The Macau Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) said in a statement yesterday that its representatives attended the “UFI Global CEO Summit” in Lisbon from February 1-3 to promote the local MICE* industry’s advantages and attract international MICE activities to the city.
UFI, according to the statement, is among the world’s leading international organisations for the exhibition industry. Its website notes that its name is abbreviated from “Union des Foires Internationales” (UFI), or “Union of International Fairs” in English.
The statement noted that the summit is a high-level annual conference that gathers leaders and executives from government agencies, exhibition venues, exhibition agencies and exhibition organisers to “network and share information on new trends in the global MICE industry and new models for organising MICE events”.
During the summit, the statement added that IPIM Executive Director Sam Lei Chou Sam introduced delegates to the institute’s plans to promote the MICE industry’s development such as the “1+4”** appropriately diversified development strategy and leveraging the advantages of “MICE+Tourism” and Macau-Hengqin “multi-venue event”.
This was done to show delegates Macau’s latest customs clearance arrangements and economic development, among others, the statement said. It also aimed to convince organisers of large international MICE events to choose Macau.
The statement added that Lei visited local trade promotion agencies and business associations, aiming to enhance cooperation and mutually beneficial development.
Meanwhile, the statement added that 10 exhibitions in Macau have been accredited by UFI such as those related to tourism and environmental protection. IPIM in conjunction with UFI has also assisted local MICE associations to join the UFI Exhibition Management Degree (UFI-EMD) programme in Macau since 2018.
*MICE is an acronym for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions tourism sector, in which large groups, usually planned well in advance, are brought together.
** According to Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng’s 2023 Policy Address, the “1+4” strategy aims to facilitate the development of four nascent industries, namely Big Health; modern financial services; high tech; and conferences and exhibitions, commerce and trade, as well as culture and sports.
This undated handout photo provided yesterday shows attendees at the “UFI Global CEO Summit” in Lisbon earlier this month. – Photo: IPIM
