The inaugural ICCA Asia Pacific Summit, in concurrent with BE@Penang, concluded on a high note at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre.
The Summit, organised by Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau, Anderes Fourdy and ICCA Asia Pacific Chapter, with the support of Penang State Government and ICCA Malaysia Committee, started out as a grass-root initiative designed by the members, and catered to the members in the region. The two-day summit was attended by 300 delegates from 20 countries and territories.
ICCA President, James Rees, presented the highly anticipated Keynote Address at the opening ceremony. The speech highlighted on the importance of ICCA, as the leading voice within the meetings industry around the world. In shaping the future and the value of the international association meetings, James also pointed out the importance of engaging the association community, exploring new business opportunities and competitive advantages while focusing on the importance of sustainable and effective industry, as meetings have advanced rapidly over the years. An interactive and intimate session with the ICCA President, moderated by Jane Vong Holmes, GainingEdge, was held for participants to ask their burning questions and share ideas.
ICCA Asia Pacific Chapter is now the largest Chapter in ICCA global membership. The Chapter currently has 291 members from 16 countries and territories and covering more than 100 cities in the region. The Asia Pacific Summit would now serve as a platform for members in the region to meet and interact as a Chapter. The ICCA Asia Pacific Chapter Executive Committee were fervently committed to have the summit serve as “One Voice” representing the Asia Pacific membership and send positive message to the global ICCA community.
Jason Yeh, Chair, ICCA Asia Pacific Chapter remarked, “I am delighted to mention that this Summit is specifically designed for our region to meet and interact as a Chapter outside of the annual ICCA Congress and IMEX, in hopes of fostering better relationships and mutual interactions that would benefit our Chapter, as well as to leverage on the growth of the industry”.
Besides the networking sessions enabling members to bond as a chapter, the Summit saw several educational tracks that were carefully designed to benefit members from this region. From research to sustainability, topics were prudently selected and presented by our esteemed ICCA Asia Pacific members, sharing their vast experience in the industry with peers.
The host city for ICCA Asia Pacific Summit 2020 will be announced soon.
