Themed “Everything, Everywhere, Events”, EventXpo 2024 (EE24) was held from 19th to 21st August 2024 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, was a resounding success, marking a milestone in the Malaysian business events industry. Organised by MACEOS and co-organised by MyCEB in conjunction with the Malaysian Business Event Week (MBEW), the EventXpo showcased interactive workshops, insightful talks by industry experts and the entire business event industry ecosystem, drawing widespread attention and participation.
Everything, Everywhere, Events
The three-day EventXpo featured a comprehensive exhibition, dynamic pocket talks, and a youth challenge, attracting over 3,000 professionals and 550 officially conducted business meetings, including 40 international and local hosted buyers by MyCEB, as well as attendance by esteemed organisations like the Asian Conventions Alliance. Additionally, the Malaysian National Youth Challenge, featuring seven teams from universities nationwide, was particularly noteworthy, demonstrating the industry’s commitment to nurturing future talent.
Exhibitors across more than 90 booths displayed cutting-edge innovations, products, and solutions, reflecting the latest industry trends and engaging in impactful discussions with attendees. This diverse showcase emphasised Malaysia’s position as a premier business events destination in the region. With pavilions from Sarawak, Sabah, and Penang prominently featured, the event succeeded in highlighting the unique contributions of these regions to the industry.
EventXpo 2024 achieved another milestone on August 20, 2024, with the Opening Ceremony of the Malaysia Business Events Week (MBEW). The event was honoured by the presence of Dr. Yasmeen binti Yasim, Deputy Secretary-General (Tourism) of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Malaysia, and Datuk Christina Liew, State Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment of Sabah. Both VIPs participated in separate tours of the exhibition, exploring innovative showcases and engaging with exhibitors, underscoring the event’s significance in the business events industry.
BESARAWAK
Sarawak Unveils Its Business Event Legacy
Sarawak’s impressive debut at EventXpo 2024 marks a significant milestone in its journey to become a leading player in the global business events industry. By focusing on legacy and long-term impact, Sarawak is enhancing its reputation while contributing to Malaysia’s goal of becoming a key business events hub in ASEAN.
Twelve exhibitors from Kuching, Sibu, and Miri united under the Sarawak banner, showcasing the state’s strengths in impactful business events. This collective effort, part of the Tribe Legacy Sarawak campaign, aims to solidify Sarawak’s position in Southeast Asia’s competitive landscape.
BESARAWAK
Sarawak Unveils Its Business Event Legacy
Sarawak’s impressive debut at EventXpo 2024 marks a significant milestone in its journey to become a leading player in the global business events industry. By focusing on legacy and long-term impact, Sarawak is enhancing its reputation while contributing to Malaysia’s goal of becoming a key business events hub in ASEAN.
Twelve exhibitors from Kuching, Sibu, and Miri united under the Sarawak banner, showcasing the state’s strengths in impactful business events. This collective effort, part of the Tribe Legacy Sarawak campaign, aims to solidify Sarawak’s position in Southeast Asia’s competitive landscape.
PCEB
Penang Pavilion Highlights Event Excellence
At EventXpo 2024, the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) showcased Penang’s vibrant and diverse event industry through its dedicated pavilion. The exhibit featured collaborations with prominent industry partners such as Xpedition Travel & Events, Lexis Suites Penang, Bertam Resort & Water Park, Angsana Teluk Bahang, Olive Tree Hotel, PICCA Convention Centre @ Butterworth Arena, and Dquest Ventures, highlighting Penang’s capability to host outstanding events. Attendees had the opportunity to explore top venues and services, gaining insights into Penang’s leadership in event innovation. The pavilion fostered valuable partnerships and networking opportunities, underscoring PCEB’s commitment to advancing Penang’s role in the global events industry.
PCEB
Penang Pavilion Highlights Event Excellence
At EventXpo 2024, the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) showcased Penang’s vibrant and diverse event industry through its dedicated pavilion. The exhibit featured collaborations with prominent industry partners such as Xpedition Travel & Events, Lexis Suites Penang, Bertam Resort & Water Park, Angsana Teluk Bahang, Olive Tree Hotel, PICCA Convention Centre @ Butterworth Arena, and Dquest Ventures, highlighting Penang’s capability to host outstanding events. Attendees had the opportunity to explore top venues and services, gaining insights into Penang’s leadership in event innovation. The pavilion fostered valuable partnerships and networking opportunities, underscoring PCEB’s commitment to advancing Penang’s role in the global events industry.
SABAH CONVENTION BUREAU
Sabah Shines at EventXpo 2024
Datuk Christina Liew, State Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment of Sabah, expressed strong support for the newly established Sabah Convention Bureau (SCB) during its debut at EventXpo 2024. As a key agency under the Ministry, SCB is dedicated to enhancing Sabah’s position in the business events sector. The three-day EventXpo provided a comprehensive showcase of business event management, offering valuable networking opportunities for Sabah’s tourism players and product exhibitors. Participants from MACEOS Sabah included Hello Sabah Events (Sri Pelancongan Sabah), Sounds Tech Production, Borneo Excursions, Xplore Sabah, Kinabalu Heritage Travel, AEI Wellness, Firm Horizon Sdn Bhd, Amazing Borneo, Hilton Hotel Kota Kinabalu, Discovery Tours, and the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC).
SABAH CONVENTION BUREAU
Sabah Shines at EventXpo 2024
Datuk Christina Liew, State Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment of Sabah, expressed strong support for the newly established Sabah Convention Bureau (SCB) during its debut at EventXpo 2024. As a key agency under the Ministry, SCB is dedicated to enhancing Sabah’s position in the business events sector. The three-day EventXpo provided a comprehensive showcase of business event management, offering valuable networking opportunities for Sabah’s tourism players and product exhibitors. Participants from MACEOS Sabah included Hello Sabah Events (Sri Pelancongan Sabah), Sounds Tech Production, Borneo Excursions, Xplore Sabah, Kinabalu Heritage Travel, AEI Wellness, Firm Horizon Sdn Bhd, Amazing Borneo, Hilton Hotel Kota Kinabalu, Discovery Tours, and the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC).
AFECA Convention 2024 Kuala Lumpur Memorandum of Understanding Signing Ceremony
A significant milestone was achieved at EventXpo 2024 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MACEOS, AFECA, MyCEB, and KLCC. This agreement officially sets the stage for Kuala Lumpur to host the AFECA Convention 2024 this November, solidifying Malaysia’s position as a key player in the regional business events industry. The MoU highlights the collaborative efforts to elevate Kuala Lumpur as a premier destination for international conventions and business events.
AFECA Convention 2024
Kuala Lumpur Memorandum of Understanding Signing Ceremony
A significant milestone was achieved at EventXpo 2024 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MACEOS, AFECA, MyCEB, and KLCC. This agreement officially sets the stage for Kuala Lumpur to host the AFECA Convention 2024 this November, solidifying Malaysia’s position as a key player in the regional business events industry. The MoU highlights the collaborative efforts to elevate Kuala Lumpur as a premier destination for international conventions and business events.
Collaborations between
MACEOS and UUM
This collaboration marks a significant step in fostering industry-academia synergy aimed at advancing business events development and education. The partnership underscores a commitment to bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical industry needs, ensuring that future professionals are well-equipped with the skills and insights necessary to excel in the dynamic business events sector.
Collaborations between MACEOS and UUM
This collaboration marks a significant step in fostering industry-academia synergy aimed at advancing business events development and education. The partnership underscores a commitment to bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical industry needs, ensuring that future professionals are well-equipped with the skills and insights necessary to excel in the dynamic business events sector.
Dynamic Pocket Talk Series
Technologies is Useless
by Kevin Ng, Jublia
This session challenged the conventional wisdom about technology’s role in the event industry. Kevin Ng explored the limitations of relying solely on technology without a solid strategy, suggesting that its impact may be overstated. Attendees gained insights into how to effectively harness technology, emphasising the need for a balanced approach to achieve real impact in events.
What’s your Event Worth? Linking Events to Revenue
by Will Kataria, CVENT
Understanding the true value of your events is crucial for success. This session delved into how to effectively link events to revenue generation, showcasing strategies used by top event professionals to demonstrate ROI and make every event count.
Custom vs Modular Booths: Tailoring Your Perfect Exhibition Space
by Catherine Neo & Jim Tham, INNOGEN
This session provided a comprehensive understanding of the pros and cons of custom versus modular booths. Participants gained valuable insights into how each option can affect brand presentation and event outcomes, helping them make informed decisions about the ideal booth style for their future events. This discussion was essential for optimising event presence.
Cyber Attack x Hacker: Impact on Business Events Industry
by Siraj Jalil, Malaysia Cyber Consumer Association
This session offered an in-depth exploration of potential cybersecurity threats facing event organisers today. Attendees learned about the latest cybersecurity risks and effective strategies to safeguard their events from digital threats. The discussion underscored the importance of cybersecurity in ensuring a secure and seamless event experience.
Next-Gen Event Strategies: Balancing Creativity, Personalisation, and Security
by EVENESIS
This session focused on cutting-edge strategies for balancing innovation with data protection. Attendees gained valuable insights into delivering personalised event experiences securely, highlighting the importance of integrating security measures with creative approaches. The session provided essential takeaways for elevating event strategies in today’s competitive landscape.
Dynamic Pocket Talk Series
Technologies is Useless
by Kevin Ng, Jublia
This session challenged the conventional wisdom about technology’s role in the event industry. Kevin Ng explored the limitations of relying solely on technology without a solid strategy, suggesting that its impact may be overstated. Attendees gained insights into how to effectively harness technology, emphasising the need for a balanced approach to achieve real impact in events.
What’s your Event Worth? Linking Events to Revenue
by Will Kataria, CVENT
Understanding the true value of your events is crucial for success. This session delved into how to effectively link events to revenue generation, showcasing strategies used by top event professionals to demonstrate ROI and make every event count.
Custom vs Modular Booths: Tailoring Your Perfect Exhibition Space
by Catherine Neo & Jim Tham, INNOGEN
This session provided a comprehensive understanding of the pros and cons of custom versus modular booths. Participants gained valuable insights into how each option can affect brand presentation and event outcomes, helping them make informed decisions about the ideal booth style for their future events. This discussion was essential for optimising event presence.
Cyber Attack x Hacker: Impact on Business Events Industry
by Siraj Jalil, Malaysia Cyber Consumer Association
This session offered an in-depth exploration of potential cybersecurity threats facing event organisers today. Attendees learned about the latest cybersecurity risks and effective strategies to safeguard their events from digital threats. The discussion underscored the importance of cybersecurity in ensuring a secure and seamless event experience.
Next-Gen Event Strategies: Balancing Creativity, Personalisation, and Security
by EVENESIS
This session focused on cutting-edge strategies for balancing innovation with data protection. Attendees gained valuable insights into delivering personalised event experiences securely, highlighting the importance of integrating security measures with creative approaches. The session provided essential takeaways for elevating event strategies in today’s competitive landscape.
Malaysia Business Events National Challenge 2024
On August 21, 2024, the Malaysia Business Events National Challenge 2024 was held at Activity Area of EventXpo 2024. Organised by MACEOS and co-organised by MyCEB, the event highlighted the talents of seven teams from universities nationwide, including:
- Universiti Teknologi MARA – Media Rasmi
- STHEM UUM
- Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation – APU
- School of Hospitality & Service Management, Sunway University
- School of Hospitality, Tourism & Events – Taylor’s University
Students presented innovative ideas to a panel of esteemed judges, who evaluated their creativity, marketing strategy, budget planning, and presentation skills. The top three teams will receive mentorship from industry experts in preparation for the AFECA Asia MICE Youth Challenge 2024 in Kuala Lumpur this November.
Winning Teams and Proposal Titles (Alphabetical Order) :
- AI JOB SOLUTION EXPO 2025 Presented by team: Futuristic Unity, School of Hospitality & Service Management, Sunway University
- SHE INSPIRES CONVENTION Presented by team: Jaye Event, School of Hospitality, Tourism & Events – Taylor’s University
- UNVEIL THE BEAUTY OF KUCHING, SARAWAK & THE SURROUNDINGS Presented by team: Borneo Adventure Seekers, School of Hospitality & Service Management, Sunway University
Best Presenter(s) :
- Lee Xin Yee School of Hospitality & Service Management, Sunway University
- Erica Emmanuel Stephens School of Hospitality, Tourism & Events – Taylor’s University
Best Power Point Presentation :
- AI JOB SOLUTION EXPO 2025 Presented by team: Futuristic Unity, School of Hospitality & Service Management, Sunway University
- UNVEIL THE BEAUTY OF KUCHING, SARAWAK & THE SURROUNDINGS Presented by team: Borneo Adventure Seekers, School of Hospitality & Service Management, Sunway University
Draft Malaysian Standard (DMS)
for Business Events
On August 22, 2024, during the 4th day of MBEW, the Department of Standards Malaysia (JSM) hosted a consultation session on Draft Malaysian Standards (DMS) for Business Events at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Officiated by Mrs. Norhaliza Arifin, Senior Assistant Director, on behalf of the JSM Director General, the session attracted 70 participants from various sectors, including Ministry representatives, government agencies, and industry stakeholders.
Presentations included:
- DMS 2765-1:2024 – Convention, Exhibition Centre, and Event Space Requirements Presented by Mr. Francis Teo (MACEOS), Chairman of NSC 20/TC 2/WG 1 – Business Events Venue
- DMS 2765-2:2024 – Professional Congress Organiser Requirements Presented by Mdm. Gracie Veronica Geikie (Place Borneo Sdn Bhd), Chairman of NSC 20/TC 2/WG 2 – PCO
- DMS 2765-3:2024 – Professional Exhibition Organiser Requirements Presented by Mr. Jaggarao Simancha (Agenda Suria Communication Sdn Bhd), Member of NSC 20/TC 2/WG 3 – PEO
Draft Malaysian Standard (DMS) for Business Events
On August 22, 2024, during the 4th day of MBEW, the Department of Standards Malaysia (JSM) hosted a consultation session on Draft Malaysian Standards (DMS) for Business Events at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Officiated by Mrs. Norhaliza Arifin, Senior Assistant Director, on behalf of the JSM Director General, the session attracted 70 participants from various sectors, including Ministry representatives, government agencies, and industry stakeholders.
Presentations included:
- DMS 2765-1:2024 – Convention, Exhibition Centre, and Event Space Requirements Presented by Mr. Francis Teo (MACEOS), Chairman of NSC 20/TC 2/WG 1 – Business Events Venue
- DMS 2765-2:2024 – Professional Congress Organiser Requirements Presented by Mdm. Gracie Veronica Geikie (Place Borneo Sdn Bhd), Chairman of NSC 20/TC 2/WG 2 – PCO
- DMS 2765-3:2024 – Professional Exhibition Organiser Requirements Presented by Mr. Jaggarao Simancha (Agenda Suria Communication Sdn Bhd), Member of NSC 20/TC 2/WG 3 – PEO
The session concluded with a panel discussion moderated by MyCEB, which provided a platform for valuable dialogue on refining industry standards. This collaborative effort emphasised the importance of aligning Malaysia’s business events standards with global benchmarks.
EventXpo 2024 has truly set a new standard in the business events industry, and it was an honour to be part of this transformative journey. The energy, creativity, and collaborations witnessed over the past few days will undoubtedly shape the future of business events in Malaysia and beyond. The success of EventXpo 2024 reinforces its potential to become an annual regional hallmark event, further solidifying Malaysia’s leadership in the business events sector.