in Asia. "Since then, Incheon has been promoting the city via green campaigns with Incheon MICE Alliances and by introducing venues such as Songdo ConvensiA and Sheraton Incheon hotel that are LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) by US Green Building Council. "There's a high demand for international organisations to hold their Incheon sharpens innovative edge The city of Songdo – high tech and well connected events in Incheon as the city hosts as many as 14 international organisations, including Green Climate Fund. International organisations usually place high importance on environmental issues, which gives Incheon a strong advantage when bidding for RFPs," says Kim In-Su, director of MICE Industry Division, Incheon City. SIZED-UP AND TECH-SAVVY Songdo ConvensiA – the first LEED- certified convention centre in Asia –– is getting ready to unveil new facilities and floor space that doubles its current size to 64,000sqm in July. It will showcase a 900-booth exhibition hall, a 2,000pax ballroom, and 41 meeting rooms. "With this expansion, the centre will focus on co-hosting exhibitions as well as combining shows with similar themes for large-scale exhibitions. "In November, the 6th OECD World Forum on Statistics, Knowledge and Policy with 2,000 attendees from 100 countries will be held at the newly- expanded convention centre, allowing ConvensiA to showcase its new values and stories to the world," says Kim Hyun, A Chief, Songdo ConvensiA. With smart infrastructure and facilities that are continually being enhanced, Incheon looks set to add more steam to its current UIA ranking. The city made the biggest leap in 2016, rising Words Esther Faith Lew South Korea's smart city continues to garner global attention for eco technology and high-tech infrastructure that attract MICE groups "There's a high demand for international organisations to hold their events in Incheon as the city hosts as many as 14 international organisations..." – KIM IN-SU, DIRECTOR OF MICE INDUSTRY DIVISION, INCHEON CITY.