SITE, IAEE, MPI Come Together to Launch Global MICE Collaborative
October 18, 2018
During a press conference at 2018 IMEX America in Las Vegas, three leading associations in the meetings, trade show and incentive travel industries announced they have joined forces to develop a workforce in emerging markets outside of the U.S. and Canada.
The Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE), International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) and Meeting Professionals International (MPI) have joined forces to launch the Global MICE Collaborative that will provide professional resources on exhibitions, meeting and event planning and incentive travel to foster the development of the MICE professions, and MICE professionals, in emerging markets.
David DuBois, IAEE’s president and CEO, told the press and others gathered at the announcement, “This is a very exciting day for us to be up here to tell you about this collaborative.”
The Global MICE Collaborative will focus on MICE workforce development and destination awareness through competency-building, live events, research, consulting and access to a vibrant community of experienced professionals.
- Through professional competencies, the Global MICE Collaborative will deliver unparalleled comprehensive education and certification to develop the workforce and advance the professionalism of the industry.
- Through live events, the Global MICE Collaborative will bring MICE professionals together in experiences that inspire, energize and provide ongoing professional development and business exchanges.
- Through peer-to-peer engagement the Global MICE Collaborative will be the world’s go-to community for MICE professionals, delivering relationship value at every stage of their careers.
- Through destination consulting, the Global MICE Collaborative will provide consultation, market research and trade education that will enable tourism and destination marketing organizations, venue operators, event organizers and destinations to reach the highest level of success.
- Through research and advocacy, the Global MICE Collaborative will bring awareness of the value of the MICE industry and propel the industry forward by delivering data-driven trend reporting and pan-industry initiatives.
"Incentive Travel – the ‘I’ in MICE - is the fastest growing segment of the MICE industry and SITE is the only global association focused exclusively on Incentive Travel,” said SITE CEO Didier Scaillet, CIS, CITP.
He added, “We are thrilled to join together with IAEE and MPI to provide MICE professionals in emerging destinations the resources and competencies they need to grow their MICE business."
Many cities and regions are investing in infrastructure to increase their appeal as a MICE destination.
However, they often lack the know-how and human capital to deliver meetings, incentives, events and exhibitions to international standards.
By engaging with the Global MICE Collaborative, officials from the associations involved said “destinations will benefit through increased awareness and heightened professionalism that will ultimately attract more MICE business.”
The collaborative will launch first in Asia, Latin America and Africa.
To learn more about the Global MICE Collaborative go to www.micecollaborative.com
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
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