2024 Asia CEO Summit - 24-26 September 2024 -

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ASIA CEO SUMMIT - 24-26 SEPTEMBER 2024

30 September 2024

The Asia CEO Summit, held from 24-26 September 2024 at the PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore, was an resounding success, converging nearly 100 top global business events leaders to connect, collaborate, and envision the future of business events in Asia.

The 3-day event was filled with thought provoking and inspiring insights from over 30 expert speakers who covered a wide range of key topics, including geopolitical shifts, economic opportunities in China and India, evolving audience needs, innovative event models, M&A prospects in Asia, the transformative role of AI in shaping the industry’s future, and more.

Here are some key trends for Asia’s MICE industry identified during the Asia CEO Summit:

Outlook: Post-pandemic, the exhibition industry has emerged stronger and more focused
Asia: Asia’s recovery is accelerating, with shifting dynamics in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia: SEA offers massive opportunities in green tech, digital innovation, and more. With a young, tech-savvy population of 670M, the region is primed for growth.
Geopolitical shifts: US-China rivalry is structural and here to stay. India emerging as potential ‘third way’ between super powers.
Rise of Now Gen: “Next gen” is now “now gen” – 55% of the workforce will be 45 or younger by next year. Industry needs to adapt to the needs of Gen Z attendees
India: With improved infrastructure, there is no better time to enter the Indian market. But success requires long-term commitment, cultural understanding, and the right local partnerships.
China: Despite economic headwinds, China’s exhibition market remains massive. But organisers must adapt to changing dynamics. Chinese organisers see huge potential in markets like Singapore and Indonesia.
Leadership: Thriving in uncertainty and bringing out the best in others are the cornerstones of effective leadership in today’s complex business landscape.
Beyond square metres: Successful organisers are pivoting from pure square metre sales to providing measurable business value for exhibitors and attendees.
M&A market in Asia: Despite challenges, Asia remains a compelling market for PE, especially in live events and exhibitions.
AI: Is content the “new oil” for the industry? The future of exhibitions lies in curating value for customers and attendees through content, not just filling floor spaces.

Beyond the valuable industry insights, the summit provided a critical platform for key decision makers to identify emerging markets and potential investment opportunities in Asia. Delegates also had the opportunity to build valuable connections with top event organisers.

A big thank you to our attendees, speakers, sponsors, regional associations, Singapore Tourism Board (STB), and our partners UFI The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, Society of Independent Show Organisers (SISO) and Association of Event Organisers (AEO) for their support in making the Asia CEO Summit a success.

We look forward to seeing you at the Asia CEO Summit 2025!