Davao City, a hub for development in Mindanao and located in the southern part of the Philippines, is once again playing host to the MICECON after a decade-long hiatus. This conference is seen as a significant step in restarting and revitalizing economic and tourism activities, not just in Davao but throughout the Philippines and the world.
The Tourism Promotions Board Philippines (TPB) and the City Government of Davao, under the guidance of the Department of Tourism (DOT), are leading the charge for this year’s M.I.C.E Conference (MICECON). This is the largest gathering of Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) professionals in the country and will take place from March 1st to 3rd at the SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang Premier.
Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, TPB COO, stated, “Davao’s hosting of the MICECON will provide a tremendous boost to the city’s tourism industry and is a huge step towards its vision of becoming a preferred MICE destination not just in the Philippines but in Asia as well.”
With the theme “MICEConverge: Blaze New Trails,” this hybrid event aims to provide new business opportunities and strengthen relationships with both domestic and international stakeholders. Over 500 in-person delegates and up to 2,000 online participants from around the world are expected to attend.
The conference will feature a range of exciting activities, including the MICE Youth Challenge, Power Dressing and Glam Makeup Sessions, and Workshops. These will provide a platform to showcase Davao’s finest tourism and product services, with a focus on the sub-themes “Celebrating Nature,” “Celebrating Diversity,” and “Celebrating Travel and Technology.”
First MICE Youth Challenge in Davao
The much-anticipated Philippine MICE Youth Challenge will finally take place on March 1st as part of the MICECON 2023 conference. This is a national contest open to students who are enrolled in or have recently completed MICE Management or Business Events courses at a Philippine-based university. The challenge provides contestants with the opportunity to showcase their event planning skills and receive feedback from a panel of experienced MICE professionals.
The aim of this initiative is to promote creativity and excellence among aspiring MICE professionals, and to provide a valuable learning experience. It was created by members of the Philippine Association of Convention/Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers, Inc. (PACEOS) and the Philippine MICE Academy, who are at the forefront of the Philippine MICE industry.
The contest will be judged by representatives from the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA), and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).
The winners of the challenge will be rewarded with up to PhP 15,000 in prizes, as well as tokens and the chance to participate in the Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations (AFECA) Asia MICE Youth Challenge.
