ITB Asia, the ‘Trade Show for the Asian Travel Market’, has announced it will continue its partnership with leading conference and association management company, K.I.T Group, expanding this year’s association conference program.
A series of sessions entitled ‘EAST Meetings WEST’ will focus on how European and International associations can optimize their activities and relationships within the Asia Pacific region, and include dedicated discussions focusing on key markets such as China and India. The K.I.T. conference will take place on October 22, the second day of the show, at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.
“This educational business program, designed especially for association executives and industry leaders, adds to ITB Asia’s strong conference line-up. This year’s speakers will discuss Asia’s unique association landscape, and provide advice on how organizers can enhance their own events to attract greater participation from the region.” said Katrina Leung, executive director of Messe Berlin (Singapore), the organizers of ITB Asia.
The first session titled “The Multipolar Knowledge Society” will focus on the internationalization and regionalization of the association world with contributions from Alessandro Cortese, CEO of the European Society Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO), and Mohamed Mezghani, deputy secretary of the Union International de Transport Public (UITP).
There will then be an in depth look at the growth of regional events in the association sector, case study presentations will be made by Josche Ouwerkerk, manager of conferences and business relations at the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) and Professor Tan Huay Cheem, president, Asian Pacific Society of Interventional Cardiology (APSIC).
“Our sessions are specifically designed for delegates looking to expand Asian involvement in their events, or to actually extend their events into the Asian market. Our timely and tailored content will allow attendees to garner insights into the vast opportunities of this diverse and expanding marketplace,” said Ben Hainsworth, executive director for associations, K.I.T Group GmbH.
The conference will also shine a spotlight on the prospects of two regional giants, China and India. Speaking at the session is Jennifer Salsbury, CEO of IMC Convention Solutions, formerly director of sales, international at the China National Convention Center (CNCC), Beijing. Chan Mei Yee, a senior representative of the World Toilet Organization (WTO) which held its global summit in New Delhi earlier this year will also be among the panel of speakers.
ITB Asia will have a strong line-up of conferences this year with a number of sessions already confirmed. These include partnerships with the China Outbound Tourism Research Institute (COTRI), Centre for Aviation (CAPA), and DestinationElite. Attendees can expect to gain a comprehensive understanding on China’s booming outbound travel market, learn more about the latest change drivers that are essential to understanding the future of the aviation industry as well as trends in the premium travel and hospitality industry in Asia.
ITB Asia is a partner event of TravelRave, a premiere travel and tourism week organised by the Singapore Tourism Board. Last year’s show attracted close to 750 exhibitors from 76 countries, as well as 850 buyers from 62 countries.