The founding members of the Asia Convention Alliance (ACA) gathered for the second time at IMEX America 2022, one of the largest trade shows in North America for the meetings and events industry. The founding members, comprising Thailand Convention Bureau (TCEB), Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA), Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), Seoul Tourism Organization (STO), and Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), met to discuss future programmes undertaken by the alliance. At the same time, bilateral MOUs were signed between MyCEB and STO as well as STO and TAITRA.
The alliance, established since September 2021, has carried out numerous meetings which lead to active business lead sharing between members in the hope to restore the region’s business events industry and to facilitate knowledge exchange between member countries through collaborative ventures.
To further facilitate knowledge exchange, the ACA members has agreed to collaborate on the first ACA event namely ACA Association Forum (ACAAF) whose debut edition, dubbed #ACAAF1, is scheduled to take place in 2023 during the 62nd ICCA Congress in Bangkok. Details on the event will be announced once finalised.
Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) said that “since the day Thailand initiated the formation of Asia Convention Alliance (ACA), TCEB has been a firm believer in its potential. It has been an honour working closely with all the founding members: MyCEB, STO, TAITRA and TICA on this exciting journey that fosters the regional collaboration and paves the way towards our first event’s debut. We are looking forward to hosting and welcoming you to ACA’s inaugural event #ACAAF1, which will take place concurrently with the ICCA Congress 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand.”
Mr. Sumate Sudasna, President of Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA), remarked that “TICA is delighted that the ACA is progressing with the common goal to bond the Asian region as international conventions evolve. Alliance members are ever dynamic in directing joint efforts to elevate our business events industry.”
Mr. Ki Yon Kil, President and CEO of Seoul Tourism Organization said that “it has been an absolute honour to be part of the Asia Convention Alliance over the past year since we had our first MoU with TCEB last September. The partnership between ACA member destinations has been helpful overcoming difficult time together with our effective collaboration and cooperation. With diverse knowledge and business exchange opportunities, Seoul Tourism Organization is looking forward to our further collaboration activities expected in near future. We firmly believe that our strong bond will contribute beneficial aspects towards increasing the competitiveness of MICE industry in Asia. Also, further MoU signings with MyCEB and TAITRA will bring more business opportunities to each member destination.”
Mr. Simon Wang, President & CEO of Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), said that “Convention and exhibition activities are an important platform for promoting economic growth. Asia Convention Alliance is a prime example of how the Asian MICE industry uses creativity, resilience and commitment to come back stronger after the pandemic. TAITRA is a firm believer in the potential of ACA and what it stands for. We are excited to work with all the founding members of ACA in launching our major event, the #ACAAF1, and make it a great success!”
It is noted that plans are being made for the five organisations to be collocated within each other in future IMEX shows in Frankfurt and Las Vegas, to validate camaraderie and spirit of the alliance.
Strengthening Cooperation within the Asian Region, MyCEB Enters into Agreement with Asia Convention Alliance
Back in September 2021, Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) is proud to officially announce the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with Thailand Convention Bureau (TCEB). This is in line with the vision to work on a planned future establishment for Asia Convention Alliance (ACA) together with Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA), Seoul Tourism Organization, and Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA)
The participating parties were present for the Asia Convention Alliance – Virtual MOU Signing Ceremony on 2 September 2021 live from Bangkok, Thailand with the objective to jointly promote the convention industries in Asia. This alliance is a new initiative by TCEB and TICA with aims to restore the region’s convention industry, strengthen relations, and facilitate knowledge exchange between member countries through collaborative ventures. The desired goal is to run more conventions as well as joint conventions organised in the member countries on rotation basis to increase the convention market in the region. Each member is also encouraged to invite other organisations to join the alliance.
“The idea of TCEB and TICA to form the alliance with our Asian counterparts was initiated in December 2020 when we foresaw that the convention market in Asia is the most promising and expected to be on the real verge of recovery sooner due to preceding readiness for short-haul travel and economic stimulus policies of the governments in the region. In going forward, the alliance aims to help local professional conference organisers (PCOs) in each member country build confidence and become prepared to respond to fresh demands of the post-Covid-19 pandemic when businesses and organisations will utilise conventions in gathering advanced knowledge, latest technologies and new experiences to reignite professional and business growth,” stated Mr. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President of Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB.
By becoming a member of the Asia Convention Alliance, Malaysia is keen to be part of the collective effort to co-develop business opportunities among the alliance members and strive for the status of sustainable regional convention destination and welcome more members on board towards boosting Asia’s convention industry.
To learn more about ACA, please contact the member of your choice: Thailand at c@tceb.or.th, Malaysia at hani@myceb.com.my, Seoul at miceseoul@sto.or.kr and Taiwan at ticc@taitra.org.tw.