PATA seminar optimistic over CEI sectors' growth

By Mark Armsden BANGKOK Those in the conference, exhibition and incentive (CEI) sectors should remain optimistic business will be solid for 2002, although working methodology has to be upgraded. This was a theme throughout the inaugural instalment of the PATA-CEI Asia Pacific Seminar Series at the Plaza Athenee Hotel in Bangkok on October 4-5. The successful conference was attended by more than 90 delegates from the region. The change to the business landscape in the post-September 11 period for the CEI sector dominated discussion and constructive feedback was provided on developing new strategies. The keynote presentation was given by former Australian Tourist Commission deputy-managing director and now Tourism insights director Mr Bill Calderwood, who believes business practices in Asia Pacific - revamped after the 1997 crisis - need to change. "Be more flexible and imaginative and be confident the business will come back," he said. "The industry has to make sure the skills of the destination management companies (DMCs) and professional conference organisers match those their sales people talk about." Pacific World chairman Mr Jacques Arnoux said: "DMCs have to be dream merchants, the national tourist organisation, airlines and hotels provide the stage but the DMCs create the play." "So the difference between successful DMCs and unsuccessful DMCs is the attention to detail. For suppliers this is what can make the difference for your destination." Diethelm Events Thailand manager events Mr David Barrett agreed. "Treat all clients like you would your own mother," he said. CMP Thailand executive director Mr M Gandhi said: "There is a shift in the way business is being done and local markets, especially in exhibitions, are becoming crucial." Mr Gandhi also warned the region's cities that Asia Pacific may be faced with a "glut" of exhibition venues which may lead to future price wars to fill them.