Seoul Convention Bureau Seeks to Bounce Back Strongly in Partnership

Seoul Convention Bureau (SCB) has rolled out a new program to boost the MICE industry in Seoul with further extra support programs in response to COVID-19. While the Seoul Metropolitan Government continues to develop operational response plans that Seoul businesses and citizens can take advantage of, Seoul Convention Bureau's PLUS SEOUL program focuses specifically on helping the city's MICE industry. In addition to the goal of 'boosting business event experience with lasting memories and bonds', the new version of 2020 has response and recovery plans in relation to the global outbreak of COVID-19.

2020 PLUS SEOUL program also reflects what Seoul Convention Bureau values the most in implementing services for the MICE industry in Seoul, in the sustainable development for the people and the community involved. To support more MICE events, the minimum number of international participants required to apply for the program has been reduced. The minimum number has dropped from 500 to 200 for all international conferences. An additional 10% of pre-approved financial support will also be offered for the 2020 conferences to be postponed. The minimum number was lowered from 50 to 20 for corporate meetings and incentive tours and one extra benefit was added on top of the benefits selected by the company. 

One of the biggest strengths of PLUS SEOUL program is the customized programs to boost belongingness to their companies. These are still core part of the PLUS SEOUL program for corporate meetings and incentive tours with newly introduced options, such as Seoul Customized Welcome Drinks, On-Spot Photo-booth, Food Trucks, AI Robot Rental and Event App Development services. To promote paperless conferences, PLUS SEOUL offers digital means such as customized apps during the event. Further encouraging sustainability, a donation will be made to the local organization under the name of the event or host organization as a sign of gratitude for having chosen to be eco-friendly. The reception of companions to MICE participants with 1-day tourist programs or meal cards is also part of this new program to reflect the needs and trends, as well as rental of AI robots, airport concierge desk and open sessions to the public. The SCB carefully organized the program looking for more MICE events with a renewed program in response to COVID-19, and possibly helping the MICE industry in Seoul to recover more quickly.

SCB set up the Seoul MICE Support Centre in early February as an immediate response centre and started gathering examples of situations, issues and concerns due to the COVID-19 outbreak from both private sector and stakeholder associations. Practical consultations from professionals in various fields such as labour, accounting, taxation, administration, management and law, were offered to aid MICE industry of Seoul to better face the challenges in hands. The preparation of supplementary documents for applications to different government support programs is one of the common topics for consultation when introducing and explaining such programs. The center also acts as an essential resource platform for SMEs in the MICE industry. 

When Seoul Convention Bureau values and reinforces the partnership, it takes the whole country into account. Through the Co-marketing program, Seoul is building a valuable partnership with other cities in Korea. As long as the group has more than 20 International MICE participants, whether they attend a conference, a meeting, an incentive tour, or an exhibition, they are eligible to apply for this program upon having one-night stay in Seoul and travelling to different regions in Korea. Establishing a solid and firm partnership is building the foundation to bounce back. MICE industry serves as a ground to provide opportunities for people to be connected, to find a sense of belonging and to further improve the world we live in. To amplify this core value of the industry, Seoul Convention Bureau is dedicated to stand strong in alliance, between public and private, environment and people, events and participants.

More information about PLUS SEOUL and Co-marketing program is available at www.miceseoul.com.