The Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (SACEOS) is all set for the Singapore MICE Forum (SMF) this week, possibly its most expansive edition to date.
On from 23rd to 25th July at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, SMF 2025 draws in over 1500 attendees across five major programme tracks spanning the full spectrum of the MICE ecosystem from business innovation to industry recognition, talent development, next-generation competition, and association events.
The three-day event will feature future-focused dialogue and collaboration, offering a comprehensive platform to shape what’s next for the industry.
According to SACEOS president Richard Ireland: “SMF has always been about pushing boundaries. This year, we’re proud to welcome new programmes, new collaborators and new voices. The conversations happening here will shape the trajectory of our industry and inspire the next chapter of growth for Singapore and the region.”
A day of discussions and distinctions
Singapore MICE Forum (Main Forum) | 24 July
Centred around the bold theme “What’s Next?”, SMF 2025 challenges the MICE community to move beyond convention and embrace transformative ideas that redefine the future of business events.
This year’s edition brings together thought leaders from adjacent industries ranging from geopolitics, luxury hospitality, and design thinking, to technology, sport, and digital media.
Participants will interact with MICE professionals in future-focused dialogue.
Key sessions include:
- A fireside chat with Melissa Ow, chief executive of the Singapore Tourism Board; and
- A fireside chat with Ho Kwon Ping, founder and executive chairman of the Banyan Group.
The forum welcomes over 300 participants, 28 speakers, and more than 20 companies showcasing solutions and services at the Marketplace.
SMF/SMA co-chair Dylan Sharma added: “To shape what’s next for the MICE industry, we must look beyond ourselves and learn from the best minds across all industries. SMF 2025 is about exploring new behaviours, technologies, and global forces that will empower us to create more impactful business events.”
It is also worth noting that this year's SMF welcomes a 20-member delegation from Indonesia, convened by the Indonesia Exhibition Companies Association (ASPERAPI).
The delegation includes key MICE organisations such as ICE BSD, Dyandra Promosindo, NICE, Royalindo Expoduta, and others, reflecting
growing regional collaboration in advancing the business events industry.
Signing Ceremony: Collaborative Agreements for Industry Growth
As a platform for progress, SMF 2025 witness the signing of four Collaborative Agreements (CAs)
aimed at strengthening talent pipelines, enhancing training standards, and driving sustainable
innovation:
BEInspiredSG: A new business event incubator and accelerator programme launched by Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and SACEOS, designed to grow high-quality business event concepts and support industry talent through mentorship and resources.
As STB executive director for exhibitions and conferences Poh Chi Chuan explains: "BEInspiredSG marks a strategic step forward in the way we drive growth in Singapore's MICE industry, creating and cultivating homegrown concepts aligned with Singapore’s key economic clusters to help them scale sustainably. This pilot programme harnesses the collective wisdom of our events industry: combining SACEOS' mentorship, market feasibility studies, and STB's support to develop the capabilities of our local players in running impactful international events that will strengthen Singapore’s position as the World’s Best MICE City."
SACEOS – Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS): To incorporate an event sustainability
module in SUSS’ BSc Events Management programme.
SUSS – International Association of Exhibitions & Events (IAEE): Enhancing the Bachelor of
Science Events Management programme with an internationally recognised Certified in Exhibition
Management certification.
NTUC LearningHub – Earth Productions: Expanding NTUC LHUB’s Certified Event Sustainability
(CES) Programme to Hong Kong & Macau.
These partnerships reinforce SMF’s commitment to shaping a future-ready, resilient, and globally
competitive MICE ecosystem.
Singapore MICE Awards (SMA) | 24 July 2025
Taking place on the evening of 24th July, the Singapore MICE Awards (SMA) Gala Dinner honours excellence and innovation across 16 award categories, celebrating the outstanding contributions of individuals and organisations in the business events industry.
This year marks a record milestone, with nearly 70 nominations received: a testament to the sector’s resilience and creative excellence.
A Special Edition Trophy, co-designed with RISIS, will also be presented to organisations that have achieved three consecutive wins, recognising their sustained impact and leadership.
Minister of state for the Ministry of Trade and Industry as well as the Ministry of National Development Alvin Tan will officiate as Guest-of-Honour for the evening.
Adeline Lim, SMF and SMA co-chair, remarked: “It’s inspiring to witness the passion and excellence shown by our peers and partners across the MICE sector. SMA isn’t just about recognition: it’s a platform for shared celebration and future ambition,”
