Why Singapore Is A Great Place to Host MICE Events
Singapore has emerged as the key player in the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) space of Southeast Asia, and it has won several awards to this effect. MICE is a subcategory of tourism in which people travel to other countries for some kind of event related to their professional development or the growth of their business.
Around 20% of Singapore’s visitors fall into this category, with the city-state hosting several events of its own, including Innovfest Unbound and the FUTR Asia Summit. Here, we will explore what makes Singapore such an attractive destination for MICE events and why it could be a great next host for yours.
Background on Singapore
The small, urbanized tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore is in fact an economic powerhouse of the Southeast Asian region. It has seen massive success in attracting talent from all over the world, mainly in the finance, technology, healthcare, manufacturing and logistics sectors. This is due to its stability, good relationships with other nations, and advanced digital infrastructure, among other things.
It has leveraged these to become the most finance and business hub of the region, and the networking potential alone makes it no surprise that Singapore has become a popular destination for MICE events. However, there is much more to Singapore than just the people who live and work there.
Why SIngapore is great for MICE
1. Connectivity - Event organizers love how connected and convenient Singapore is. The thousands of weekly flights from Singapore serve over 150 cities around the globe, so people can travel there from pretty much all over the world. Within the city, public transportation is clean, easy, fast, and serves basically every corner of the area. Whether it’s buses, underground trains or taxis, there’s always a reliable way for people to get where they need to go. There are also rideshare apps.
Its size means that there is little chance of getting lost in Singapore, but just in case, great mobile internet connectivity and easy-to-read maps at public transport stations can be found almost anywhere.
2. Meeting spaces - Great meeting and conference locations in Singapore tend to be located near stations and attractions for maximum convenience and minimal travel time. Places such as the Singapore Convention Hall are versatile and well-equipped to handle all kinds of different events.Something that will become evident when you visit Singapore that also helps with events is that staff are very committed and helpful. There’s no need for a translation service either as English is one of four official languages spoken in the country.
3. Government support - Keen to maintain the city’s position as a key MICE player, officials in Singapore provide assistance to certain groups who are visiting for events. This can include free experiences, including dining, team-building activities, and tours.The government of Singapore also provides advice and a guide for organizing events, and there are programmes in place which organizers can use to purchase airline tickets, ride-hailing services, and SIM cards at a discount.
Lastly, Singapore’s commitment to technology means that its venues are equipped with the latest gadgets for events, such as facial recognition entry, augmented and virtual reality experiences, and various smart tools to manage things like sound, lights, and temperature.
