Conference & Meetings World Issue 102 | Page 65

Preview Going beyond one-to-one appointments – SAYING HI TO ENGAGEMENT AT IT&CM ASIA AND CTW ASIA-PACIFIC 2019 o-located industry tradeshows IT&CM Asia and CTW Asia-Pacific 2019 return to Bangkok at the end of September with a re-designed programme and engagement activities designed to provide lead generation between suppliers and buyers beyond the standard one-on-one business appointments. Activities include Brand Showcase Presentations, Exhibition Walkabouts and Meet-The-Corporates and these have seen adoption by close to 20 brands as they reach out to niche buyer segments. So what do these features entail? Brand Showcase Presentations are 20-minute sessions open to MICE, Association and Corporate buyers and media. Exhibition Walkabouts target association buyers and media and will take place in pavilions and on stands during 4 x 1-hour guided sessions over two days. Meet-The-Corporates is a speed-dating format for up to 12 IT&CM Asia exhibitors to meet and connect with CTW corporate travel/procurement professionals over 2 x 1 hour sessions over two days. “IT&CM Asia continues to be an important event on our annual calendar of activities in key markets, and we are excited about returning as an exhibitor. In addition to our one-on-one meetings, we have chosen to take advantage of the Brand Showcase Presentation and Meet-The-Corporates platforms to highlight our city’s appeal, explain the support Dubai Business Events can offer, Highlights at a glance: • Re-designed 2019 programme features new engagement sessions: Say Hi To Everyone, Brand Showcase Presentations, Exhibition Walkabout and Meet-The- Corporates and build new connections with the wider business events community, and especially corporate buyers,” says Steen Jakobsen, Assistant Vice-President of Dubai Business Events. Another newly added segment to the show this year is ‘Say Hi to Everyone’. Formatted as an interactive ice-breaker and helmed by MICE Strategist and Hospitality Consultant David Barrett, this session allows all delegates to get a sense of who’s who at this year’s show and to identify profiles they would like to meet across both events, kick-starting connections before business days begin. As more brands look to engage target segments beyond the One-On-One appointment format, TCEB will be presenting its ‘Corporate Exchange, Exclusively Thailand’ networking. It mirrors the new ‘Meet-The-Corporates’ format, and will feature up to 48 Thai suppliers, who will meet corporate buyers over two days. “Our partnership with IT&CM Asia in launching the Corporate Exchange, Exclusively Thailand initiative is a perfect match with our new branding,” said Mrs Nichapa Yoswee, Senior Vice-President – Business of Thailand Above: New features centre stage in Asia Convention & Exhibition Bureau. Meanwhile on the CTW Asia-Pacific front, sponsor CWT will be fronting a light-hearted interactive session for all CTW delegates over coffee and tea in a corporate networking exclusive. New exhibitor and sponsor OMT Group joins the line-up of luncheon, cocktail and dinner hosts that includes Accor Bangkok & Hua Hin Hotels, Conrad Bangkok, Japan By JTB, Marina Bay Sands, TCEB and more. Hosting not one but two functions, this ASEAN-based DMC is aiming to promote its MICE-based itineraries through its Networking Lunch Europe Cruise Preview and Networking Chao Phraya River Cruise Dinner. The latter is also open to invited exhibitors. As strategic partner, TCEB will continue to host the Opening Ceremony and Welcome Dinner, pre-show city tours of Bangkok and post-show tours to Ayutthaya and Khao Lak. IT&CM Asia and CTW Asia-Pacific take place 24-26 September at Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, Thailand ISSUE 102 / • Take-up of new activities by brands including: Dubai Business Events, India Tourism, Japan National Tourism Organisation, Japan by JTB, Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, MICE Excellence Center, Royal Orchid Holidays, Taiwan, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau • Branded and sponsored targeted functions remain popular, with more invited exhibitors this year • Multiple space expansions at largest Asia-Pacific MICE showcase CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 65