Another Successful Year for KOREA MICE EXPO Before Returning to Seoul in 2025

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HQ Asia Pacific

15th Nov, 2024

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News

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The KOREA MICE EXPO 2024 (KME2024) came to a successful close on 8 November at Songdo ConvensiA in Incheon, drawing over 3,000 domestic and international MICE professionals and facilitating around 4,000 business meetings. Organised by the Korea MICE Association (KMA) with the support of the Incheon Tourism Organization (ITO), Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (MCST), Incheon Metropolitan City, and the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), this year’s expo was a resounding success.

Industry Networking and Recognition at “KME Night”

On 6 November, the “KME Night” networking dinner brought together key figures from the industry. Attendees included notable leaders such as Danny Hyundae Shin, Chairman of KMA (pictured above), Geunho Kim, Director General of MCST, Chungsick Shin, Incheon City Council, and Hyun Baek, President of ITO.

The evening also featured an awards ceremony to recognise companies and individuals who have significantly contributed to the growth of the MICE industry. Member companies received awards for their exceptional commitment, while KME2024 exhibitors were honoured in categories like ESG initiatives and booth design.

Best Member Awards:

Gangwon Tourism Organization
Ramada Plaza Jeju
MUNHWABANK
OPENER DOC Co., Ltd.
M&T KOREA., CO., LTD.

Appreciation Plaques:

Mijung Kim (Korea MICE Tourism Society)

Exhibitors Awards:

BEST ESG: Busan Tourism Organization (Gold), Incheon Tourism Organization (Silver), (Bronze) Suwon Convention Center & Bureau (Bronze)
BEST Design: Korea Tourism Organization (Gold), Ulsan Culture & Tourism Foundation (Silver), Cheongju Osco (Bronze)

Empowering the Next Generation of MICE Professionals

The final day of KME2024 focused on engaging the next generation of MICE leaders. The Korea MICE Association hosted an interactive session titled “A Voyage Together, MICE Wave!”, where pre-selected students participated in a role-playing activity to simulate MICE event planning. This hands-on experience aimed to inspire future talent by immersing students in the event management process.

Additionally, a joint academic conference was co-hosted by the Korea MICE Tourism Society, the Society of Business Events & Convention, and the Korea Association of Trade Exhibition Studies. The conference featured in-depth discussions on “Convergent Growth and Win-Win Cooperation Strategies in the MICE Industry,” with contributions from experts, academia, and students.

Looking Ahead to KOREA MICE EXPO 2025

Building on the success of this year’s event, KME2025 is scheduled to take place at COEX in Seoul from 4-5 November 2025. Danny Hyundae Shin, Chairman of KMA, expressed confidence in the expo’s continued evolution, stating:

“KME2025 will further establish South Korea’s position as a global leader in the MICE industry and serve as a key platform for industry stakeholders.”

Registration of exhibitors and buyers for KME2025 will begin early next year, with plans to expand the event's global reach and impact.