International and Chinese industry players to ride on the next MICE wave at IT&CM China 2011

SHANGHAI – Early indications signal a healthy outlook for China’s 2011 MICE market. Chinese and international MICE suppliers confident of surging market demand have committed to exhibiting at IT&CM (Incentive Travel & Conventions Meetings) China 2011, China’s leading international MICE trade event, as early as one year in advance.

Among them is the ultra-luxurious Pangu 7-star Hotel Beijing, which boasts stunning views of the Water Cube, Bird’s Nest, and sprawling Olympic Park. Mr. Jeffery Qiao, Pangu’s director of MICE, said: “As an up-market independent boutique hotel with many unique selling points, we are looking to impress IT&CM China’s international delegation of professional meeting planners, event organizers, destination management companies, and international travel agencies. Hence, we are excited about our upcoming participation at IT&CM China 2011.” This will be Pangu’s first showcase at IT&CM China.

Other Chinese exhibitors who are already on board include Dragon Delight Interantional Tours Ltd., Samantha Resort & Spa, Chime Long Hotel, Gloria Hotels & Resorts, and China Travel Hong Kong (Zhuhai) Ocean Spring Co. Ltd.

No stranger to exhibiting at IT&CM China, international chain Sol Melia Hotels & Resorts will be back to take part in the 2011 show. Ms. Sharon Lee, area vice president of sales for Asia Pacific – Melia brand, enthused about her satisfaction with this year’s 2010 event: “We were delighted at the wide selection of international and Chinese MICE buyers attending the show. It was a good platform to promote our newly-opened Gran Melia Hotel in Shanghai. We also had the opportunity to organize many site inspections for buyers and media before and after the IT&CM China 2010 show. Publicity was also very good!”

Ms. Lee added: “Serious MICE professionals should be at IT&CM China 2011 to get updates on new hotels and destination offerings. We appreciate the compact appointment schedule as we are able to meet more buyers. With a wide selection of international and Chinese MICE buyers attending the show, we feel that it is a good platform to promote our Sol Melia Hotels in the Asia Pacific.”

Other international exhibitors who are also looking to benefit from the 2011 event include Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Meeting and Exhibitions Hong Kong, TeamBuilding, Kempinski Hotels, and WorldHotels.

According to the show organizers, China continues to gain momentum as a global MICE destination hotspot, especially after the staging of this year’s World Expo in Shanghai. The international and domestic buzz has spilled over to IT&CM China 2011, adding to strong support drawn from industry players. Last year’s IT&CM China 2010 was attended by some 2,000 participants including 230 exhibiting companies, 300 buyers from 37 countries, and some 100 international and local media.

Commented Mr. Darren Ng, managing director of TTG Asia Media: “Compared to the same time last year, IT&CM China 2011 has secured 4 times more booth space bookings. We are positive that the 2011 event will prove to be an even bigger sell-out success. Thanks to our strong buyers hosting program, we have also attracted considerable new and loyal buyer registrations from across the world, even at this early stage.”

Sylvia Phua, chief executive officer of MP Interantional, said: “It&CM China 2011 will once again present exciting business, learning, and networking opportunities that transcend geographical borders with buyers and sellers from around the world. We hope to draw more Chinese MICE players to take part in the exhibition as the MICE sector grows from strength to strength in China.”

The show organizers will be selecting 300 key Chinese and international MICE buyers for business discussions with exhibitors. Besides the many business meetings and social events, participants can look forward to attending the IT&CM China 2011 keynote address and educational seminars on a wide range of topics.

IT&CM China 2011 will be held from April 13 to 15 next year at ShanghaiMart Expo. The 2011 theme is “Leading China’s Next MICE Wave.” The event is organized by TTG Asia Media and MP International. It has the support of the Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration, Shanghai Tourism Trade Association, Shanghai Convention Exhibition Industries Association, International Association of Professional Congress Organizers, Pacific Asia Travel Association, International Congress & Convention Association, Society of Incentive Travel Executives (SITE) China, and SITE Hong Kong Chapter. More information is available at www.itcmchina.com .