Penang prepares for big March date with 45th IAA World Congress

The International Advertising Association (IAA) World Congress organisers and the co-host, Penang state, meeting at the KOMTAR tower, have unveiled plans for hosting the 45th IAA World Congress 6-8 March, 2024. It is a congress projected to attract up to 1,000 attendees from across the globe and produce an estimated economic impact of RM5.83m (US$1.24m) for the Malaysian state of Penang. “Under the theme, ‘Brand: RE-CODE, for a Better World, Better Life’, the IAA World Congress is not just a convergence of ideas but a celebratory moment, commemorating the 85th Anniversary of IAA Global, the 30th Anniversary of IAA Malaysia, and International Women’s Day,” said John D Chacko, the president of IAA Malaysia, vice-president of IAA Global, and chairman of the World Congress. “This congress seamlessly aligns with our Penang2030 vision,” said The Right Honourable Chow Kon Yeow, the chief minister of Penang. “By 2030, we aspire to be the greenest state in Malaysia, with technologically advanced, innovative governance, and sustainability-led development. The Penang state government also sees this Congress as an opportune moment to showcase Penang’s investment potential.” The Congress programme will offer insights from a cast of over 30 C-suite speakers. “The international recognition that IAA World Congress brings not only strengthens our position as a leading hub for business events but also fosters invaluable knowledge exchange, networking, and collaborations that contribute substantially to our economic growth. This firmly establishes Penang as a key player in the global tourism and creative industries,” added The Honourable Wong Hon Wai, the State Exco for Tourism & Creative Economy. The Congress falls within the HRD Corp claimable category under the public conference scheme. Malaysian attendees are entitled to daily allowances of up to MYR400 per day per pax, reimbursement for flight tickets, accommodation, and land transport. The IAA World Congress also announced its collaborations with global entities, including Google, Meta, WARC, ANA, Lions, SEEHER, BBC News, Media Prima,Celcomdigi and iFlytek. These partnerships are expected to elevate the congress and help it reach a broader audience.