IT&CMA promises bigger returns

The 11th Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings Asia (IT& CMA) show returns to Bangkok's IMPACT Convention Centre from November 4-6 with hopes of generating better business returns for buyers and exhibitors. The exhibition will occupy 5,000sqm of gross exhibition space with an increase in net exhibition space by 100sqm from last year's show. Some 267 exhibitor companies from 27 countries and 16 national tourist organisations will be represented at the show, up from 260 exhibiting companies from 26 countries in 2002. Organiser, TTG Asia Media, is targeting 400 hosted and trade buyers and 1,000 trade visitors for the event but these numbers were not confirmed at press time. Organisers are hoping to meet these buyer targets after some exhibitors expressed dissatisfaction with buyer elements last year. "Last year was the first time that we did (the show) in Thailand and we faced some challenges. With that experience, our logistics and handling of hosted buyers will improve significantly," IT& CMA project manager Ms Melinda Mak says. But Ms Mak is confident the Bangkok show is capable of attracting a greater number of Asian buyers and suppliers compared with the poor Asian showing during the SARS crisis at EIBTM and IMEX in Europe. "For example, we have 33 companies, exhibiting along with the Hong Kong Tourism Board," Ms Mak says. TTG Asia Media managing director Mr Darren Ng says the show has introduced a new online pre-scheduling appointment system with the help of Amlink. Buyers and sellers can receive their pre-scheduled appointments online after indicating their meeting preferences. Other new services include a new online system with Worldpay for fully hosted buyers to pay their registration fee via credit card. This system will also enable them to get 50% of their fee back more rapidly after the show, providing they meet certain criteria. Addressing security considerations, organisers will be working with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to ensure the tourist police and the provincial police provide extra security, Mr Ng adds. There will be plainclothes police officers patrolling the area as well. Promotions Exhibitors participating include Hyatt International Hotels & Resorts director of hotel sales - Asia/Pacific, Ms Marlene Poynder, says: "We believe after SARS that buyers and sellers alike want to stimulate business. "Travel was restricted during SARS and therefore this is a wonderful opportunity to meet with our existing clients and make new contacts this year. "We also have several new hotels that have either opened or will open this year. "We believe that business within the Asia Pacific region will continue to be the main source of (corporate event traffic) in the coming year." Team Building Asia is exhibiting and conducting a workshop on November 6. Its senior partner, Mr Stuart Harris says: "This is Team Building Asia's first time participating as an exhibitor and we are excited at the opportunity of meeting professionals in the hospitality and (corporate event) field. "I perceive this to be a great event and have the expectation to network and promote our business to the leading companies in the Asia Pacific region." For the 2004 event, the show will be held at the same venue but after that Mr Ng says a decision is yet to be made. "This location is helpful in terms of logistics. For exhibitors, the same location is helpful for them in planning and at the same time, the destination will allow them to cover as many buyers as possible. For buyers, we are always targeting new ones, so the destination provides maximum exposure for them," he says. "Last year was our first in Thailand and we faced challenges. With that experience, our logistics and handling of hosted buyers will improve significantly." No official bids have been made for the 2005 event, although some destinations have expressed a desire to be selected. Mr Ng hints the show might continue in Chiang Mai or Pattaya. "We have indications of interest from other destinations in Thailand to host IT&CMA. The move to another destination in Thailand is highly possible and we would look at a three-year arrangement," he adds. l