The India Convention Promotion Bureau (ICPB), a national apex body focused on promoting India as an attractive MICE destination, with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, will organise its flagship event, the 13th Conventions India Conclave (CIC) – as a hybrid event with the theme – ‘Physical & Digital Meetings – A Harmonious Blend’, to be held on 30-31 October 2020 to promote India as a safe and attractive MICE destination, post COVID19.

This year when the COVID19 crisis has disrupted the meetings industry, with the need for social distancing and other safety protocols, ICPB with the support of members and Industry, is using these challenging times to demonstrate the resilience of the industry in hosting the 13th CIC as a ‘hybrid event’.

At present, due to restrictions in the number of participants permissible, 100 attendees will be participating at the event in person and about 800 participants are expected to participate virtually including 100-150 potential buyers, exhibitors, stakeholders of the MICE industry, tourism students, government officials, industry colleagues etc. for networking, updating and forging new alliances to kickstart MICE business post the pandemic crisis.

Amaresh Tiwari, vice chairman of ICPB and convention chairman, said: “The MICE industry in India is slowly and steadily gaining momentum. As the apex body of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, we at ICPB have to set an example and be at the forefront of getting the events industry back on its feet. The venue partner for the hybrid event is JW Marriott Aerocity, New Delhi which will host the event showcasing their world-class MICE facilities, applying all safety protocols in compliance with government. guidelines. The government of Gujarat is supporting state partner for the conclave. We have received positive response from the industry as people are now eager to cautiously return to the MICE arena. Challenging times call for innovative approach and with this hybrid-event we are setting an example for others to follow.”