Annual MICE conference taking place in virtual space

MANILA, Philippines — The annual gathering of stakeholders in the meetings, incentive travel, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) industry will push through in October, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) said.

The marketing and promotions arm of the Department of Tourism said this year’s edition of the Philippine MICE Conference (MICECON) would take place in a virtual space on Oct.26 to 30.

“Now on its 7th edition, this year’s MICECON will shift into MICECONline – a makeover conference experience offering discussions on key issues and concerns affecting the industry,” the TPB said.

The event will dwell on topics focusing on professional development, sustainability, tourism recovery, and the “new normal” to be presented by local and global industry experts.

TPB said online participants would still get to experience plenary and breakout rooms in a virtual environment.

“Each speaker will run their own presentation simultaneously with other conference topics. In the virtual breakout room, participants will be able to interact in real-time with speakers and peers,” the TPB said.

The TPB said MICECONline would be offered free-of-charge to industry professionals within the private and public sectors and members of the academe.

This year’s MICECONline was originally slated in Davao City.

Apart from the MICECONline, the TPB announced this year’s Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX), which would also be shifted into a virtual platform.

The PHITEX 2020 will hold its first virtual edition on Sept. 22 - 24, 2020, allowing local suppliers to engage with foreign buyers through a digital platform.

“The travel trade event will also feature webinars tackling marketing strategies during a crisis and interviews with key tourism players,” the TPB said earlier.

The original PHITEX featured business-to-business sessions between foreign buyers and local sellers to encourage an exchange of tourism-related discourse among the participants and open doors for business opportunities.