ABOUT SMD
The Singapore MICE Development (SMD) debuted in July 2025 alongside the Singapore MICE Forum (SMF). Following a positive inaugural response, SMD returns in 2026 for its second run. This initiative provides a dedicated platform for leading MICE companies to connect with students from Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs). Through career insights, networking opportunities, and direct industry engagement, SMD aims to inspire and nurture the next generation of talent while highlighting the diverse and dynamic career pathways within the MICE industry.
The Singapore MICE Development (SMD) 2026 will be held on 31 July 2026 as a dedicated talent development initiative by the Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS). Inaugurated in 2025, SMD was first launched alongside the Singapore MICE Forum (SMF) as a new initiative to connect leading MICE companies with students and young professionals from Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs). Last year, SMD welcomed around 600 participants, including students from various IHLs and industry professionals.
Through industry engagement, career insights, and experiential learning opportunities, SMD aims to inspire and shape the next generation of MICE talent while showcasing the diverse and evolving career pathways within the MICE industry.
SMD 2026 will feature an industry career panel discussion, the Marketplace Showcase, where participants can engage directly with leading MICE companies, the SACEOS Alumni Community (SAC) MICE Career Quest, where participants can gain first-hand insights from industry practitioners and explore the evolving world of MICE careers, and the MICE Job Roles Showcase. Together, these experiences are curated to strengthen talent development and enhance employability within the industry.
AGENDA ON 31 JULY 2026
9:00AM - 9:10AM
Welcome Remarks by Genevieve Lim, SACEOS Alumni Community (SAC) Chair
Welcome Remarks by Genevieve Lim, SACEOS Alumni Community (SAC) Chair
9:10AM - 9:40AM
From Intern to Industry Professional: Building a Career in MICE
From Intern to Industry Professional: Building a Career in MICE
Panelists
Grace Tan, Assistant Manager, Sales, Marina Bay Sands
Khairunnisa Abd-llah, Head of Marketing, Energy Portfolio, Clarion Event
Lin Enxin, Events Intern, SACEOS
Moderator: Richard Ireland, President of SACEOS
9:40AM - 10:10AM
Marketplace Showcase (Booth Visits)
Marketplace Showcase (Booth Visits)
10:10AM - 12:00PM
SACEOS Alumni Community (SAC) Segment: SAC MICE Career Quest
SACEOS Alumni Community (SAC) Segment: SAC MICE Career Quest
Room 1: Life on Event Day
What really happens behind the scenes when events go live.
Panelists
Esther Ng, Conference Executive, Ace:Daytons Direct (International)
Rajavarman Mathichandran, Head,Conferences & Events Unit, National University of Singapore
Sarah Loke, Regional Marketing Manager, Workato
Tania Victoria Neubronner, ASEAN Marketing Lead, Elastic
Moderator: Renee Soh, Intern, Marina Bay Sands
_____________________________________________________
Room 2: Future-Proof or Left Behind ?
How AI and Sustainability Are Changing Real MICE Jobs.
Panelists
Cassandra Ler, Assistant Manager, Sustainability, Resorts World Sentosa
Clarence Chan, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Bandwagon
Hong Ruoying, Executive Director, Revenue Management, Marina Bay Sands
Vishunu Arumugam, Senior Account Manager, Gevme
Moderator: Ryan Ng, Executive, Convention Services to Aspirer, Marina Bay Sands
12:00PM
Lunch Break
Lunch Break
SPEAKERS
Esther Ng
Conference Executive,
Ace:Daytons Direct (International)
Hong Ruoying
Executive Director,
Revenue Management,
Marina Bay Sands
Rajavarman Mathichandran
Head,
Conferences & Events Unit,
National University of Singapore
Renee Soh
Intern,
Marina Bay Sands
Richard Ireland
President,
SACEOS
Ryan Ng
Aspirer,
Convention Services,
Marina Bay Sands
Sarah Loke
Regional Marketing Manager,
Workato
Tania Victoria Neubronner
ASEAN Marketing Lead,
Elastic
Vishunu Arumugam
Senior Account Manager,
Gevme
MARKETPLACE SHOWCASE
SUPPORTING INSTITUTES OF HIGHER LEARNING