The Global MICE Summit is an annual conference and expo that brings together experts and industry stakeholders in the Meetings & Business Events Industry (Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conferences & Exhibitions).
The summit focuses on analyzing the global trends and opportunities in the Meetings & Business Events industry. The event showcases innovative and sustainable products and solutions that are driving forward Africa’s MICE industry.
This year’s theme is “Enhancing Africa’s Competitiveness as a MICE Destination” and will take place at the Trademark Hotel, Nairobi from 11-13th September, 2019.
The Global MICE Summit will host 200 professionals, investors and industry experts drawn from over 15 countries. They comprise: Government Tourism Agencies, Hotels, Travel Agents, Convention Centres, Industry Associations, Destination Management Companies Tour Operators Professional Conference Organisers and Event Suppliers.
Convener of the event, Kezy Mukiri said ” MICE is the fastest growing segment of the global tourism industry. In Africa, as the continent emerges as the last frontier, there is a fast increase in the number of business related travels, with people from all over the world coming to do business in Africa. This is one of the factors driving the Meetings industry in Africa with more investments being directed towards enhancing destination’s competitiveness. More African countries are realizing the economic opportunity that lies within the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions industry” she added.
The Global M.I.C.E Summit provides a platform for industry leaders and stakeholders in the Meetings & Events industry across Africa to achieve the following:
• Analyze the trends and opportunities in the global MICE industry and provide a platform for conversations that lead to policy reform & development for MIC
• Build networks and linkages that spur the development of new competitive products in Africa’s Tourism Sector
• Recognize the economic significance of Africa’s MICE industry and harness the potential of the African Continent to reap from increased Business Tourism
• Enhance investment in technologies & green innovations that drive forward Business Tourism in Africa
• Provide linkages for investment in physical infrastructure so as to enhance Africa’s competitiveness for MICE
The Global MICE Summit will line up over 30 top industry players and policy makers to share their experiences and knowledge on various discussion areas. They include, Ms. Esmare Steinhofel, Regional Director, Africa, International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA), South Africa, Mr. Nick Barraud – CEO- Motivation Africa, Geneva, Switzerland, Ms. Catherine Schueler – Motivation Africa, Switzerland Ms. Judy Gona Kepha – Sustainable Travel & Tourism Agenda, Kenya Mr. Jonah Orumoi- MD, Tourism Finance Corporation, Kenya Mr. Jack Omondi – Director, Standards & Compliance, TRA and host of others.
The theme for the 2nd Annual Global MICE Summit focuses on Enhancing Competitiveness as a Business Events destination. The Summit will bring together industry players, government representatives, industry associations, academia, economists and leading global industry shapers to craft strategies that can enable African destinations compete to a larger slice of the global MICE market.
Key highlights of the Summit will be a showcase of green innovations and technologies driving the industry, sessions analyzing global trends and a forecast on emerging opportunities for Africa’s Meetings industry.
This year’s edition will also feature the Africa MICE Awards which are intended to recognise corporates, individuals, venues and small businesses in the MICE industry that are playing a leading role in driving sustainable growth and change in the Meetings & Events industry across Africa.
By: Samuel Obeng Appah
