Asia Convention Alliance plans first event and future trade show co-location

The founding members of the Asia Convention Alliance (ACA) gathered recently for the second time, at IMEX America 2022, to discuss future programmes. ACA’s founding members are Thailand Convention Bureau (TCEB), Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA), Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), Seoul Tourism Organisation (STO), and Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA). Bilateral MOUs were signed between MyCEB and STO as well as STO and TAITRA. The alliance, established in September 2021, has carried out many meetings already which have led to active business lead sharing between members with the aim of restoring the region’s business events industry and to facilitate knowledge exchange between member countries through collaborative ventures. To further facilitate knowledge exchange, the ACA members agreed to collaborate on their first ACA event, namely ACA Association Forum (ACAAF). It will debut as #ACAAF1 in 2023 during the 62^nd ICCA Congress in Bangkok. Full details on the event will be announced once finalised. Mr Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, president of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), said that, “Since the day Thailand initiated the formation of Asia Convention Alliance (ACA), TCEB has been a firm believer in its potential. It has been an honour working closely with all the founding members: MyCEB, STO, TAITRA and TICA on this exciting journey that fosters the regional collaboration and paves the way towards our first event’s debut.” Mr Sumate Sudasna, president of TICA said his association added he was “delighted that the ACA is progressing with the common goal to bond the Asian region as international conventions evolve. Alliance members are ever dynamic in directing joint efforts to elevate our business events industry.” Plans are being made for the five organisations to be co-located at future IMEX shows in Frankfurt and Las Vegas.