AFECA's inaugural A20 Forum in Bangkok sets its sights on becoming the G20 of business events, driving unity and industry impact.

This article was originally found on M&C / Asia.

In 1999, the G20 was established in response to global crises, bringing together finance and central bankers from the world's largest economies. Fast forward to 2023, over 150 leaders of Asia's MICE associations drew inspiration from the G20, and convened in Bangkok for the inaugural Asia 20 Business Events Forum.

Vincent Lim, president of the Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations (AFECA), envisions the A20 as " the G20 of the business events world ". The forum serves as a platform for association members to contribute meaningfully to government policies and foster mutual growth and development through knowledge sharing, advocating that " the business events industry is a major contributor to the economy ".

The Asia 20 Business Events Forum was organised by AFECA alongside its AGM, the AFECA Asian MICE Awards & Gala Dinner, as well as the AFECA Asia MICE Youth Challenge. The three-day event, which took place from 21-23 November 2023, was hosted by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) at Bangkok Marriott The Surawongse.

Emphasising unity and collaboration, the event aimed to galvanise professionals in the exhibitions and conventions sector to address key issues collectively and amplify the industry voice. Renowned figures such as Weerasak Kowsurat, former Minister of Tourism and Sports of Thailand, delivered the keynote on the evolving landscape of Asian business events.

The forum also focused on the themes of facilitating the ease of doing business in the region; enhancing manpower, skills and sustainability; and providing business events updates and guides, which were encapsulated in the Bangkok Declaration unveiled at the A20's conclusion.

A20 Organising Committee chair Sumate Sudasna, in his closing remarks, also looked upon the event as " APEC of Asia’s business events ", delivering a powerful and meaningful message to the government and general public.

Participating trade organisations at the forum included heads from the Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS), Singapore Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (SACEOS), Association of Korean Exhibition Industry (AKEI), Taiwan Exhibition & Convention Association (TECA), among others, with representatives from regional government bodies.

With 15 member countries participating in the Asia 20 Business Events Forum 2023, Lim envisions expanding membership to 20 countries in 2024. Several member countries have expressed interest in hosting the A20 forum in 2024, with the outcome soon to be revealed.