The ninth edition of BE @ Penang challenges today's MICE professionals to change the game by making the most of the latest innovations whilst taking both sustainability and inclusivity into consideration.
The event officially opened today, 10th December, at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre in Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
Centred on the theme Be the Wave, discussions and interactive sessions at the event will revolve around game-changing concepts that will drastically revamp the way business events are staged in Asia and beyond.
From the use of artificial intelligence in events planning to a frank discussion on leadership and management in the 21st century, this year's event is giving participants much to think about to create, stage, and promote highly effective events.
Becoming the wave
In the science of physics, a wave is essentially a force that comes rushing in, essentially sweeping everything in its path and changing the form of the area it surges through.
In the context of MICE, being the wave is about changing the way things are done, revising processes involved in the organisation, management, and presentation of events, regardless if these are small meetings or expositions on a grand scale.
Penang is currently riding the crest of this wave, given how it has evolved into a major hub for commerce and industry, particularly where information technology is concerned.
In his opening remarks Penang Convention and Exhibitions Bureau CEO Ashwin Gunasekaran remarked: "Penang continues to evolve as a powerhouse of innovation and economic progress. This reflects the same wave of progress that is reshaping the business events industry, where new technologies, creative strategies, and global connections are opening up to unprecedented opportunities."
PCEB chairman Wong Hon Wai echoed these sentiments whilst inviting delegates to embrace the spirit of this year's conference .
Wong said: "Be the wave, the wave that carries new ideas across borders, the wave that lifts and empowers others; the wave that inspires transformation not only within the organisation but across the communities we love and serve."
Pride of place
Cutting-edge ideas notwithstanding, the exhibitions aspect of BE @ Penang made a strong case for Pulau Pinang as one of Malaysia's centres for cultural tourism.
The exhibition hall immediately outside the convention venue featured booths touting indigenous crafts from wayang kulit puppetry and the intricately designed crafts of the region, to traditional sweets and batik garments that present indigenous patterns in a more contemporary form.
Inclusivity was also part of the exhibition through basketry produced by visually impaired artisans, a women's empowerment advocacy pushing for gender budgeting on both community and national levels, and a coffee company that offers cups for two ringgit apiece, with all proceeds going to local youth charities.
BE @ Penang runs until tomorrow, 12th December; Travel Daily Media will be posting from the floors of the event, so keep posted on our site for fresh updates.
