PCMA and UIA Choose Thailand for Their Global Business Events

February 21, 2017

Thailand has won the business to host two prestigious global events in 2017; the Professional Convention Management Association’s (PCMA) Global Professionals Conference for the Asia-Pacific region will convene for the first time Aug. 28-31 in Southeast Asia in Bangkok and the Union of International Associations (UIA) will host their Round Table Asia Pacific, where approximately 100 association representatives will meet Sept. 21-22 in Chiang Mai.

Nopparat Maythaveekulchai, president of TCEB said Bangkok delivered the strongest bid from Asia to win the PCMA’s prestigious event.

“The selection of Thailand as the host country for the 2017 PCMA Global Professionals Conference highlights the readiness and potential of Thailand as a global convention hub for the industry of Asia-Pacific,” he said.

According to PCMA, the Bangkok event will bring together 35 global planners from top associations and corporations, along with 15 senior-level suppliers representing convention bureaus and centres from around the Asia Pacific region, including Australia. 

Conference content will focus on offering a richer understanding of opportunities available across the Asia Pacific region, while demonstrating how to maximise the impact of business events.

UIA’s choice of Chiang Mai is a confidence boost for this upcoming MICE destination.

“Chiang Mai has been identified as one of the emerging MICE cities by TCEB and we are delighted that UIA is endorsing our vision for this area by hosting its esteemed round table in this exciting MICE destination in Thailand’s northern region,” Maythaveekulchai said.

Representatives from Asia Pacific associations will meet in the northern Thailand gateway city to share experiences in management, administration, policies, regulations, values and vision. Online registration will open in May.

The 100-year-old Union of International Associations staged a similar round table event in Bangkok in 2015.

The highly acclaimed 2015 event attracted 47 association representatives from 17 countries. Based on that success TCEB won the bid to return the round table to Thailand for a second time. The UIA Round Table is an opportunity to learn through networking and sharing experience and know-how with representatives of other international associations.

TCEB is confident the two events on their busy business event calendar will attract professional associations across the Asia-Pacific region, according to bureau officials.

Under TCEB’s latest and most ambitious global communication campaign, entitled “Thailand CONNECT Your Vibrant Journey to Business Success”, the bureau is working towards positioning Thailand as an ideal ‘Bleisure Destination’ at the heart of ASEAN, and a leading global destination offering unsurpassed standards of service, venues, facilities, and leisure opportunities.  

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact