In the dynamic world of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) travel, the quest for the perfect venue is reaching new heights. With the industry projected to hit a whopping US$1.4 billion by 2025, the pressure is on for businesses and event planners to find the ideal spaces.
However, choosing the right space is not just about picking a room and setting up chairs. It’s a puzzle that involves balancing diverse group needs, navigating logistical hurdles, and staying within budget constraints—all while striving to create an environment that fosters collaboration and innovation.
Whether you’re a newcomer to the industry or have been handed the responsibility of selecting the perfect venue, this article aims to share insights regarding guidelines for selecting a MICE destination and some of the best hotel partners for MICE and business travel.
Guidelines for selecting a MICE destination
1. Accessibility
The city should possess sufficient hotel accommodations and flexibility to cater to event attendees. Moreover, it’s crucial to have reliable air or land transportation links to streamline transfers within the vicinity, enabling attendees to navigate the area or engage with local excursions with ease.
2. Prioritise objectives
Leadership should concentrate on the desired outcomes. It’s crucial to always keep the primary goals in mind, as they are just as significant as selecting the ideal destination, accommodations, activities, or services.
For instance, if it’s an incentive trip aimed at enhancing relationships and fostering connections among participants, the emphasis can be placed on discovering a diverse culinary scene, a variety of natural settings (such as beaches and mountains), and an extensive array of recreational activities.
3. Plan your activity schedule effectively
This schedule should integrate the company’s goals with the unique attributes of the selected location. It’s important to infuse it with elements fostering personal development to motivate employees, enhance their skill sets, and so on. This should be complemented by exclusive destination-specific activities to create a memorable and unparalleled experience.
4. Check the venue’s capacity
Ensure that the venue offers adequate room to host your participants, including any necessary breakout rooms or exhibition areas. Take into account the venue’s dimensions, layout, and seating configuration.
Remember that a venue that’s too compact can result in overcrowding and discomfort, whereas a venue that’s excessively spacious may give your event a sense of emptiness and detachment.
5. Don’t forget the technical aspects
In today’s modern world, technology holds a vital position in MICE events. It’s crucial to verify that your selected venue possesses the required technological framework to cater to your event’s requirements.
This includes fast and reliable Wi-Fi, audiovisual equipment, and other indispensable resources for presentations and interactive activities. Ensure that the venue’s technical support team is responsive and capable of troubleshooting any issues that may arise during the event.
6. Establish a budget plan
Prior to commencing your venue search, define your overall budget, encompassing expenses for catering, lodging, transportation, equipment rentals, marketing, event size, and any other event-related costs.
Once you’ve determined your budget, seek venues that can provide that required services and amenities while staying within your financial constraints. Clearly communicate your budget to potential venues and engage in negotiations to secure the best possible value for your expenditure.
Top destinations and best hotel partners for mice
1. Asia & Pacific
Singapore
Singapore stands out as one of the most glamorous and advanced destinations in Southeast Asia, cementing its status as a prime hotspot for business travel and a bustling hub for events and conferences in the region.
With its reputation for cutting-edge innovation, Singapore offers a vast array of venues tailored to a wide spectrum of events. Whether you’re organising a grand-scale trade show or a cosy business meeting or social gathering, the city boasts an impressive selection of spaces to suit every need and occasion.
Best Hotel Partners for MICE:
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- Unique venues: Rainforest-inspired ballroom and six nature-inspired function rooms provide distinctive settings for MICE events.
- Convenient location: Situated near airport terminals and the Jewel complex, offering easy accessibility for attendees.
- Strategic connectivity: Quick access to Changi Business Park, Singapore Expo, and downtown Singapore enhances event logistics.
- Premium amenities: Club Lounge and outdoor pool offer relaxation options for guests during downtime.
- Culinary excellence: Allora restaurant serves exquisite Italian cuisine, catering to diverse palates.
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- Prime location: Situated in the heart of Orchard Road, Singapore’s renowned shopping district, providing convenient access to amenities and attractions.
- Accessibility: Close proximity to Orchard and Somerset MRT Stations, as well as world-class medical facilities like Mount Elizabeth Hospital, enhances accessibility for visitors
- Flexible event spaces: Suitable for corporate meetings that aim to foster collaboration and innovation
Thailand
Thailand’s strategic position in the heart of the Asia-Pacific region makes it an excellent choice for hosting MICE events in this area. With well-established and dependable infrastructure, stunning landscapes throughout the country, and the presence of the renowned Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, it offers unparalleled opportunities for successful gatherings.
Best Hotel Partners for MICE:
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- New MICE centre: Featuring a conference room for up to 100 people and two renovated meeting rooms for break-out sessions.
- Enhanced theatre space: Updated with modern amenities to elevate the ambiance for corporate events.
- Alfresco networking: A new outdoor lounge provides a refreshing space for event delegates to network.
- Work and leisure integration: Offers a seamless blend of work and leisure activities for corporate guests.
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- Leading MICE destination: Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park solidifies its position as a premier hotel for MICE events in the Asia Pacific region.
- Latest accolade: Receives recognition as the “Best Meetings Hotel” further affirming its status as a world-class venue for corporate gatherings.
- Strengthened reputation: The hotel’s latest accolade enhances its reputation as a top choice for hosting business events.
2. Middle East
Dubai
Dubai is renowned for its glamour and innovation, making it a natural choice for hosting business meetings and events. As a hub for numerous gatherings in the Middle East, including the prestigious Arabian Travel Market, Dubai boasts an impressive array of venues, hotels, and catering options, all exuding an unmistakable sense of luxury.
Best Hotel Partners for MICE:
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- Leading conference resort: Recognised as the region’s premier conference resort, offering extensive event facilities spread across 37 acres of landscaped gardens.
- Comprehensive facilities: Featuring 626 luxury rooms, 56 suites, and 15 food and beverage outlets, the hotel offers a unique blend of resort amenities and upscale accommodations for MICE guests.
- State-of-the-art venues: Newly built Conference & Exhibition Centre with over 50,000 sq. ft. of event space and modern amenities caters to the needs of business events and conferences.
- Experienced events team: Dedicated professionals ensure seamless execution of MICE programs, offering carefully curated programs in unique event spaces like the Secret Garden and Pool Terrace.
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- Strategic location: JW Marriott Marquis Dubai’s central location on Sheikh Zayed Road and proximity to key attractions like the Dubai Water Canal and The Dubai Mall make it an ideal choice for MICE events.
- Culinary offerings: Home to eight award-winning restaurants offering diverse cuisines, JW Marriott Marquis Dubai provides exceptional catering options for MICE events.
- Participant security: The hotel prioritises the safety and security of guests, implementing measures such as CCTV monitoring and onsite security personnel to ensure a safe environment for all attendees.
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi stands as a pivotal business hub within the Middle East, rendering it an excellent choice for MICE activities. Serving as the capital of the UAE, the city boasts excellent transportation connectivity, a plethora of exceptional venues catering to various MICE needs, and a rich history of successfully hosting significant events, supported by the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau.
Best Hotel Partners for MICE:
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- Luxurious accommodations: The hotel offers 382 elegantly designed rooms and suites, along with 199 serviced residences, providing comfortable stays for business travellers and event attendees.
- Premier conference facilities: With a spacious conference centre equipped with advanced technology, including a large ballroom divisible into multiple sections, the hotel caters to various meetings and events, accommodating up to 1,400 delegates.
- Leisure amenities: The hotel features leisure facilities such as a spa, gym, pools, and a private beach, offering relaxation options for attendees during their stay.
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- Prime waterfront location: Situated at Yas Bay, Hilton Abu Dhabi Resort offers a picturesque setting for global conferences, corporate gatherings, and events, enhancing the overall experience for attendees.
- Outdoor pre-function terrace: The spacious terrace overlooking rippling blue waters serves as an ideal spot for icebreakers or welcome drinks, offering a refreshing ambiance for guests to network and socialise.
- Convenient connectivity: Guests benefit from easy commuting with the hotel’s proximity to the Etihad Arena and a 3km promenade featuring dining and entertainment options, ensuring a seamless and memorable stay at Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island.
3. Europe
Barcelona
Spain is frequently recognised as one of the top destinations worldwide for MICE tourism, with Barcelona standing out as a key contributor to this reputation. As the second largest city in Spain, Barcelona boasts a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes, while also serving as the backdrop for renowned global events.
Best Hotel Partners for MICE:
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- Customised Packages: Choose from three meeting packages tailored to your needs, featuring bespoke catering, entertainment options, and add-ons like bespoke chocolates.
- Unique Experiential Offerings: Enhance your event with distinctive team-building activities like beach bubble football and creative workspaces featuring pop-up bars and art exhibitions.
- Purobeach Terrace Experience: Elevate your event at our Purobeach Terrace, where up to 540 guests can enjoy luxury amenities including a bar, pool, Balinese beds, and a covered pergola, ideal for sophisticated corporate events and networking gatherings.
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- Scenic Garden Setting: Set amidst magnificent gardens, the hotel offers three elegant salons – Salon Azul, Salon Jardin, and Salon Piscina – providing stunning venues for gala dinners, business lunches, or banquets.
- Adjacent Convention Centre: Adjacent to the hotel complex, the Palau de Congressos de Catalunya offers two auditoriums, 38 multi-functional meeting rooms, 43,000 square feet of exhibition space, and an auditorium for up to 2,000 delegates, recognised for its architectural brilliance and abundant natural daylight.
- Versatile Meeting Spaces: Featuring 24 meeting rooms with multiple layout options, equipped with the latest technology and supported by a dedicated team to ensure seamless event execution.
Vienna
Vienna has emerged as a leading European hub for the MICE sector, witnessing a surge in event hosting over the past decade. Renowned for its cultural heritage, historic landmarks, and exquisite architecture, Vienna offers a conducive environment for MICE tourism, supported by its robust transportation network, diverse hospitality options, and extensive venue choices.
Best Hotel Partner for MICE:
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- State-of-the-Art Technology: Each conference room is equipped with adjustable sound and lighting systems, air conditioning, and 65” LED flat-screen TVs or screens, ensuring a seamless experience for events.
- Comfortable Accommodations: Rest in timelessly designed guest rooms, featuring Hilton Serenity beds, marble bathrooms, and spacious work desks, ensuring a comfortable stay for business travellers.
- Flexible Meeting Spaces: The hotel offers 9 daylight-flooded conference rooms that can be tailored to your needs, accommodating up to 165 guests, along with the option to rent the Executive Lounge for special occasions, seating an additional 70 guests.
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- Scenic Danube Setting: Located directly on the picturesque Danube River, the Hilton Vienna Danube offers exclusive indoor and outdoor areas perfect for various events, including product launches, presentations, and outdoor celebrations.
- Convenient Access: Located just 20 minutes from Vienna International Airport, the hotel offers easy access to the city centre via nearby underground stations, allowing guests to explore historic landmarks and attractions effortlessly.
- Fitness and Relaxation: Stay active and refreshed at Hilton Fitness by Precor®, featuring state-of-the-art equipment, or take a refreshing dip in the pool while enjoying scenic river views.
Looking for an ideal hotel for your next corporate event?
From time to time, extraordinary event opportunities emerge, calling for fresh ideas and seamless coordination. Utilising our specialised knowledge, Holiday Tours excels in curating the finest MICE hotel packages to suit your specific requirements. With our extensive background in corporate travel, we are well-equipped to handle any task with precision and expertise.
MAKE YOUR MICE EVENT A MEMORABLE ONE. REACH OUT TO US AT + 603 2303 9100 (PRESS 3) OR [email protected]
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