Penang to host international butterfly conference (ICBES 2024) for a third time

Penang, Malaysia, will again be the host city for the International Conference of Butterfly Exhibitors and Suppliers (ICBES 2024). The event will take place 4-7 November 2024, with a post-conference tour to Sungai Relau National Park in Pahang, 8-10 November 2024. It will be the third time Penang has hosted ICBES, following successful conferences in the year 2000 and 2009. The first three days of the conference will be held at the Ascott Gurney Penang, while the final day will take place at Entopia, Penang’s butterfly sanctuary and nature learning destination. The conference will welcome nearly 100 participants from 19 countries and the  opening ceremony will be attended by the chief minister of Penang, YAB Chow Kon Yeow, and the Penang state executive councillor for tourism, YB Wong Hon Wai. “Penang, known for its rich biodiversity and commitment to conservation, is a perfect setting for this important gathering,” said Joseph Goh, CEO of Entopia. Participants will have the chance to explore the unique offerings of Penang, including a George Town Heritage Tour, a visit to the scenic Penang Hill, and a hike at Penang National Park. Additionally, they will savour the diverse flavours of our country’s local cuisines and Penang’s hawker delights. A highlight of the event will be the Opening Dinner, which will be held at the iconic Hin Bus Depot. “The ICBES 2024 is a significant event for Penang, showcasing our state’s commitment to biodiversity and conservation,” said YB Wong Hon Wai, and Ashwin Gunasekeran, CEO of Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB), added that he was “excited to support this conference and welcome delegates from around the world to experience what Penang has to offer. “The Estimated Economic Impact (EEI) for this event is RM1.45m (US$6.26m), underscoring the significant benefits that ICBES 2024 will bring to our local economy. This conference is a prime example of how Penang continues to attract high-value, high-impact events that drive economic growth while showcasing our state’s unique offerings.” In November, Entopia will also launch the Wings of Lepidoptera exhibition, a one-of-a-kind showcase featuring micro-macro imaging photography that delves into the mysteries of butterfly and moth wing structures. The month will also see the introduction of the world’s first Biofluorescent Garden at Entopia, known as Natureland By Night.