PRESS

10th September 2021

SMF X IBTM Wired to be the first pilot event for the MICE industry under Phase 3 (Heightened Alert) in Singapore’s calibrated re-opening

Held at Marina Bay Sands on 28 June 2021

The flagship business event will bring together up to 250 physical and 1,000 virtual attendees.
25 June 2021 – The Singapore MICE Forum (SMF) x IBTM Wired, taking place at the Marina Bay Sands on 28 June 2021, will be the first in-person pilot event in the MICE industry to be held in Singapore since the start of Phase 3 (Heightened Alert)

As the flagship industry business event for Singapore Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (SACEOS), SMF has grown to be the choice platform for the regional MICE industry to gain new insights from luminaries in both core and adjacent industries and exchange views and experiences on how to enhance their business. And in partnership with IBTM, part of Reed Travel Exhibitions, the SMF x IBTM Wired will lead the way in the return of safe events and position itself as the leading trade event for the MICE and events industry in the region.

SMF x IBTM Wired will bring together a group of up to 250 event professionals in Singapore as well as up to 1000 global buyers and exhibitors joining online, for a day of focused discussions on how the industry can reimagine the future of events and ensure the safety of participants.
Among the exciting line-up of speakers is Dr Leong Hoe Nam, Infectious Diseases Physician, Rophi Clinic at Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, who will provide his expert insights on how event organisers can prepare for the next phase of re-opening in light of the different stages of vaccination programmes globally and evolving COVID-19 variants.

The pandemic has catalysed the rise of tech entrepreneurs and female leaders in the MICE and Events industry. And taking the SMF x IBTM Wired stage will be Melissa Lou and Jaqueline Ye, co-founders of Delegate, who are shaking off stereotypes to carve out a niche in event technology. They will share how they have created an Airbnb experience for events in Singapore and around the region.

Invigorating the session with a fresh perspective on reimagining the future of the MICE and Events industry will be Poon King Wang, Director, Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities, Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). He will present ideas developed together with a cohort of Masters student at SUTD on how the sector can accelerate from zero to pilot to global, and even to profitability in the years ahead.

Expert speakers from Singapore Tourism Board (STB), SACEOS, PCMA (Professional Convention Management Association), UFI (The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry), ADDO AI, and other leading organisations will also share and exchange views on transformative ideas and how the industry can apply them. The programme will bring together solutions that organisations can adopt and promises to be a dynamic and inspiring experience like none other.
The wider programme combines dynamic talks, campfire sessions and case studies from thought leaders within and outside the industry, to bring discussions to life and provide tangible outtakes and learnings for participants.

Dylan Sharma, SACEOS Vice President, Advocacy and Communications said, “As we ready ourselves for the brave new world of MICE and events, there is a need for the industry to not only reimagine experiences and engagement with our audiences, but also deliver confidence and assurance that their safety is safeguarded as physical events gradually return. It’s also a time for the community to come together and reconnect through innovation, insights and experiences, so that we can emerge stronger together.

Michael Jones, Event Manager, Reed Travel Exhibitions, commented, “We know that there’s a real appetite for education in the Asia Pacific region and we’re delighted that we’re going to be delivering on that through our partnership with SACEOS. SMF x IBTM Wired will provide an inspiring and educational kick-off to our inaugural IBTM Wired event.”

For more information, or to register to attend, visit: www.ibtmwired.com