IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific will build on its past success to increase trade conducted as a result of the event, while introducing a host of new innovations for buyers and exhibitors alike, said the organiser.
The world’s only double-billed MICE and corporate travel event will celebrate its 10th year of co-location when it opens its doors at Centara Grand Bangkok Convention Centre from September 30 to October 3.
A recent survey showed that almost 70 per cent of buyers who attended last year’s event made purchases totalling more than US$45 million within six months, with related sales expected to push the total to more than US$120 million within the next half-year.
Speaking at the event preview in Bangkok on Tuesday, Darren Ng, managing director of TTG Asia Media, the event’s organiser, said IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific 2013 was expected to yield greater benefits for delegates, especially those from Thailand, not only in terms of sales and acquisitions, but also through other valued-added innovations.
“The cost effectiveness of meeting qualified buyers from around the world on home ground makes participating at IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific an opportunity not to be missed,” he said.
Meeting face-to-face was even more important in the digital age, said Sumate Sudasna, president of the Thailand Incentive and Convention Association.
“Attending (the trade event) is especially crucial because of the emergence of ecommerce where every week a new product and application is being developed and launched. As professionals we know that meeting face-to-face is the most important part of our business efforts so we can put a face to the emails or WhatsApp messages.”
Ng said a number of key initiatives will be launched this year, including:
– An online diary capable of scheduling 100 per cent of appointments, which provides also messaging services for buyers and sellers
– Association Day & Performance Improvement Forum held in collaboration with MCI Group to provide seminar sessions and structured business appointments
– A Luxury Post-show Tour for about 20 international luxury buyers to showcase Thailand’s luxury MICE and travel offerings during a 4D/3N tour
The Thai pavilion will be the largest destination showcase at the event with 375m2 of floor space, while special packages will be introduced for Thai buyers and exhibitors to entice participation.
