Need to lump all events into one mulled

CEBU, Philippines - The need to lump together all conventions and exhibitions from different sectors in the country is now being considered, in order to strengthen the promotion of the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) industry.

Co-founder of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chairman of the Philippine Exhibits and Theme parks Corporation Jose Luis Yulo Jr. said that there is a need for these functions to be organized as one, in order for it to be included in the Union des Foires Internationale, which is the international association of trade show organizers and associations in the exhibition industry.

Yulo explained that once the MICE activities in a certain country is recognized by the UFI, then this would mean that that the event is already a “big thing” and is established to pass their standards.

Yulo said that so far, no exhibition or convention in the Philippines has been recognized by the international group, but they are eyeing to propose their plans to realize this.

He explained that in the current scenario of the MICE industry in the Philippines, different sectors conduct their respective shows on their own. He said that for example in the furniture industry, there are at least four trade shows within a year conducted in different places and by different groups.

 This he said would not help in the promotion of the industry since the people would also be misled as to which exhibit they would prefer attending.

Yulo stressed that they are hoping to propose that for each industry, conventions would be made in to one big event, which would make a grander effect.

He explained that this is important to be able to compete with other countries that are already far off in their promotion of the industry and have already well-established events not to mention their well-placed facilities.

The lack of facilities in the country like convention centers that could accommodate enough people that is required by the international group is also one of the reasons Yulo said why we are far behind but he said that this is just one factor since a lot would be taken into consideration to promote better the MICE industry.

Yulo said that they also commend Cebu for the support and the promotion of the industry. He said that Cebu is lucky for having a provincial government that is supportive of these events.

According to him, though the Cebu International Convention Center was built for the 13th ASEAN Summit, it has been a big help in order for more meetings and conventions to be scheduled here. —AJ de la Torre