Business Events Forum at ITB Asia: Time For New Thinking

2009 was the year the business events industry came under fire like never before. Beyond cutbacks in meetings and incentives worldwide, prompted by political, business and social pressures, perceptions of the business events sector have also changed. New customer demands and new technology are driving change and new thinking is needed by industry players. This 2-hour forum will offer insights into what’s changed, what are the new trends, and how you can tap into new opportunities with fresh ideas to increase your share of this still-lucrative segment.



DAY THREE, OCT 22, 2009
Ballroom 2, Level 2, Suntec Convention Centre
3.00-5.00 Industry veteran Elizabeth Rich will set the scene with commentary on today’s market forces, and will be joined by a number of other business events experts.
• Robin Lokerman heads the Asia Pacific operations of one of the world’s most dominant association management and conference organising companies, MCI.
• Sandra Chipchase, CEO of the Melbourne Convention and Visitors Bureau, has taken Melbourne to record new heights with event business.
• Melissa Ow, Assistant Chief Executive, Business Travel & MICE Group, Singapore Tourism Board, is heading the group at a time when Singapore is being transformed with the opening of the two Integrated Resorts.
• Elena Arabadjieva, Director, MICE, Resorts World at Sentosa, is responsible for driving the meetings and events business to the resort which will have venues, both indoors and outdoors, capable to taking up to 35,000 people at one time.
• Michael Molloy, Director, Corporate Real Estate and Services, Credit Suisse, has almost 20 years experience in corporate travel and procurement and is responsible for over 20 offices spanning 15 countries in Asia Pacific.

The panellists will share their knowledge and discuss opportunities and ideas for growth in today’s tough environment:
  • The impact the global financial crisis has had on business events, both in the corporate and association markets and how the market has reacted to the downturn.
  • What proactive measures have been taken to combat the GFC?
  • What signs there are of “green shoots” – who is best placed to take advantage any turnaround?
  • How are companies’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies affecting business events and what are suppliers doing to respond?
  • Are “green” events expected to become mandatory post Copenhagen and who is leading the field in this regard?
  • How can you help your clients produce low-carbon footprint events and how should you position yourself in the marketplace?
  • Are strategic alliances the answer in today’s new environment?
  • What is now expected as entry level requirements for those suppliers servicing the business events market?
  • Moving beyond logistics to strategic management for business events to measure their value and ensure their future.
  • How is the market changing in terms of buyer control and tighter policies?
  • What is the role of the AMC, the PCO, and the TMC as intermediaries between the client and the market?
  • What role are governments playing to attract business events?
  • How is the global market changing to a shorter-haul regional focus?
  • What are the big technology advances impacting the marketing and delivery of events?
  • How are programmes changing and what does this mean for venues and other suppliers?  Cool ideas for the 21st Century delegate.
Producer: Elizabeth Rich, Chief Executive, Business Events Council of Australia

Notes: The Business Events Forum is open to all WIT and ITB Asia delegates. Programme correct at time of publication and is subject to change.

Contact WIT 2009 Secretariat

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Gerry Pang
The Event Company Staging Connections Pte Ltd
138 Joo Seng Road Level 2, Trivec House
Singapore 368361
Tel: 65 6513 8736
Fax: 65 6270 0261
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