In the process of boosting moderate economic diversification, the Macao SAR Government has focused on nurturing the development of the convention and exhibition industry (MICE). In recent years, thanks to the joint efforts of the SAR Government and the industry operators, the MICE industry has maintained a stable development momentum, and becomes one of the local emerging industries that has great potential and the ability to promote the comprehensive development of many other industries. Commencing November this year, the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) will be fully in-charge of co-ordinating and following-up all convention and exhibition-related work which was previously handled by the Macao Economic Services. By integrating the resources of the convention and exhibition industry as well as enhancing the quality and efficiency of its service, the aim is to more effectively improve supporting measures and IPIM’s operations, while optimising, at the same time, the “One-Stop Service” for Mice Bidding and Support in Macao, by actively providing support to local entities bidding for and introducing to Macao well-known exhibitions from abroad, as a means to promote the development of the local MICE industry. Effective from November, IPIM´s Promotional Activities Department will be in charge of all work in relation to promoting the development of the convention and exhibition industry, previously the responsibility of the Conventions and Exhibitions and Economic Activities Development Department of the Macao Economic Services. The scope of work covered include: participation in the research and formulation of policy, strategies and measures related to the convention and exhibition industry; implementation of the “Support Programme for Professional Training and Education in the Convention and Exhibition Sector”, to provide more professionals for the MICE industry and enhance the professional level of the existing human resources; continue to strengthen co-operation and exchange with regional and international convention and exhibition organisations, and make use of the networking resources to promote Macao´s advantages as an ideal convention and exhibition destination; assist in the collection of statistical data related to conventions and exhibitions held in the city, so as to comprehensively analyse the effectiveness of the MICE industry, in order to reflect its role in driving the economy, to help formulate the future direction of Macao´s convention and exhibition sector; continue to work with the China International Contractors Association in co-organising the “International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum”; provide support to local organisations in the holding of local convention and exhibition activities and provide assistance in building branded exhibitions in Macao; support the local convention and exhibition sector in the organising of exhibitions in Mainland China, such as the “Dynamic Macao Week”, as well as providing financial support to local associations/non-profit organisations to participate in trade fairs as exhibitors, fact-finding visits to trade fairs and respective facilities overseas; strengthen promotion of Macao’s convention and exhibition industry around the world, step-up advertising campaigns; and co-ordinate with the relevant government agencies and entities to promote the implementation of supporting measures to support the convention and exhibition industry, among others. Furthermore, starting from 1 January 2016, IPIM will also take over the duties for the implementation of a series of support programmes dedicated to the convention and exhibition industry, such as the “MICE and Business Travel Stimulation Programme” previously managed by the Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO), to organise professionals from local convention, exhibition and tourism industry to travel overseas to participate in trade fairs and business travel shows, as a means to promote communication and networking between operators of Macao´s MICE industry and their counterparts in other parts of the world. Additionally, IPIM will also take over the duties of Macao Economic Services in the implementation of the “Convention and Exhibition Stimulation Programme” and the “International Meeting and Trade Fair Support Programme”. IPIM maintains close contact with the operators of the MICE industry and, in order to meet market demand, has revised the terms and conditions of the two programmes, including improvement in the flow of subsidies granted to eligible buyers, relaxation of restrictions on the service providers used to support the projects, adjustment to the number of hours of eligible meetings, as well as the subsidy amount for food and beverages, set meals and expenses for opening ceremonies. At the same time, greater support will be given to local entities bidding for MICE activities overseas, providing the relevant membership fees for local associations and chambers of commerce to join regional or international organisations, as so as gradually carry out the respective procedures for bidding. All these revisions aim to promote the development of Macao´s convention and exhibition industry, through the introduction of improvements to the above-mentioned support programmes.
