Team Macao invests in the future
A focus on training and skills is strengthening Macao as a professional destination for association events with all the attractions of the fast-developing Greater Bay Area in South China
As Macao invests in its events workforce, world-class venues and diverse entertainment options, it is fast gaining international recognition. Positioning itself as a premier hub for international association events, Macao is also showcasing its unique cultural attractions and vibrant entertainment experiences.
A Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, Macao is located close to Guangzhou and Hong Kong making it ideal for associations wishing to attract attendance and input from this dynamic and important region. Chinese and Portuguese are official languages and English is widely spoken.
Strategic government investment is helping Macao establish itself as a leading international convention destination with stunning results. Jumping from 20th to 14th place in the Asia Pacific region between 2023 and 2024, according to International Congress and Convention Association’s (ICCA) latest Country and City Rankings, it has had its best-ever performance.
The city is also gearing up for a busy 2025, with major international trade events and association meetings on the calendar. Highlights include:
- Rotary International District 3450 – 65th District Conference (May 24-25; 400 pax)
- The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Annual Conference (Jun 10–13; 500pax)
- MDRT Global Conference (Aug 24-27; 7,000 pax)
- 25th Asian Congress of Surgery (Oct 24-26; 500 pax)
- 18th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention (Nov 2- 4; 4,000 pax)
- The 50th Portuguese Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies Congress (Dec 2–4; 700pax)
Leading the way
Macao is quickly becoming one of Asia’s most impressive convention destinations, powered by a bold, strategic vision of setting ever higher standards of event excellence.
Waikin Wong, Senior Regional Director Asia Pacific, ICCA, was responsible for an ICCA Skills course held recently in Macao. Designed to develop and empower industry professionals in business events, Wong was impressed, saying it exemplified the approach that is enabling Team Macao to learn, share and engage more effectively.
“From personal experience, I have witnessed the unwavering determination of Team Macao in elevating the overall capacity of business events, spanning government divisions to private industry,” she said. “The industry is notably supportive and driven. The destination recognises the immense value of business events, particularly the positive impact and legacy of association conferences, which contribute to both short and long-term growth for the destination and its community.
“Macao's unique value proposition includes cross-sectoral collaboration, geographical advantages, strong industry commitment, diverse professionalism and facilities, as well as cultural richness that both attracts and contributes to global business events and association conferences.”
Cultivating talent
As a part of government strategy for economic diversification, the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute of the Macao SAR (IPIM) continues to collaborate with the industry and universities to cultivate professional talent in the MICE sector. MICE training courses, covering planning and bidding to safety in construction, marketing and crisis management, have resulted in many participants obtaining international certification.
The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) is offering accredited international professional MICE programmes including UFI Certified Professional (UCP), Venue Management School (UFI VMS), and Exhibition Management School (UFI EMS) in Macao.
UFI President Hugh Jones praised Macao’s MICE facilities and industry progress, highlighting it as an ideal destination for hosting exhibitions and conferences due to its significant growth potential. He acknowledged the success of Macao’s training initiatives and affirmed UFI’s commitment to providing ongoing MICE training with Macao SAR as one of its key training centres.
IPIM continues to strengthen Macao’s MICE team’s professional foundation and competitiveness by introducing international certification courses, cultivating MICE talent, leveraging the global network of Conference Ambassadors and integrating resources from the MICE Bidding Support Working Group.
Excellent venues and unparalleled attractions
Alongside a focus on training, there has been serious investment in infrastructure. New venues, hotels and activities are being developed and improved to accommodate business events, including:
- Dinner in the sky at City of Dreams – a 50m-high dining experience amidst the clouds. The concept sees diners, waiting staff and a table suspended in the air using a crane, defying convention and gravity
- House of Dancing Water – this popular residency has returned with a brand-new show featuring extraordinary aerial acrobatics and cutting-edge technology. It delivers a new global standard in aquatic entertainment
- Capella at Galaxy Macau – due to open soon, the first Capella property in The Greater Bay Area joins Galaxy Macau’s collection of high-end hotels redefining the city's ultra-luxury experiences
- H853 Entertainment Place – located in Lisboeta Macau, this is the city’s latest attraction and exhibition space
- Gourmet Pavilion in Wynn Palace – just open, guests can now embark on a culinary journey from upmarket, award-winning dishes to down-to-earth street fare across Asia under one roof.
