TCEB Joins HQ for a Thai Masterclass in Brussels

Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau together with our magazine organised and sponsored a virtual presentation of a new support scheme, in order to promote the country as a MICE destination for the coming years.

It was with a taste of summer that TCEB decided to launch yet another destination marketing activity in the Belgian capital for a limited number of guests. In all, ten association executives were invited to attend Chemistry & Botanic's Cocktail Bar to find out what the Thai MICE agency has been preparing for the recovery of business travel in "the land of smiles". Guests' reactions couldn't be better, experiencing the charm and hospitality that the Asian country has to offer, in a Thai Masterclass to open the summer and, hopefully, close a negative chapter for our industry.

During a thirty-minute presentation, Margaret Mann, UK & Europe Representative of TCEB, revealed a new support campaign to attract European associations to choose Thailand as their next event destination, with new business solutions in place. Associations such as SolarPower Europe, the International Society of Nephrology or the World Customs Organization were represented in an informal atmosphere that also dictated the return of smaller-scale MICE-oriented meetings in Brussels.

"TCEB has established the Convene Plus campaign to support associations hosting in-person or hybrid events in Thailand in the post-pandemic period. The campaign offers support for conventions within key industries, from the bidding process through successful completion of an event, and additional support may be provided if the event demonstrates an economic, social and/or environmental legacy impact in Thailand. Our leadership recognises that recovery will be a collaborative endeavour and is developing activity and campaigns to work together with associations to address challenges and seek solutions," says Margaret Mann.

Established by Royal Decree in 2002, TCEB is tasked with promoting and developing the business tourism sector in Thailand and, since 2004, the bureau has successfully established the country as Asia’s largest business events hub, by providing amenable service support for MICE programmes. Convene Plus offers cash grants, digital marketing support, and other resources to live or hybrid business events held at a Thai venue or to conventions that require Thai service providers. Qualifying groups must have 50 or more international attendees (either on-site or online) and hold their event by September 30, 2022.

Hosted by HQ Magazine, this initiative gave way to a playful incentive activity where participants enjoyed a bartender experience while preparing three different Thai-style cocktails. After all, who doesn't like a delicious Thai Basil Mojito?