September 18, 2015 TnH Global 0

UNLEASHING THE POTENTIAL”- 8th Conventions India Conclave (CIC)

India Convention Promotion Bureau’s (ICPB’s) 8th Conventions India Conclave (CIC) was successfully held from August 7-9, 2015 at India Expo Mart, Greater Noida. The conclave discussed the importance of ‘Marketing, Networking and Skill Development’ to tap huge potential in the Indian MICE sector.

The conclave discussed the potential of MICE industry in India and a way forward. The groundbreaking conference saw coming together of more than 350 prominent MICE Industry leaders, PCO’s, Suppliers, Conference Planners, Buyers and Government officials from the Ministry of Tourism.

Over 120 buyers from various Indian cities including Delhi & NCR attended the convention as guest of ICPB. The buyers were given air passage and stay in Greater Noida for two days. The conclave also had a dedicated exhibition area, 45 MICE specialist suppliers showcased their products.

The theme this year was ‘Unleashing the Potential’ with a focus on ‘Marketing, Networking and Skill Development’ in the MICE sector. The Conclave was sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and the Department of Tourism, Government of Madhya Pradesh as Partner State and also Gujarat Tourism as Diamond Sponsor. The hospitality and tourism industry of NCR, Greater NOIDA actively supported the Conventions India Conclave – 2015.

Suman Billa – Joint Secretary Tourism & Chairman, ICPB, mentioned about the need of destination level promotion bureaus to come up for positioning India as one of the top MICE destinations in the world. In his opening speech, he stated that if we want India to be a world class MICE destination, we all need to come together to make it happen. The MICE infrastructure in the country has been developing rapidly and convention hotels and conference venues of international standards are being set up in cities across the country. With the corresponding expansion in the network of airline operations, India is ready to position and market itself as an important MICE destination. He said, “With all these changes, 5 years from now we will be looking at this industry differently” but for this we all need to drive the change and ramp up our existing infrastructure.

Capt. Swadesh Kumar- Vice Chairman ICPB announced that ICPB will be working towards the green meetings, he also promised to involve the exhibition industry in the future more actively. Amongst the other recommendations which were given by the panellists during the sessions, Capt. Kumar recommended the Ministry of Tourism to include PCO (Professional Conference Organiser) and Exhibitions as separate categories for recognition.

The convention finished with a vote of thanks to all the partners and supporters who made this into a successful event.

CIC’s venue: India Expo Mart, Greater Noida

8th Conventions India Conclave (CIC) also showcased the world class facilities of INDIA EXPO MART, GREATER NOIDA, which is considered as ‘The most modern, integrated & flexible MICE destination in Asia’. India Expo Mart, Greater Noida is India’s First International Exhibition cum Convention facility on PPP Model. Speaking at a session during the convention, Rakesh Kumar, Chairman, India Exposition Mart, said, “Being an immaculate mix of rich social legacy and world class foundation, India is currently seen as a standout amongst the most energizing MICE destination, and India Exposition Mart is the biggest and most preferred venue for exhibitions and conventions.” India Expo Mart is the India’s first venue outfitted with most desired amenities by exhibitors, visitors and organizers under one roof.

Key points made at the conclave

Destination level promotion bureaus are needed for positioning India as one of the top MICE destinations in the world.
Every stakeholder needs to come together to make India a world class MICE destination.
To position and market India as an important MICE destination, existing infrastructure needs to be revamped.