A country’s new ambassador programme is already paying dividends
Korea now has 14 individuals, from various professions, helping to bring international meetings to the country - just nine months after the launch of its MICE Ambassador programme.
Korea’s prominence as an international convention destination owes much to its pioneering work in industries such as science, technology, engineering, medicine, and art and design.
From engineering and robotics to neurology and foetal medicine, the ambassadors were chosen for the passion they have for their subjects and the country’s ability to host events.
Director Korea, Tourism Organisation’s KoreaMICE Bureau Convention Team, In Sook Lee, said: “We are very proud of the individuals that are active in bringing international meetings to Korea. Our starting point was to bring together some of the academic leaders that had already helped us to win such major events as IBRO’s 10th World Congress in Daegu as well as previous events such as FIP World Congress Seoul 2017, and we began really building the scheme last year.
“Already they have been instrumental in helping to win the International Diabetes Federation Annual Congress to Busan in 2019, which we were awarded December 2017, and several more to be announced within the next few months.
“The network enhances Korea’s existing strengths as an outstanding international meetings destination, ensuring that local parties who wish to host a convention have champions who are experienced in holding major meetings as well as demonstrating academic excellence.
“As we grow the programme these ambassadors will continue to help us promote Korea as an attractive meetings destination with their outstanding achievements and enthusiasm for academic exchange.’
Recent events and wins:
- The 14th International Congress of Parasitology, Daegu, Aug 19 -24, 2,500 delegates
- 20th International Society of Addiction Medicine Annual Meeting, Busan, Nov 3– 6, 500 delegates
- 38th Congress of International Urology Society, Seoul, Oct 4 – 7, 3,000 delegates
- 10th IBRO World Congress of Neuroscience, Daegu, 21-25 Sept, 2019, 3,000 delegates
- 28 International Congress of the Transplantation Society, Seoul, 2020, 4,500 delegates
- 16 Int. Congress of Bacteriology and Applied Microbiology, 16 Int. Congress of Mycology and 18 International Congress of Virology, Daejeon, 2020, 3,500 delegates
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
