The Singapore Tourism Board recently hosted the Singapore M&I Connect event, bringing together corporate event planners, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) intermediaries, and tourism partners from India and Singapore
The recent Singapore MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) Connect event brought together tourism stakeholders, corporate planners, and industry leaders from India and Singapore to discuss strategies for revitalizing the MICE sector amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Singapore M&I Connect event, hosted in partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), highlighted resilience, innovation, and collaboration as key pillars for the sector’s recovery.
Optimism and Collaboration
Kamal Gill, Director at OptiMICE Events, expressed gratitude for the collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board, setting the stage for an insightful dialogue. GB Shrithar from the Singapore Tourism Board addressed the audience with a three-point agenda: Singapore’s phased COVID-19 response, the nation’s current pandemic situation, and the MICE Connect initiative to strengthen ties between India and Singapore.
Phased COVID-19 Response
Singapore’s approach to managing the pandemic has been rooted in rigorous safety protocols and a structured reopening strategy. Shrithar highlighted the “SG Clean” certification, a national mark of excellence in safety and hygiene standards. “Almost 1,000 tourism establishments have already received SG Clean certification as of June 1,” he shared, emphasizing the commitment to creating a safe environment for business and leisure.
Reviving the MICE Industry
One of the event’s focal points was Singapore’s preparation for hosting its first prototype MICE event at Resorts World Sentosa. “Safety and security of visitors are our top priorities,” noted a tourism representative, outlining measures to ensure a balance between business effectiveness and safety protocols. This pilot event marks a significant step in reshaping how MICE events are organized in a post-pandemic world.
Adapting to a New Normal
Speakers from both India and Singapore acknowledged the seismic shift in the experiential world caused by the pandemic. An Indian participant remarked, “The nucleus of my business is social aggregation, but the need of the hour is social distancing.” Despite these challenges, the speaker’s optimism shone through: “I’m a die-hard optimist. The glass is always half full.”
Discussions revolved around the opportunity to rethink and innovate within the MICE space. One participant suggested using the current downtime to develop more streamlined and profitable MICE strategies. “This window can be used to relook at how MICE has been done so far and plan for a better future,” they said.
Humor and Innovation
The panelists also explored creative ideas for reviving tourism, including a tongue-in-cheek suggestion: offering free COVID-19 vaccinations to visitors in Singapore. “You’ll run out of air forces,” quipped one speaker, reflecting the need for out-of-the-box solutions to attract travelers.
A Quiet Miracle
The event concluded with a heartfelt reflection on the pandemic’s impact on global communities. “There’s a new appreciation for the quiet miracle of a normal life,” noted a panelist. This renewed perspective, they believed, would pave the way for a better, more connected world post-COVID-19.
Collaboration as the Way Forward
Singapore M&I Connect underscored the importance of partnerships and adaptability in navigating unprecedented challenges. By prioritizing safety, embracing innovation, and fostering collaboration, the MICE sector can not only recover but also thrive in a post-pandemic era. This event served as a testament to the resilience of the tourism and MICE industries and their potential to drive economic recovery and cultural exchange in the years ahead.
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