![](https://www.gov.mo/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/04/2_20180427170231LYAB.jpg)
In order to create a more favourable environment for the MICE industry in Macao, the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) will integrate the “Convention and Exhibition Stimulation Programme” and the “International Meeting and Trade Fair Support Programme” into the “Convention and Exhibition Financial Support Programme” on April 30. At the same time, IPIM will further optimise the application process, and work together with the industry to enhance its competitiveness, attract more overseas conventions and exhibitions to Macao, and promote the diversification of economy and the healthy development of Macao’s MICE industry.
As a government department designated to coordinating the development of the MICE industry in Macao, IPIM has been working to expand the advantages of the city through multiple channels. To formulate development plans that better meet the needs of the MICE industry and market in Macao, and to assist domestic and overseas convention organisers and exhibitors in staging events in Macao, IPIM collected opinions from the industry and conducted a comprehensive study of the current global situation to revise and optimise the two subsidy schemes, the “Convention and Exhibition Stimulation Programme” and the “International Meeting and Trade Fair Support Programme”.
The revisions include Integrating the “Convention and Exhibition Stimulation Programme” and the “International Meeting and Trade Fair Support Programme” into the “Convention and Exhibition Financial Support Programme”; expanding subsidies for promotion and marketing to cover the period between 9 months prior to and 1 month after the event, accepting e-boarding pass as documentary proof, adding Green Channels and special welcome performance as application items, etc. The standards of event in terms of buyer requirement are also adjusted: for trade shows, every 18 square metres of net exhibition area, at least one qualified buyer from overseas should be successfully invited to the event. For conventions, the maximum number of supported buyers is adjusted to 200. The revised terms and conditions will take effect from April 30. Details can be found at: http://www.ipim.gov.mo/en-hant/macao-exhibition-and-conference/the-incentive-measures/.
For the industry to learn about the details of the scheme, IPIM held a briefing session on the revised terms and conditions of the “Convention and Exhibition Stimulation Programme” and the “International Meeting and Trade Fair Support Programme” today (April 27) in the multifunctional meeting room on the 19th floor of China Civil Plaza. Over 70 representatives from local MICE industry, domestic and overseas event organisers, as well as hotels and event venues attended the briefing session. The participants actively asked questions in the Q&A session, creating a high-spirited atmosphere for discussion. IPIM is committed to promoting the healthy development of the MICE industry in Macao. At the meeting, it reminded the audience that the contents of events and the background of organisers should be carefully reviewed to avoid assisting in hosting any improper activities.