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Philippine MICE in the time of the Pandemic (April 21, 2020)

Exlinkevents - Event Management Philippines・2 minutes read

The Philippine Association of Convention and Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers hosted a webinar highlighting the MICE industry's challenges during the pandemic, emphasizing the need for adaptation, recovery strategies, and government support to restore confidence and stimulate economic growth. Industry leaders called for a focus on hybrid event models, improved internet infrastructure, and collaborative efforts among stakeholders to navigate financial strains and ensure the sector's revival post-COVID-19.

Insights

  • The MICE industry, crucial for the Philippine economy, faces significant challenges due to the pandemic, with a shared goal among industry leaders to adapt and innovate for recovery, emphasizing the importance of health protocols and hybrid event models to ensure safety and engagement.
  • Karen Maria Miranda from the Tourism Promotions Board highlighted the need for rescheduling rather than canceling events, focusing on health and safety measures as essential for future gatherings, while Joelle Pasquale pointed out the financial strain from event cancellations, stressing the uncertainty of returning to normal operations.
  • There is a strong call for government support to prioritize the MICE sector in recovery plans, including financial assistance and improved infrastructure, as industry leaders believe that nurturing this sector can lead to quicker economic revitalization and attract international visitors, ultimately benefiting the broader economy.

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Recent questions

  • What is the MICE industry?

    The MICE industry refers to Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions, which are organized events that bring people together for various purposes, including business, education, and networking. This sector plays a crucial role in the global economy, contributing significantly to tourism and local businesses. MICE events can range from small meetings to large international conferences, and they often require extensive planning and coordination. The industry has faced numerous challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to widespread cancellations and a shift towards virtual and hybrid formats. As the world adapts to new health protocols, the MICE industry is evolving to incorporate technology and prioritize safety, ensuring that it remains a vital component of economic activity.

  • How can I improve my event planning skills?

    Improving event planning skills involves a combination of education, experience, and practical application. Start by familiarizing yourself with the key components of event planning, such as budgeting, logistics, and marketing. Consider taking courses or attending workshops focused on event management to gain theoretical knowledge. Additionally, gaining hands-on experience through internships or volunteering for events can provide valuable insights into the planning process. Networking with industry professionals can also help you learn best practices and stay updated on trends. Emphasizing creativity, organization, and communication skills will further enhance your ability to plan successful events. Lastly, staying adaptable and open to feedback will allow you to continuously improve and refine your skills in this dynamic field.

  • What are the benefits of attending conferences?

    Attending conferences offers numerous benefits, including networking opportunities, access to industry knowledge, and professional development. Conferences bring together professionals from various fields, allowing attendees to connect, share ideas, and build relationships that can lead to future collaborations or job opportunities. They often feature keynote speakers and expert panels that provide valuable insights into current trends and best practices, helping attendees stay informed and competitive in their industries. Additionally, conferences may offer workshops and training sessions that enhance skills and knowledge. The experience of engaging with peers and learning from leaders in the field can inspire new ideas and approaches, making conferences a worthwhile investment for personal and professional growth.

  • What is a hybrid event?

    A hybrid event is a combination of in-person and virtual components, allowing participants to engage both physically and online. This format has gained popularity, especially in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as it accommodates diverse audience preferences and health guidelines. Hybrid events enable organizers to reach a broader audience by providing options for those who cannot attend in person due to travel restrictions or health concerns. They typically involve live streaming presentations, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities for both in-person and virtual attendees. The success of hybrid events relies on effective technology integration, ensuring that all participants have a seamless and engaging experience, regardless of their mode of attendance.

  • How can I ensure event safety during COVID-19?

    Ensuring event safety during COVID-19 involves implementing comprehensive health and safety protocols tailored to current guidelines and regulations. Start by conducting a risk assessment to identify potential hazards and develop strategies to mitigate them. Key measures include limiting attendance to allow for physical distancing, requiring face masks, and providing hand sanitizing stations throughout the venue. It's essential to communicate safety protocols clearly to attendees before the event and during registration. Additionally, consider incorporating technology, such as contactless check-in and virtual participation options, to minimize physical contact. Regularly monitoring local health guidelines and being prepared to adapt plans as needed will further enhance safety and reassure participants about their well-being during the event.

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Summary

00:00

MICE Industry Faces Pandemic Challenges and Recovery

  • Paseo, the Philippine Association of Convention and Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers, hosted a webinar to discuss the challenges faced by the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the need for adaptation and recovery strategies.
  • The MICE industry was identified as a significant economic contributor, with a goal set in 2018 to increase its gross value added from 415.3 million pesos in 2013 to 1.4 billion pesos by 2030, while aiming to improve the country's global ranking from 14th to the top 10 in the region.
  • Industry representatives shared personal experiences during the pandemic, highlighting what they miss, such as family interactions, human connection, and travel, while expressing relief at the absence of traffic congestion and pollution.
  • Karen Maria Miranda, from the Tourism Promotions Board, noted that the pandemic has led to numerous postponements of MICE events, with a focus on rescheduling rather than canceling, and emphasized the importance of health and safety in future gatherings.
  • Joelle Pasquale, president of PEPFAR, described the severe impact of cancellations on revenue and the ongoing financial strain due to fixed overhead costs, stressing the uncertainty of when normal operations might resume.
  • Agnes, vice president of SMX Convention Center, reported that the pandemic halted events, particularly those dependent on international attendance, and highlighted the need for government-imposed safety protocols to ensure compliance and restore market confidence.
  • The discussion included the necessity of integrating virtual technology into the MICE industry, as face-to-face interactions are crucial but must adapt to current health concerns, with a focus on hybrid models for future events.
  • The timeline for recovery in the MICE sector remains uncertain, with industry leaders expressing hope for normalization by the fourth quarter of the year, but acknowledging that this is largely speculative.
  • The representatives agreed that the return of events will likely be staggered, with priority given to sectors deemed essential by the government, and that the industry must prepare for a gradual recovery process.
  • Overall, the webinar underscored the resilience of the MICE industry and the collective effort required to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic, with a shared commitment to adapt and innovate for future success.

22:52

Convention Industry Faces Unprecedented Challenges Ahead

  • The convention industry is facing a new normal, with changes such as limiting elevator capacity and trade show attendance, necessitating a redefinition of job roles and policies to enhance sanitation and safety measures.
  • Event organizers have experienced a significant number of cancellations and postponements, with many events being pushed from the first quarter to the end of the year, leading to challenges in rescheduling due to limited availability of venues.
  • Deposits and payments for canceled events are being credited towards future events, as many organizers have established a history of repeat events, allowing for easier transfer of payments.
  • The cargo logistics sector is severely impacted, with both exhibition and general cargo businesses suffering due to the pandemic, leading to increased shipping costs and delays in customs clearance processes.
  • Customs clearance has become more complicated, with a shift to remote work causing delays; what used to take 1-2 days now takes 5-7 days due to limited staffing and slow internet connectivity.
  • The ports are congested, and the semi-automated customs system is struggling to adapt to the increased workload, requiring extensive documentation to be scanned and sent electronically for approval.
  • Companies in the event industry are pivoting to online experiences, conducting research and testing to adapt their services, while digital marketing and content creation services are experiencing increased demand.
  • Many businesses are focusing on employee retention and support, with some companies maintaining full salaries temporarily while considering future reductions in workdays or salaries to ensure long-term survival.
  • The exhibition cargo business is particularly vulnerable, with companies having to make difficult decisions about salary cuts and potential layoffs, as the outlook for events remains uncertain until at least early 2021.
  • Overall, the industry is navigating a challenging landscape, with a focus on flexibility, adaptation to digital platforms, and the well-being of employees as they prepare for a gradual recovery in the future.

40:53

Hotel Industry Adapts to Financial Crisis

  • Agnes SMS emphasizes that the company is not an SME and faces financial limitations, prioritizing saving lives and livelihoods while implementing measures like freeze hiring and shortened workweeks.
  • Employees can utilize vacation leave even if not fully earned, and executives will take pay cuts and work reduced hours, with a focus on accountability for projects during remote work.
  • The hotel industry, particularly in NCR, is struggling with zero income, with major events canceled, including a 15 million peso function, and recovery is not expected until late 2021.
  • The new normal for hotels includes implementing health measures such as temperature checks and sanitation, with suggestions to replace guards with nurses for guest temperature checks.
  • Hotels are adapting to high occupancy from BPO workers and OFWs, with the Department of Tourism coordinating accommodations for around 25,000 individuals, despite limited resources.
  • Event venues will reduce capacities by 50% to ensure physical distancing, requiring larger spaces for events and limiting elevator occupancy to four people.
  • The shift to hybrid events is encouraged, allowing for more attendees online while maintaining limited physical presence, which could help sustain income for organizers.
  • The Department of Tourism is expected to issue clear guidelines for safety protocols, including managing occupancy and physical distancing in venues.
  • The conversation highlights the need for collaboration between organizers and venues to address financial impacts due to reduced capacities and potential income loss.
  • Government assistance is sought to support organizers, with discussions on cash incentives or subsidies to help offset costs during the ongoing crisis.

01:03:43

Revitalizing Tourism and MICE Industry Post Pandemic

  • A group of players agreed to set a minimum price for tourism in Thailand, aiming to attract visitors and support local businesses, particularly in poorer areas, by reducing costs collectively.
  • The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) launched a significant global promotion campaign, investing heavily to raise awareness and attract tourists from various regions, including Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
  • The speaker emphasized the enduring importance of face-to-face interactions in the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industry, despite the rise of digital alternatives due to the pandemic.
  • There is a call for the MICE industry to adapt and nurture virtual communities, providing online experiences and support to maintain engagement until in-person gatherings are safe again.
  • Key competencies for managing digital events include a mindset shift towards possibility, speed and efficiency in execution, creativity and innovation, and proficiency in analytics to understand audience needs and preferences.
  • Recommended digital platforms for hosting events include StreamYard, Zoom, and GoToWebinar, with an emphasis on selecting the platform that best fits the desired experience for participants.
  • The discussion highlighted the need for improved internet infrastructure to support remote work and digital events, with a specific request for faster internet services from the government.
  • Industry leaders expressed the necessity for government support in attracting international organizers to the Philippines, which would stimulate tourism and economic activity.
  • A call for government subsidies, either in cash or in-kind, was made to help the MICE sector recover and thrive post-pandemic, recognizing its role as a significant economic driver.
  • The speakers urged the government to prioritize the MICE industry in its recovery plans, emphasizing that nurturing this sector could lead to quicker economic revitalization and increased tourism.

01:23:26

Revitalizing Economy Through MICE Industry Support

  • The discussion emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry to stimulate economic recovery, highlighting that business travelers are more purposeful and coordinated in their travel compared to leisure travelers, which can lead to faster economic revitalization if supported by government strategies.
  • Key recommendations include the establishment of a government-supported online platform to connect various stakeholders in the MICE industry, enabling collaboration and resource sharing among businesses, as well as the need for fast internet to facilitate communication and coordination during recovery efforts.
  • Additional requests to the government involve attracting international visitors to the MICE sector, providing cash or in-kind subsidies with clear guidelines for event management, and ensuring that MICE is treated as a top priority to generate significant revenue for the country, as outlined in the MICE roadmap.
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