In depth knowledge building was the core of an amplified education programme across 22 forum sessions at IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific 2017.

Some 50 renowned speakers from government bodies, academia, industry specialists, and associations addressed various themes encompassing a future-ready theme centred on industry development.

The keynote address from the Joint Meeting Industry Council’s producer, James Latham, focused delegates attention on the contribution the industry makes towards economic development  through innovation, healthcare, and knowledge-based sectors of science and technologies.

“The industry pendulum is swinging upstream as it becomes recognised by government for the outcomes and legacies that can be achieved from a vibrant business events sector. Here in Thailand, for example, you see that TCEB is highly focused on bringing events to the country that will support the economic and transformational strategy of Thailand 4.0 and there are many other vertical priorities ahead of tourism when you look at these clusters.”

Joining the panel were notable dignitaries Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, president of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB); Jason Yeh, president of ICCA Asia-Pacific and Taiwan Convention and Exhibition Association (TCEA); and Koichi Gono, chief executive of Fukuoka Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Other components like the ASEAN MICE Forum, dedicated Association Days forum, campfire knowledge sessions, the CTW Asia-Pacific corporate travel conference forums, and partner event Future Leaders Forum, followed the same emphasis, joining forces with IAPCO, SITE, GainingEdge, and FCM Travel Solutions, to deliver their expertise at some of the topics.

Speaker Mike Williams, senior consultant of GainingEdge, who helmed a number of education sessions and collaborated with IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific 2017 on the Campfire Knowledge Sessions gave his view on the marketplace, “It is important to combine trade shows with education especially when you’ve got a good audience of exhibitors and buyers who are looking to gain knowledge. This then becomes advantageous for the show to incorporate such components and create a win-win for organisers and speakers.  Interacting with delegates who have attended the sessions, I think Asia is showing potential to be a global leader in the MICE industry and is in many ways leading the world.”