IPIM´s Executive Director, Mrs. Irene V. K. Lau, speaks at the Macao breakfast
IMEX 2016 in Frankfurt was held at the Messe Frankfurt Convention Centre, from 19 to 21 April in Frankfurt. This year´s IMEX was the largest since its inception in 2003, having attracted 3,500 participants from 150 countries and regions around the world. “Macao - Mega Events City” is blooming During the “Macao breakfast to Promote the Advantages of Macao´s Conventions and Exhibitions” held during IMEX, Executive Director of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), Mrs. Irene V. K. Lau, gave a presentation to convention organisers, international business associations and destination managers from around the world and promoted the advantages of holding conventions and exhibitions in Macao as well as the anticipated opportunities for the industry. Mrs. Lau said that over the next two years, more hotel, convention and exhibition projects will be completed in the city, coupled with the completion of major infrastructure projects in the neighbouring areas, such as the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, will help to promote the regional integration of the MICE industry, thus allowing Macao to welcome more international convention and exhibition trade visitors, and bring about new openings for the local MICE industry. Networking session participated in by over 50 potential buyers and MICE industry representatives IPIM set up a “Macao Pavilion” covering 96 square metres and organised a networking session which attracted more than 50 potential buyers and Europe’s MICE industry representatives. Apart from introducing the advantages of Macao´s conventions and exhibitions during the event, Macanese specialties, such the “pasteis de nata” (Portuguese egg tarts) were also served at the venue, so that the participants could experience the characteristics of the Sino-Portuguese cultural integration, with the aim of strengthening co-operation and exchanges between Macao´s MICE industry operators and their counterparts abroad. IPIM joins hand with MICE industry to promote Macao’s strengths in the industry The “Macao Pavilion”, using the theme “Macao – Mega Events City”, also set up a promotional counter to advertise the services offered by IPIM as well as to answer enquiries. Subsequent to the steady development of Macao´s convention and exhibition industry, there is a need for local MICE operators to promote their business. In addition to IPIM and Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), there were 13 exhibitors coming from different sectors, namely, hotels, travel agencies, professional conference organisers, destination management, and conference service providers. IPIM will work with local MICE operators to promote the advantages of holding conventions and exhibitions in Macao, and promote Macao as the “Mega Events City”, in order to attract a greater number of international conventions and exhibitions to select Macao as venue for their activities. Extensive business opportunities and potentials in the conference and exhibition business During the 3-day event, over 350 business matching sessions were held at the “Macao Pavilion “which received favourable responses. Furthermore, more sessions were held than in previous years, reflecting that Macao is now a popular destination for international MICE events. Through the business matching sessions, exhibitors were able to explore business opportunities and encourage more international MICE events to select Macao as their venue.
