700+ MICE events in Macau in first half

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Macau, 16th August: Last week, Macau’s Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) reported its MICE statistics for the first half of 2024. Macau held a total of 702 MICE events in the first half, which represents 180 events more than the same period in 2023. However, the total number of participants and attendees dropped 29% year-on-year in the six-month period, down to 479,000.

Of the 702 events, 658 were meetings and conferences, up by 166 from the first half of 2023. The total number of participants at meetings and conferences increased by 4.6%, reaching 74,400 participants. A total of 26 exhibitions were held in the first half of 2024, which was two more than the same period last year. However, the number of attendees decreased by 33%, down to 398,900. The total gross area occupied by these exhibitions was 184,400 m2.

Cairns to host high-profile conferences

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Cairns, 16th August: Over the last months, Cairns Convention Centre (CCC) has hosted a series of conferences, which brought significant economic benefits to Cairns. In addition, the venue estimates to attract over 21,000 delegates from Australia and overseas until June 2025.

In 2025, CCC will host Congress of the Asia Pacific Orthopaedic Association, providing scientific program and offering attendees cultural experience. Other major conferences to be held in the venue include: TravelManagers Australia Conference featuring Olympic Champion Cathy Freeman in September 2024; Australasian Genomic Technologies Association Annual Conference in October 2024; Australian Archaeological Association Annual Conference in December 2024; and Australian & New Zealand College of Anaesthetists Annual Scientific Meeting in May 2025.

Quick takes

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ASM Global appoints Group Director of Arena Operations

ASM Global has appointed Meagan Walker as Group Director of Arena Operations, replacing Tim Worton. Meagan will lead the ASM Global arena network in Australia while supporting other arena venues in the region with a focus on event acquisition, operational planning for best practice patron experience and event delivery.

CEO of ICC Sydney steps down

Geoff Donaghy, Chief Executive Officer of ICC Sydney and Group Director – Convention Centres, ASM Global (APAC), will step down later this month. He joined ASM Global in 1994, and led various venues in the group.

500,000+ visits at HKTDC Food Expo and concurrent events

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the Food Expo and its concurrent fairs concluded with the total number of visits over 500,000. The overall spending capita was HK$1,615 (US$207). The five fairs featured some 1,860 exhibitors from 30 countries and regions.

CENTRESTAGE opens to public

CENTRESTAGE, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s (HKTDC) annual fashion extravaganza, will open its door at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), from 4th to 7th September 2024. The exhibition will be open to industry buyers and the public for the first time for all four days, providing an opportunity for fashion enthusiasts to explore and purchase from some 250 brands from 17 countries and regions, offering products for retail sale.