The Joint Leadership Summit of industry organizations Association of Event Organisers (AEO), Singapore Association for Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS), Society for Independent Show Organizers (SISO) and, and UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, wrapped up yesterday in Singapore, representing the first international business event with fully vaccinated participants hosted in the city-state.
It was also the first meeting of major industry leaders since the beginning of the pandemic, and allowed them, along with regional government representatives, to plan for the reopening of business events in the region. Specifically, discussions revolved around the need to reopen travel routes in the region in order to restart
Southeast Asia handled the first waves of Covid particularly well, but the most recent wave of the delta variant coupled with low vaccination rates in the region has set it back as it faces major outbreaks. UFI notes that the leaders are calling on the relevant authorities to put the necessary policies in place to make this happen while also prioritizing travelers’ health and safety. The organizations involved concluded the event by signing a Memorandum of Understanding to solidify their commitment to the revitalization plan.
“Reconnecting face to face with the colleagues from across the world during the AEO, SISO, SACEOS, UFI Joint Association Leadership Summit, over the last few days has provided strong evidence to support, and a real reminder of, the power of face-to-face events,” said Carina Bauer, AEO Chair and CEO of IMEX Group — whose first in-person event since 2019 kicks off in Vegas next month — in a statement. “Many leaders had not met, or indeed travelled, since February 2020, and we are grateful to SACEOS and STB for enabling this leadership summit to take place.”
Also taking place this week was the launch of the Asia CEO Summit, “to support the industry’s evolution through a Covid-endemic operating environment.” The summit will be an annual event, taking place from 2022 to 2024 in Singapore, to encourage a dialogue between industry leaders around the state of the regional business environment and plans for the future.
Aloysius Arlando, President of SACEOS added: “The reopening of our MICE and Events industry requires a global effort and commitment by public and private sector players. As we continue on our journey towards an Endemic Covid-19 world, it is now time for us to bring back the core purpose of business events — driving commerce.
“We are delighted that regional leaders and global industry partners have come together to chart a practical roadmap towards the reopening of business events. And the launch of the Asia CEO Summit in 2022 gives added momentum to the restart of inter and intra-regional business and MICE travel. This will be vital in rebuilding our communities and economies.”