Beyond business, conventions in Chiang Mai offer unique opportunities

Since the opening of the Chiang Mai International Exhibition and Convention Center (CMECC) in 2013, Thailand’s second city has become a hot destination for conventions, ranging widely in subject and size.

To name just a few events in 2015, the 3^rd International Congress on Pathogens at the Human-Animal Interface was hosted in the city in August and the 16^thASEAN ORL-HNS Congress in November, while more than 2,000 delegates descended on the northern Thai city for the Special Convention of Jehovah's Witnesses also in November.

And 2016 looks to be even more jam-packed; May is set for the 7^thAsia Pacific Lung Cancer Conference 2016 (600 delegates); July will welcome the 3^rd Asia Pacific Glaucoma Congress (600 delegates) and the 2^ndWorld Irrigation and 67^thInternational Executive Council in November (500 delegates).

ASEAN, Asia Pacific and world events are all catered for in Chiang Mai, with knowledge areas covering a wide scope of topics, from biology and medical, to engineering, agriculture, energy, environment and natural resources. With the 50-year-old Chiang Mai University and its long-established and solid profile in both social and applied sciences courses and programs, it’s clear to see that Chiang Mai has become a trusted convention destination.

Chiang Mai International Airport is undergoing rapid expansion in response to a sharp increase of travelers.Currently, there are seven airlines operating at the airport, providing 14 flights on domestic routes, including 51 direct flights to and from Bangkok–a journey that takes a mere hour. There are also 20 international airlines serving 18 overseas destinations.

Chiang Mai boasts around ten convention-ready hotels (4-5 stars) in the city. Each of these hotel venues encompasses useful breakout rooms with some halls having the capacity to accommodate up to 1,200 delegates per meeting.

There’s no doubt that the gem in Chiang Mai’s convention crown is the Chiang Mai International Exhibition and Convention Centre (CMECC), one of the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia, with 521,600 sqmof total space. The three main interconnected halls have a combined space of 8,000 sqm, and are able to accommodate up to 10,000 guests.

In October 2015, CMECC welcomed 1,500 guests to the 10^thInternational Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics Asia/Oceanic Regional Congress, while December 2016 is set to see the same number attend the XXIX International Society of Sugarcane Technologists Congress.

What’s more, Chiang Mai offers ample opportunities for pleasure. With unique Lanna culture, combining ancient temples and unusual culinary treats with traditional arts, crafts and entertainment, the charming city is also a great base for tours into the ecological wonders, while those looking for chic modern accommodations and luxury spas need not go so far.

To elevate your convention in Chiang Mai or in other Thai destinations a higher success, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is offering support with its “Convene in Paradise” promotional campaign.

Please visit businesseventsthailand.com/business-events/conventions/campaigns-promotions or write to conveneinparadise@tceb.or.th