Where talent meets tech and connectivity
Ellie Evans discovers that the Lion City continues to roar as it eyes even more international association business in the future…
With an expanding economy and a reputation as one of the world’s key financial hubs, Singapore is booming.
Nearly half of all regional headquarters in Asia are now based in the city-state, partly fuelled by an exodus from Hong Kong but also prompted by the government’s support for the most future-focused industries and business sectors, its transparent legal and regulatory frameworks, and great infrastructure.
Along with big business, it’s drawing big business events once again: the number of international visitors arriving in Singapore more than doubled in 2023, a promising sign of recovery for its meetings and events sector.
It’s a destination defined by economic growth and technological advancements, with key sectors spanning aerospace & logistics, advanced manufacturing, applied health sciences, design, innovation and urban solutions as well as financial services and travel.
And it’s prioritising international association events: in March, the Singapore Tourism Board launched an international campaign to position the city state as a destination where conventions can create and leave a positive and lasting impact.
Citing ICCA's 2023 Association Meeting Needs Survey, in which associations emphasised the importance of leaving a positive impact in their chosen destination, Yap Chin Siang, Singapore Tourism Board's deputy CEO, said: "As MICE event organisers and delegates seek destinations that deliver value and drive positive impact, we remain committed to invest in new MICE products and experiences, and we invite event organisers and planners to co-create business events with us that yield meaningful outcomes.”
Its reputation is already winning major congresses including the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine 2024, the International Team for Implantology World Symposium 2024 and the Rotary International Convention this month (May) alone. Other big wins include the Asia Pacific Intensive Care Symposium 2024 in August and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council Global Conference in November; June 2028 will see the arrival of the 110th Lions Clubs International Convention.
Singapore is a member of the Global Association Hub Partnership, a group of destinations “committed to building and nurturing strong, vibrant association communities within our cities”, and it has used its membership to promote its “long-term commitment to building strategic relationships with international associations, and to demonstrate its understanding of how associations play a critical role in economic development and particularly intellectual capital growth," says Martin Sirk, the organisation’s International Adviser.
The Meadow at Gardens by the Bay
The Meadow at Gardens by the Bay
Flower Field Hall at Gardens by the Bay
Flower Field Hall at Gardens by the Bay
Singapore map
Where to meet
There are more than 100 venues to choose from, including the high-tech Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre which boasts 42,000 sqm of space across three levels including two auditoriums with a total capacity of 6,850. In March, it hosted the 18th World Congress of Anaesthesiologists, welcoming anaesthesiologists from over 130 countries to a conference that featured 18 scientific tracks; organisers secured a range of discounts with Singapore Airlines for delegates.
In a bid to boost its eco credentials, the convention centre has partnered with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and the Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers to develop a comprehensive set of sustainability criteria for events that can act as a handy guide for conference organisers; topics include staff engagement, stakeholder collaboration, and reporting and communication.
With its cloud forest and stunning walkway, Gardens by the Bay offers an appealing setting for larger events: Flower Field Hall can seat 800 theatre-style while the outdoor Meadow has space for 7,200 to make the most of the incredible weather.
The Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre has a fully equipped auditorium as well as an extensive roof garden and plenty of other options. Plus, there’s a wealth of hotels with extensive meeting spaces: the Sheraton Towers hosted the Global Space and Technology Convention in February and has 16 event rooms, the largest of which can set 600 theatre-style. Pan Pacific Singapore in Marina Bay was the venue for CIAC2024, Canada In Asia Conferences’ events in February; its Pacific Ballroom can accommodate 800 guests.
"Singapore continues to demonstrate its long-term commitment to building strategic relationships with international associations, and to demonstrate its understanding of how associations play a critical role in economic development and particularly intellectual capital growth."
Martin Sirk, GAHP, International Adviser
What’s new?
The 142-room Artyzen Singapore opened in December close to Orchard Road and the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Marriott's Singapore EDITION opened its doors in November; the hotel features 204 guest rooms and suites as well as a generously proportioned ballroom that can accommodate 450 theatre-style.
The second Raffles in Singapore, Raffles Sentosa Resort & Spa Singapore, is set to open soon - this high-end all-villa destination will include a ballroom for 400 guests.
Hilton's Conrad Singapore Orchard reopened in January after a full facelift; along with 445 bedrooms, the Royal Pavilion Ballroom is an opulent setting for up to 500 delegates.
Due to open later this year, The Standard, Singapore will feature a lush botanical courtyard in keeping with its surroundings along with 143 rooms.
Who to contact
Louise Nathan
ICE Manager Northern & Southwestern Europe
Singapore Tourism Board
E: [email protected]
W: stb.gov.sg
The new 142-room Artyzen Singapore
The new 142-room Artyzen Singapore
The Singapore EDITION Ballroom, U-shape
The Singapore EDITION Ballroom, U-shape
The soon-to-open Standard, Singapore
The soon-to-open Standard, Singapore
Case Study
The Meeting Show comes to APAC
The Meetings Show Asia Pacific, the region's leading event for the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions industry, launched its highly successful inaugural edition at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, last month.
The show welcomed more than 1,000 event professionals across the Asia Pacific region and from around the world who gathered to learn, connect, and do business over the two-day event on 17 and 18 April 2024.
It was the largest organic event launch ever organised by Northstar Travel Group, featuring over 160 exhibitors from a wide range of destination bureaux, meeting venues, hotels, technology providers and suppliers; timely and topical education sessions provided by industry influencers, a Technology Campfire Showcase, networking receptions, and nearly 5,000 curated one-to-one hosted buyer business appointments.
"The Meetings Show Asia Pacific represents a watershed moment for the MICE industry throughout the region and globally,” said David Blansfield, executive vice president and group publisher, Northstar Travel Group. "Never have so many influential MICE industry professionals come together in one place at one time in a leading Asian destination to connect, share best practices, and do business together as they have this week.”
Many of the world’s leading meetings industry associations contributed to the education programme where attendees gained valuable insights on the latest in sustainability, technology, workforce management, experience design, and wellness.
The content shared at The Meetings Show Asia Pacific was summarised and will be made available globally to the MICE community through the use of Snapsight™, a new AI content analysis and translation tool developed by Gevme, a leading Singapore-based omni-channel event management platform.
Following its successful debut, The Meetings Show Asia Pacific will return to Singapore and the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre on April 23 and 24, 2025.
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