Enhances participants’ understanding of the international association market
(Macao, August 24, 2012) – The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) hosted an educational workshop for the first time in Macao in collaboration with Sands® Cotai Macao, one of Asia’s top meetings destinations, from July 16 to 17, 2012 at Conrad Macao, Cotai Central. The two-day event attracted nearly 50 participants from the meetings industry in Macao and the surrounding region, where their knowledge of the international association market was enhanced through panel discussions, keynote speeches and group activities.
The International Congress Sales & Marketing Workshop aimed at providing education and training for Macao’s and the region’s meeting industry professionals, thus reinforcing their understanding of the latest trends and developments in the association market worldwide. The two-day event also focused on increasing participants’ skills and techniques to win more international association meetings throughout the region; in Macao’s case, this can contribute to the transformation of the city into Asia’s premier destination for conventions. It was an important opportunity for members from across the region, including Macao’s local labour force, to look ahead to the future while developing their professional talents – a significant consideration in light of the rapid pace of Macao’s development. The skills learned and applied from the workshop can play a key role in increasing the region’s and Macao’s competitiveness as a MICE destination.
“We were pleased to cooperate with ICCA to hold such an inspirational workshop for the industry in this region,” said Natasha Tome, Executive Director of MICE Marketing for Sands Cotai Macao. “Through this successful collaboration we hope that we can play a role in helping to bring more international meetings to Macao in the future, enabling the city to become a primary destination for congress organisers.”
Noor Ahmad Hamid, Regional Director Asia Pacific of ICCA said, “It is an honour for ICCA to work with Sands Cotai Macao in organising the International Congress Sales and Marketing Workshop. The host managed to meet the target in getting more than 45 participants representing both the public and private sectors. It is also interesting to note that the group work has created some of the most unique ideas, innovative and emotional approaches that perhaps could be used in the real life of bidding or in marketing the destination. On behalf of ICCA and the faculty we would like to thank Sands Cotai Macao for their professional approach in hosting this event.”
Steen Jakobsen, ICCA Board of Directors & Director of the Copenhagen Convention Bureau said, “The workshop in Macao is a successful example of how ICCA in partnership with member organisations provides education opportunities for young talent in the meeting industry. The participants worked hard and engaged for two full days and I was impressed with their ability to develop and deliver very strong bid presentations. It holds promises for a bright future for the meeting industry.”
Speakers and guests from leading MICE organisations were invited to give inspiring presentations, and facilitate panel discussions and group simulation activities, including Jill Henry, Head of Faculty Macao – ICCA Bidding Workshop, and Richard Rheindorf, Deputy Managing Director of China of MCI China, Beijing Office. Mr. Hamid, Mr. Jakobsen and Mr. Rheindorf led an interactive session discussing the current trends in the industry with focus on the Asia Pacific region, one of the fastest growing regions for international meetings and conventions in the world.
Insights on working with governments, collaborative marketing and dealing with cultural differences in international bidding were also shared during the workshop. In addition, participants were introduced to successful bidding strategies, including how to stand out from competitors and outwit the competition through creativity and innovation. They were divided into six groups and each of them had to present their own bidding proposal based on a case study.
The International Congress and Convention Association established cooperation with Sands Cotai Macao to hold its first educational event in Macao, since the integrated city has the largest convention and exhibition space in Asia, coupled with world-class facilities, and has a proven track record of holding successful association events since 2007.
ICCA is the global community for the meetings industry, enabling its members to generate and maintain a significant competitive advantage. Founded in 1963, ICCA currently has 900 members in 86 countries, making it the most global association within the meetings industry and one of the most prominent organisations in the world of international events.
