ETW Staff – Mumbai
After the success of India Convention Promotion Bureau’s (ICPB) seven preceding conclaves, the ‘8th Conventions India – the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Events Conclave’ will be organised from August 7-9, 2015 at The India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, with the support of the ministry of tourism, Government of India. The conclave will provide an opportunity to interact with the bureau’s members who are specialists in the organisation of meetings and conventions and also other suppliers who will showcase their products during the conclave.
ICPB disseminates information about infrastructural facilities and related services for planning / organising of meetings and conventions and assists the Indian tourism industry to market them globally. This conclave is a unique event for the participants to create a sharing and learning opportunity. The speakers at the conclave are active industry professionals who will offer participants a focus on the challenging and changing future. Another benefit of the conclave is the range of informal discussions which take place outside the formal programme often setting the basis for future long-term relationships.
Mahesh Sharma, minister of state (independent charge) for culture, tourism and MoS for Ministry of Civil Aviation (India), Government of India, said, “The Indian economy is growing at a phenomenal rate, and along with it so is the MICE industry. India presents a unique and budding opportunity for not just the domestic, but for international organisations as well. We see a bright future for the Indian MICE sector – constant improvements in infrastructure and a healthy demand will facilitate the next big step for India.”
Suman Billa (IAS), joint secretary, ministry of tourism and chairman, ICPB said, “ICPB is the APEX body for the MICE sector in India. Our purpose is to act as a catalyst for the growth and improvement of India’s MICE sector. With each interaction of the conclave, ICPB takes one giant step towards transforming the MICE sector and making it realise its potential.”
Capt Swadesh Kumar, vice chairman, ICPB said, “The Conventions India Conclave is the perfect opportunity for the participants to network and share their expertise with one another. It provides various marketing opportunities for the members by meeting buyers who have the potential to bring large number of conferences to this country, and also skill development where we are inviting experts from national and international level. We look forward to seeing all our buyers and suppliers under one roof and to showcasing India’s MICE abilities.”
The meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) market is growing rapidly and has exhibited huge potential worldwide. It is recognised that international and regional conferences contribute towards building up of mutual goodwill and understanding, encourage interaction between nations, and bring tremendous amounts of knowledge and frontier technologies particularly for the developing countries. There is a growing interest amongst tourists to experience the rich culture and heritage of India. With increasing opportunities for holidays and leisure, India is now becoming one of the leading venues for MICE in the region. The MICE infrastructure in the country has been developing rapidly and convention hotels and conference venues of international standards are being set up in cities across the country. With the corresponding expansion in the network of airline operations, India is ready to position and market itself as an important MICE destination.