Over 3,000 MICE Professionals Expected at IT&CM China 2014

The rapid expansion of China’s MICE market continues to draw more international companies to target the growing industry.

According to a 2011 Global Meetings Procurement Agency HelmsBriscoe report, the value of China’s conference and events industry was estimated at US$150 billion, with tens of millions of conferences held every year.

The Chinese MICE industry itself is burgeoning at 20% annually, reflecting endless opportunities for both international and domestic MICE suppliers alike. Meanwhile, a 2012 study by PhoCusWright evidenced doubling of China’s travel gross bookings over a span of 5 years, from US$ 54.8 billion in 2009 to US$ 105.5 billion in 2013.

For many MICE industry suppliers, China’s relentless growth translates to inevitable shifts in customer geographies, where the country is already amongst their top buying markets.

Silversea Cruise’s Regional Director – Asia, Melvyn Yap, said, “China is now our second largest Asian source market, behind Japan. We believe it has the potential to grow even bigger, especially with the Chinese interest in our expedition product to the polar regions.”

Thailand is also experiencing the massive impact of the outbound Chinese MICE business. Nopparat Maythaveekulchai, President of Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), said, “China has become the number one (top) source market of MICE travellers to Thailand since 2013, and with a constant growth of the Chinese economy; we expect to welcome more business travellers and MICE visitors from China.”

One leading travel trade shows that targets this valuable market is IT&CM China. This year, the event will welcome approximately 3,000 MICE professionals from sectors including DMCs, PCOs, corporate travel and associations.

The show will also feature 400 hosted delegates, over 10,000 business appointments set to be conducted, and more than 60 business, education and networking sessions planned for delegates. Organisers are expecting 67% new buyers with a targeted ratio of 1.25 buyers to 1 exhibiting company.

IT&CM China 2014 will also be anchoring the Shanghai Business Events Week (SBEW) featuring 8 industry business, education and networking events.

Chen Yueliang, Vice-President of China International Travel Service (CITS) Limited – co-organiser of IT&CM China, said, “China’s business events market is growing faster than any other nation. It is predicted that China will be the world’s largest contributor to this industry. With domestic and international demand driving surges in group meetings and events travel, both Chinese industry suppliers and buyers alike will find IT&CM China an ideal platform to expand their business networks. CITS is excited about playing a significant role in delivering these delegates to the event.”

IT&CM China 2014 will take place in Shanghai 15-17 April.