Motaz Othman

Bangkok 

Hosted Buyers who attended for the first time, confirmed that now they know MICE in Asia much better. 

TTG Asia, TCEB and Thai Airways have done their utmost to host IT&CM Asia and CTW in the best way. 

IT&CM Asia and CTW delegates witnessed Business, Meetings, Education, Leisure and much more.  

TTG Asia published " an anniversary book"  to showcase the best of the events as well as the Asia-Pacific MICE and Corporate Travel industry thoughts. 

Year after year, the IT&CM Asia and CTW which took place in Bangkok between 2^nd 4^th October 2012, on its 20^th Anniversary recognized as a unique world-class industry event and the only one of its kind in the world, prove that this event became a major MICE and Corporate event in Asia region and in the world due to hundreds of International Hosted Buyers and Media from Asia and other parts in the world that received full invitation from the organizers. 

Some of 2,579 delegates comprising of exhibitors, buyers, corporate travel managers, conference delegates, media, VIPs and trade visitors, from 57 countries across the globe already registered for this year that meets the anniversary and celebrations of 20 years of IT&CM Asia, Pre-event. Registration began on 1^st October as delegates arrived at the Central World in Bangkok where the event took place.   

The networking highlights on 1^st October include the Friendly Golf Game at new venue, Suwan Golf and Country Club. The day-long game and gathering is a popular networking event and a great way to relax before the start of the business days. 

International buyer, corporate travel manager and media delegates catch up with peers, while re-acquainting themselves with host city, Bangkok at the pre-show city tours. Organised by Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA), the four tours gave delegates the opportunity to experience Thai culture through the various itineraries. From a cruise down the Chao Phraya and Thonburi canals to the quaint China town, from visits to traditional artist communities to Thai cooking classes which I joined at Siam Naravit where we received a certificate of Thai Cooking after we shared Thai chefs in cooking, a great show was also presented at the place. , these experiential tours are a wonderful way for delegates to immerse themselves into the culture of Thailand. 

The event started on 2^nd October with the Official Press Conference by Mr. Darren Ng, M.D of TTG Asia, Ms. Vichaya Soonthornsaratoon, acting Director of Meetings Industry of TCEB and Mr. Pandit Chanapai, Executive Vice President of Thai Airways who briefed Media with latest development about the Event, MICE in Thailand and update about Thai Airlines. 

Followed by Keynote Address by Mr. Martin Winter, Chairman of  ICCA Asia Pacific. The opening ceremony took place at the Central World with a wonderful evening. 

This year Dubai national pavilion is exhibiting at the event for the first time. Mr. Justin Jacob, Managing Director of Connect World, with offices in Dubai, Mumbai, London and Moscow said, “This is a great platform to connect with buyers from Thailand and across Asia and I am extremely happy with my day. After my pre-event appointment scheduling, I had only three slots left which were snapped up at the SMB session. The quality of buyers I have met is fantastic!” 

Meetings between Buyers and Suppliers started on 3^rd October, where on the other side, the Media Briefing started by Global Business Travel Association, presented by Mr. Welf Ebeling, followed by TCEB, presented by Ms. Vichaya, then AACVB presented their association to Media, The Egyptian Tourism Office, and InterContinental Hotels Group also briefed the Media.

 Hong Kong and TTG events hosted the Lunch, Penang Global Tourism and TTG events hosted the Jubilee Dinner, A late night function took place at the Westin Grande Sukhumvit Bangkok. 

On 4^th October, meetings between Buyers and Suppliers continued, Media Briefing as well, where Taiwan Tourism Bureau, Penang Global Tourism and Pullman Hotels & Resorts. 

The 11^th Sticky Awards Lunch took place, rewards where distributed for winners. 

A Feed Back Session took place by Mr. Darren Ng and Ms. Vichaya Soonthornsaratoon, both listen to Media People for their marks about the event. 

The 23^rd TTG Travel Awards took place at the Centara Grand Ballroom with a great dinner, where 80 of the Asia-Pacific travel trade's best organizations and individuals where recognized.