MICE Affairs Media Group, News Bureau, 12 May 2022
The International
Congress and Convention Association(ICCA) has chosen Bangkok as the host city
of its annual general meeting next year. The 62nd ICCA Congress will
be held from November 12-15, 2023. A major event in the global MICE calendar,
the ICCA Congress is attended by members who represent more than 1,000 private
and public
organisations from over 100 countries.
ICCA’s decision
reflects the association meeting industry’s confidence in Bangkok and the
interest among ICCA members to get reacquainted with Thailand after a two-year
break. Supported by Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the 2023
congress also promises to be an especially memorable one as it will take place
at a time when Bangkok will be showcasing its achievements from the first half
of its 20-year Strategic Development Plan (2013–2032) to transform itself into
the “Metropolitan City of Asia”.
By hosting the ICCA
Congress, TCEB hopes to impress upon association meeting executives not only
Bangkok’s exceptional credentials but also the many MICE destinations to be
found throughout Thailand. Having developed their business events infrastructure
over the years with input from TCEB, Thailand’s other MICE Cities – Chiang Mai,
Phuket, Pattaya, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Songkhla, Phitsanulok, Udon Thani
and Surat Thani – are now more ready than ever to host international meetings.
TCEB President, Mr.
Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, said: “We thank ICCA for this great opportunity
to host the 62nd ICCA Congress in Bangkok. Thailand has been a
member of ICCA since 1974 and we are absolutely confident that it will continue
to play an exemplary leadership role in promoting international association
meetings. We look forward to welcoming ICCA delegates to the city of Bangkok as
we celebrate an important milestone in the city’s transformation to become the
“Metropolitan City of Asia” – a safe, green, and economically and culturally
vibrant city – under its 20-year Strategic Development Plan (2013-2032).
“Hosting the ICCA
Congress 2023 will generate substantial economic returns and uncover countless
new business opportunities for our MICE community. With more than 1,000
overseas and 200 Thai delegates expected, we estimate the congress itself will
generate 3 million USD in revenue and other positive impacts, such as job
creation, tax revenue and added values to the economy.”
Mr. Chiruit pointed
out that one segment of the congress programme is particularly important
for Thailand’s MICE professionals. The ICCA Business Exchange – the
session where ICCA members share commercially important information on the
bidding process, selection criteria and budgets of their recent events – can
provide essential guidance for Thai MICE players in crafting winning bids. With
more than 30 executives of international associations participating in the
session, this is also a golden opportunity for local associations and regional
stakeholders to form network and drive business development.
The ICCA Congress
2023 will also
be a tremendous learning opportunity for Thailand’s
MICE Cities and local associations. TCEB has invited the governors of all
Thailand’s MICE Cities to participate in dialogue sessions alongside experts on
international academic conventions. Their exchange of ideas and experiences
will help each city further refine its MICE strategy. TCEB will also invite at
least 20 local associations to attend ICCA’s Incredible Impacts Programme meeting where the
spotlight will be on how international conventions have helped bring positive
change to societies around the world, while leaving behind inspiring legacy for
local communities and the next generations. TCEB hopes that the local attendees
will be inspired to create similarly impactful programmes following their
interaction with at least 30 of their overseas counterparts.
“2023 will be the year of economic revival for
Thailand. Our country will open to the world again and we will join hands with
the world and ICCA to reimagine a new future for business events,” said Mr.
Chiruit.
Mr.
Senthil Gopinath, CEO of the International Congress and Convention Association
(ICCA) said, “I thank TCEB and Thailand for the ambition to host the ICCA
Congress 2023. TCEB clearly demonstrated structured planning, support from
crucial partners in the region, and offering a beautiful setting for guests to
come together. There is no doubt that the ICCA Congress in Bangkok will
showcase how business events can contribute to socio-economic development,
enhance the intellectuality of the meetings industry, and be prepared for the
future. I am sure ICCA delegates will be able to experience memorable Thai
hospitality and professionalism at ICCA Congress 2023.”