International event organisers, regional government officials, trade association leaders and tourism bureau chiefs recently convened face-to-face in Singapore to map out the reopening of the region’s exhibitions and events industry. The three-day Joint Leadership Summit at the iconic Fullerton Hotel allowed event professionals to share learnings and make plans for the future, following the pandemic restrictions imposed over the last 18 months. It was also a welcome opportunity to reconnect with colleagues in person after a long hiatus.

Supported by Singapore Tourism Board (STB), the summit was co-organised by the Singapore Association for Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS),  Association of Event Organisers (AEO), Society for Independent Show Organizers (SISO) and UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. Bringing together all of their considerable expertise in planning, it underscored Singapore’s reputation as a safe and trusted global hub for business events.

Alvin Tan, Minister of State for Trade & Industry (MTI) and Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) Image credit: SACEO

Strength in numbers

The event showcased Singapore’s commitment and its readiness to bring back MICE events and restart inter- and intra-regional travel in a safe manner, providing reassurance for organisers, participants and the local community, and restoring confidence to the business events industry. The event also underscored the value of exhibitions as a vital economic driver and a sustainable way of promoting and accelerating global commerce.

To show their commitment to rebuilding face-to-face events, the co-organisers signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and announced the launch of The Asia CEO Summit – an annual dialogue for the regional exhibition industry – which will take place over the next three years from 2022 to 2024 in Singapore.

Image credit: SACEOS

Putting safety first

During the summit, it was important to underscore Singapore’s reputation as a safe and trusted destination for events. Stringent health and safety protocols were adhered to from the moment delegates arrived, throughout their stay and for their onward departure. Thorough pre-event preparation, with SACEOS working closely with all stakeholders, from the authorities, to the event partners, to vendors and attendees alike, made all this possible. 

The venue and event suppliers were accredited with the SG SafeEvent Certification, a first-of-its-kind programme aimed at providing a mark of assurance to enterprises in adhering to the highest standards of hygiene and safe management practices at events. A special pre-arrival collection procedure was also put in place for international arrivals, who all received a pre-event kit developed by SAECOS, with the aim of extending a hospitable hand from the moment they arrived. 

Renewed commercial focus

For the event organisers, the chance to host physical events like this again has highlighted the vital role that face-to-face meetings and conversations play – and the need for the industry to return to its core purpose of driving commerce and connecting communities. The success of the Joint Leadership Summit demonstrated that in-person events, where positive outcomes rely on building personal relationships, are back in business.

Head to the Visit Singapore website  to find out more about how Singapore can help you deliver memorable meetings and conferences.

Main image credit: SACEOS