The Clark Freeport Zone is all set to provide the perfect backdrop for the largest gathering of Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) in the Philippines as it hosts the MICE Conference (M.I.C.E.CON) 2024 on July 10 to 12, 2024. The convention will be held at the SMX Convention Clark with around 750 participants coming from the tourism and business events sector.
M.I.C.E.CON is the biggest gathering of MICE professionals in the country. It offers attendees an opportunity to learn about global trends in business meetings, explore Clark’s facilities, and network with MICE experts.
Organized by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines and Clark Development Corporation, M.I.C.E.CON returns to the Clark Freeport Zone, following its successful hosting in 2014. Clark won the bid to host the event due to its accessibility, readiness of conference venues, and the overall contributions of the event to the area. This highlights Clark’s potential as a MICE hub and its capacity to attract investments and stimulate economic growth.
This year’s conference theme, “MICE XD: Xperience Diversified”, will focus on technology, inclusion, and diversity—key factors shaping the future of the MICE industry in the Philippines. The theme underscores the importance of technological advancements and the promotion of inclusivity to ensure that events are seamless and welcoming for all participants.
“The development of the MICE sector is essential to our overarching goal of generating employment opportunities for Filipinos. By positioning the Philippines as a premier MICE destination, we foster economic growth and provide invaluable opportunities for our people. The theme of this year’s conference, ‘MICE XD: Xperience Diversified,’ is particularly poignant as it focuses on technology, inclusion, and diversity—key factors that will shape the future of our industry. Embracing technological advancements allows us to innovate. By empowering the Filipino workforce and capacitating them with the necessary technology, we aim to propel our tourism industry to greater heights. Meanwhile, promoting inclusivity ensures that every participant feels welcomed and valued, while diversity enriches our perspectives and strengthens our collaborations,” said Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.
“By prioritizing these elements, we are not only enhancing the quality and reach of our events but also creating a more robust and inclusive MICE ecosystem here in the Philippines. This, in turn, translates to increased investments, more job opportunities, and a thriving economy for Filipinos”, the tourism chief added.
Meanwhile, TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles noted the significance of the event welcoming the delegates from across the country.
“It is with great pride and enthusiasm that the Philippines welcomes the delegates of M.I.C.E.CON, the largest and most significant gathering of MICE professionals in the Philippines. This event brings together a diverse mix of delegates who are shaping the future of the Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry,” said COO Nograles.
“M.I.C.E.CON offers an unparalleled platform for attendees to immerse themselves in global trends in business meetings, discover the exceptional facilities in Clark, and forge meaningful connections with MICE experts. The return of M.I.C.E.CON to the Clark Freeport Zone marks a momentous occasion. Following the success of its 2014 hosting, Clark has once again emerged as the ideal venue due to its strategic accessibility, state-of-the-art conference facilities, and the positive impact this event will have on the region,” added the TPB Chief.
VIPs attending include Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera, President and CEO of Clark Development Corporation.
The roster of speakers include the author of “Add Value”, Mark Carter, who will discuss how technological innovation transforms destinations. Another noteworthy speaker is the co-founder and CEO of Gevme, Veemal Gungadin, who will cover topics on green event planning and AI for enhanced visitor experiences. Mike van der Vijver, the Chief Meeting Designer of Orange Gibbon Ltd., will also hold a plenary session on success stories and lessons from industry leaders and another one on balancing digital marketing with in-person experiences.
In addition to the conference, attendees can look forward to an enriching program that includes MICE Market and half-day city tours. The TPB will also highlight its commitment to diversity and inclusivity through four Corporate Social Responsibility activities. These include an immersion program at the CDC Family Care Center catering to the indigenous people, a visit to the children in Bale-Balayan Museum, a tour of the La Rose Noire Foundation, and a learning experience at Hansa Creation.
The event will also offer students from various colleges and universities the opportunity to present event business plans through the Philippine MICE Youth Challenge and will mark the refresh of MICE Philippines: we take your business to heart, a program that aims to take to the world the brand new MICE.
M.I.C.E.CON 2024 is made possible through the support of its official conference partners: Department of Tourism, Chroma Hospitality Inc., Filinvest Mimosa+ Leisure City, Foton Motor Philippines, Gevme, Hann Resorts, Hilton Clark Sun Valley Resort, Hilton Manila, Stotsenberg Leisure Park and Hotel Corporation, Luzon International Premiere Airport Development (LIPAD) Corp, Mabalacat City Government, Clark Marriott, Midori Hotel and Casino, Plaza Premium Lounge, Provincial Government of Pampanga, San Miguel Corporation, Quest Plus Hotel & Conference Center Clark, Royce Hotel & Casino, SMX Convention Clark, and Swissotel Clark.
Additional support comes from major partners from the private and government sectors: City Government of Angeles, Deco Central, EVA Air, Destileria Limtuaco Co. Inc., Dia Town Clark, Duty Free Philippines, Here Café, Metro Pacific Tollways, Park Inn by Radisson Clark, PLDT Clark Tel, SM City Clark, SM Supermalls, and Smart Communications.
The organizers also extend gratitude to their partners: Aqua Planet, Ayala Foundation, Ayala Museum, Bale-Balayan Museum for the Poor, Clark City Front Mall, Clark Safari and Adventure Park, Clark Water, Decathlon, Creamline, DTI Philippines, El Kabayo, Gemik Clark Sports Unlimited Sports Club Inc., Genesis Transport Service, Inc., Global Gateway Development Corp, Hansa Creation, Hotel and Restaurants Association in Pampanga, Kilton Motor Corporation, La Rose Noire, MSMED Council Pampanga, Municipality of Porac, Puregold Duty Free, Sirus Realty Service Inc., Sunlight Air, VG Bakery & Cafe, Victory Liner, Wyndham Garden and Zen Institute.
To know more about M.I.C.E.CON, visit www.micecon.ph
