Northstar

On The Ground 12 MAY-JUN 2018 MEETINGS & CONVENTIONS MCMAG-ASIA.COM Connecting dots by raising questions and inviting perspectives from other industries. The agenda for Singapore MICE Forum 2018, held July 24 to 25 will unravel and weave together conflicting issues to "disruptive" experience that promises fun while learning – and unlearning. This year's event will welcome attendees at Victoria Theatre and The Arts House with engaging programme formats. Asia Business Meet 2018 Win big with small, intimate events Targetted, nimble and effective. These are the ninja effects that the events industry is seeing. It's evident in the rising trend of small event formats preferred by global organisations. As international corporations extend their geographical reach and ramp up their events activity, the key strategy is to go local while being global. This trend translates into more events being held; albeit smaller, at a regional level. This affects event formats in the way programmes are designed. Whether it is a discussion topic that is indigenous to a country; or being more personalised in networking and deal making; planners recognise the importance of creating intimate quality interactions. One such event is Asia Business Meet (ABM) 2018, which was launched last year to meet those demands. Organised by Northstar Travel Group and SACEOS, this 1-2-1 business-matching event will be held at Marina Bay Sands from July 23 to 26. ABM attracted buyers comprising 72% of direct decision-makers. Fifty-six percent of buyers were from America and Europe, with 42% from Asia Pacific and 2% from other markets. These buyers represented associations, full-service planning companies, corporate in-house planners, large incentive houses, and other independent boutique agencies and companies. Opinion There are many sides to a face-to-face David Peckinpaugh, President, Maritz Global Events talks about small meeting formats What kinds of formats have been proven to be experiential and productive? Short, 9-18-minute talks followed by small group discussions have proven to be very effective in adult learning and education. How do you think business-matching sessions can be more dynamic and experiential? While good, they can get even better with the elimination of "space filler" appointments and better targeting based on matching the needs and solutions of buyers and sellers. How do you see tabletop discussions as being useful in small focused events? These discussions drive more interactivity among the audience and allows for more focused conversations. What are the elements that tie everything together in a successful business- matching event? • Effective matching based on needs and solutions • Proper time management of sessions • Sufficient break time for attendees to re-energise • High-energy breaks and refrains from the grind of appointments. A 1-2-1 business-matching session at Asia Business Meet WORDS ESTHER FAITH LEW Singapore MICE Forum 2018 Wired to connect stimulate new thinking. With topics such as Achieving Exponential Growth; Artificial Intelligence for Dummies; and The Art of Strategising Brands, attendees can expect a thought-provoking and (TOP LEFT) LLUSTRATION: GETTY IMAGES

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