The Meetings Show Asia Pacific (TMS APAC) 2025 and the inaugural Business Travel Show APAC, which took place 16-17 April at Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre, kicked off a dynamic and high-energy week for the region’s business events and travel sectors.
The two shows welcomed 1,773 attendees from over 72 countries, including 347 hosted buyers, and 300 exhibitors. For TMS APAC specifically, the 2025 edition recorded a 35 per cent growth from its debut year, reflecting broader participation, richer programming, and deeper regional involvement.
Together, both shows offered more than 30 hours of educational programming and over 8,000 scheduled buyer-seller meetings, solidifying their place as must-attend events for the MICE and corporate travel industries in Asia Pacific.
Northstar Travel Group CEO, Jason Young, said: “For more than 80 years, Northstar brands have been the trusted voice of the travel and tourism industry. Our market leading events, media products are relied upon by the most important professional audiences that drive the US$2 trillion travel market across the MICE, corporate and leisure segments. We truly embrace our role as the champion of travel.
“Right now, the geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainties make travel, we believe, more important and more essential than ever before, because travel brings communities together. Travel makes business happen, and that's why we're here this week, to bring communities together and to make business happen. We couldn't be more bullish and excited about the opportunity.”
Guest of honour, Ong Huey Hong, Singapore Tourism Board’s assistant chief executive of the Industry Development Group and chief sustainability officer, remarked: “It is with great pleasure and excitement that we get to witness not only the growth of the second edition of TMS APAC, but also the inaugural launch of BTS APAC in Singapore. The co-location of the two events will form an even stronger gateway to quality connections and insightful sessions tailored to the meetings and corporate travel sectors.”
A key highlight of Ong’s address was Singapore’s firm commitment to sustainable events. She added: “We want to press on with our sustainability strategy. Under our MICE Sustainability Roadmap, we set ambitious targets to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, and all six MICE venues and 80% SACEOs members to attain international and nationally recognised sustainability certifications. I am very proud and happy to share that we are on track to achieve our targets.”
Both exhibitors and buyers highlighted the relevance of the content, the quality of connections, and the continued growth of TMS APAC.
Amelia Roziman, CEO of Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), shared: “TMS APAC has proven to be the ideal anchor platform for us to position Sarawak as the legacy capital for business events in Borneo and Malaysia. With its strategic location, high-quality programme, and targeted buyer mix, TMS APAC aligns perfectly with our vision and ambition for the region.”
Vincent U, President, Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) of the Macao Special Administrative Region, added: “Through TMS APAC, we can turn global attention towards Macao, unlocking its potential as a MICE destination. At TMS APAC, Macao isn't just participating – we are co-writing the future of Asia-Pacific's MICE landscape from the perspectives of business cooperation, tourism cooperation, and regional cooperation. By amplifying Macao’s international reach, we are creating lasting partnerships with the international MICE industry.”
Buyers also shared enthusiastic feedback. Yelle Dela Cruz, a first-time attendee and meeting & event planner at California-based Alliances Management, reflected: “TMS APAC has been incredibly helpful. We've already booked our events for 2025 and are now planning for 2026, so having everything in one place is a huge advantage. It’s like a one-stop shop – all the destinations we are exploring, such as Singapore, Korea, Thailand, and Malaysia, are represented here. As an event planner, the convenience is unmatched, and I’m excited to work with many of the hotels I’ve connected with through TMS APAC.”
Kenrick Lin, training and development coordinator of Australia-based Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC) said: "The overall meeting and conference experience was great and I managed to meet potential seller across from the APAC region which benefited for my event venue hunting. I applause and thank you for the Northstar team for organising such an awesome and great hospitality service to us. I highly recommended PCOs to apply for the upcoming TMS APAC in 2026."
Harry Foo, event director at Evo Communications, commended the insight and applicability of TMS APAC’s Education Programme: “I love the content at TMS APAC. We are always looking out for trends that matter to our industry, and AI continues to be one of them – especially its application in MICE. Dr. Jerome Joseph, the keynote speaker, shared practical and relevant examples of how AI can support our work. The engagement tools and activities throughout the show were also well thought out and valuable.”
Vincent Tham, director, D’Event Tree, observed: “In a short span of time, TMS APAC has overtaken many MICE and travel trade shows in Singapore and beyond, emerging as one of the top business travel shows in Asia Pacific. The energy is electrifying and infectious, and there’s nothing quite like sharing ideas and discussing exciting possibilities amidst such good vibes. It is a dynamic, incredible and creative setting to connect with hoteliers and reunite with friends in the MICE community worldwide.”
Echoing these sentiments, Ferron Gray, president of London-based Grae Matta Foundation, said: “TMS APAC is an absolute powerhouse of a show. If you are in the business of meetings, this is the place to be!”
Building on the strong momentum of this year’s edition, TMS APAC will return on 14–15 April 2026, once again at Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore (Hall A & B).
Industry professionals can register their interest early here.
For more information and updates, please visit The Meetings Show Asia Pacific website.
