Business events can be far more than meetings and conferences. When strategically aligned with economic priorities, they can strengthen industries, attract talent, drive investment and create lasting knowledge and partnerships. Drawing on global destination strategies, Steen Jakobsen of GainingEdge explores the leadership, governance, infrastructure, funding and industry collaboration needed to build successful business events destinations.

For Sabah, these principles present an opportunity to move beyond viewing events through tourism metrics and instead position them as strategic economic assets. By building a connected and purpose-driven ecosystem, Sabah can strengthen its global business events profile while creating lasting opportunities for innovation, talent and sustainable growth.