Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre closes 2021 on positive note

The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), Malaysia, closes 2021 on a positive note, announcing that it hosted over 300 national and regional business events at the venue during the year. Sixty percent of these event were hosted in the last quarter of the year following the reopening of the industry in Malaysia in October. In total, 94% were small and large meetings and functions, 3% exhibitions and 3% conventions. Alan Pryor, general manager of the KLCC, said: “Despite the industry being closed for most of the year, 2021 has been a successful year for us to continuously demonstrate the provision of safe, controlled and regulated event environments to help strengthen public and government confidence. Pryor stated: “We were well-prepared with dedicated safety and health guidelines for each segment, new normal quality assurances and accreditations, well-trained and experienced workforce, infrastructure and attractive incentive packages.” In 2021, the KLCC was recognised as Malaysia’s Best Convention Centre and Best MICE Event Venue – South East Asia at the World Mice Awards 2022 and APAC Insider respectively. Pryor commented: “Being the first Malaysian venue to obtain the ‘MySafe BE’ certification was also a great achievement that we are proud of and further emphasises our market leader position. Most recently, we have successfully obtained the ‘MyTrust Catering’ certification from the Ministry of Health that accredits our food handling practices, as an extension to our food and beverage services to events outside the venue.” KLCC says there has been keen interest in returning to in-person meetings; increased demand for hybrid events as an alternative model for improved participation and reach, and cost-containment strategies; and a decreasing appeal among organisers for fully virtual events. Pryor concluded: “With a successful end to 2021 in the books, and 90 events or 40% of our target already secured for 2022, we look forward to building on this positive momentum into the upcoming year. We are confident that the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in place will continue to drive the industry forward and contribute to Malaysia’s economic recovery.”