IPIM Co-ordinates MICE Activities in Macau
IPIM recently released details about the transfer of responsibilities for the convention and exhibition industry (Photo provided by Government Information Bureau)
In order to increase efficiency and integrate resources for all MICE activities, benefiting both organizers and the development of the industry, the Macau Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) assumed responsibility for all activities related to conventions and exhibitions.
Effective November, IPIM will be fully in charge of the range of new activities including participation in the research and formulation of policies, strategies and measures related to the convention and exhibition industry, and the implementation of the Support Programme for Professional Training and Education in the Convention and Exhibition Sector. In this way, IPIM will strengthen co-operation with regional and international exhibition organizations. Together with China International Contractors Association it will jointly organize the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, and run the Dynamic Macau Business and Trade Fair held on the Mainland, The Macau Government will facilitate local associations and non-profit organizations joining overseas exhibitors and study expo activities in addition to providing financial support.
In addition, effective 1st January 2016, IPIM will also assume responsibility for the implementation of a series of support programmes dedicated to the convention and exhibition industry, such as the Convention and Exhibition Stimulation Programme and the International Meeting and Trade Fair Support Programme managed by Macao Economic Services as well as the MICE and Business Travel Stimulation Programme previously managed by the Macau Government Tourist Office.
In tandem with the changing departmental responsibilities, some adjustments are being made to regulations, in particular to the application for financial support of international activities, given the increasing interest of government concerning the participation of local associations in broader organizations. In this way, the government will restrict the organization of international-level exhibitions and conventions to associations that are members of the International Association of that particular business sector.
In line with market needs, IPIM will make pertinent adjustments to regulations related to the application for financial support of the Convention and Exhibition Stimulation Programme and the International Meeting and Trade Fair Support Programme, thereby optimizing the issuance of qualified buyers' grant process and broadening restrictions to qualified supplier entities. In addition, the financial support of conference hours, dining and meeting packages will be revisited - including funds allocated to opening ceremonies - while increasing support for local units engaged in auction exhibition activities overseas. Support will also be given to the local community and business associations joining regional or international industry organizations.
Macau Posts Greatest Growth in UFI Asian Exhibition Industry Report
The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) recently published the Annual Report of the Asian Exhibition Industry, indicating that Macau is one of the smallest exhibition markets with the shortest development period in the region. This notwithstanding, the city experienced a 38.1 per cent growth in exhibition space between 2013 and 2014 - from 143,000 to 197,500 square metres - making its exhibition market the best performing in Asia in 2014. Indonesia and Taiwan were rated second and third.
The report also noted that with the support and benefits policies extended by the Macao Government, substantially aiding the growth of the exhibition industry in Macau, plus the prospect of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge being fully operational in 2017, communication between the communities of the Pearl River Delta region will be much enhanced. Airlines servicing the routes between Macau International Airport and other Asian cities are also increasing in number. Regional competitors like Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Shenzhen remain strong but Macau's exhibition industry will continue its medium term growth due to its good market positioning.
Macau Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) officially became a member of UFI - one of the best representative associations in the exhibition industry - in October 2005. Every year, UFI commissions professional consultants to survey Asia-targeted exhibitions (B2B Trade Fair) and publishes the Annual Report of the Asian Exhibition Industry, providing important reference material for international exhibition organizers and exhibition management units. Some 26 B2B exhibitions were included in the statistics for 2014, the most in five years, with just 17 in 2010. The exhibitions are expected to have generated US$50 million in revenues.