First-ever Asia CEO Summit to chart next phase of growth for the region’s business events industry

16.09.2022

The inaugural Asia CEO Summit, taking place from 5 to 7 October 2022 at The Fullerton Hotel, Singapore, will gather around 100 leading senior representatives from global business events organisers to chart a sustainable pathway of growth for the region’s business events industry.

Supported by Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and co-organised by Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS), Association of Event Organisers (AEO), Society for Independent Show Organizers (SISO) and UFI, the global association of the exhibition industry, the Asia CEO Summit will facilitate the exchange of insights on global markets’ experience in the resumption of physical business events. As the definitive networking and learning event for leading global CEOs of business events organising companies with a strong interest in the growing Asian business events market, the Asia CEO Summit will bring together the industry’s collective knowledge and thought leadership from around the world. CEOs from the leading global and regional exhibitions companies1 will be attending the invite-only event to evaluate opportunities to grow their presence in the region. 

Kick-starting the three-day event will be the Joint Leadership Summit (JLS) on 5 October 2022. The JLS will see regional government and industry leaders engage in a high-level discussion on key industry issues that will set the course to realise the potential of business events in the region. Measures of collaboration to facilitate and ease the organisation and dissemination of business events will also be discussed. Carina Bauer, AEO chair, said: “Business events in the UK have seen a remarkable comeback and we are excited about the growth of the global exhibitions industry over the next few years. However, Asia has always been a major player in the global exhibitions market, and we remain confident about its potential as the region’s reopening picks up pace. While countries in Asia are experiencing varying stages of recovery, it has further underlined the importance for the region to come together in its efforts to create a sustainable pathway of 1 Please refer to Asia CEO Summit Delegate List and Programme here growth. We look forward to building stronger relationships and collaboration with our stakeholders in Asia.” 

 Richard Ireland, president, SACEOS, said: “As the business events industry in Asia continues to experience a strong comeback in a post-Covid world, there has never been a more pertinent time for the industry to collaborate, share knowledge and create new pathways of growth together. SACEOS is delighted to be hosting the first-ever Asia CEO Summit in Singapore, which will bring together CEOs of major global exhibition companies who have a strong interest and commitment in the ever-growing business events market in Asia.” Cassandra Farrington, SISO chair, said: “The Asia CEO Summit serves as the definitive networking and thought-leadership platform to bring the industry together and facilitate a pathway of growth in the Asia-Pacific region. Global industry leaders are gathering here in Singapore, as a concerted and consolidated global effort to move forward together.” 

Monica Lee-Müller, president, UFI, said: “Around the world, business events are catching up to their pre-pandemic levels faster than expected – but Asia is lagging behind. In Singapore, we will work with government stakeholders and representatives to identify and overcome obstacles around regulations and travel restrictions. The world needs Asia to fully reopen. Asia has always been and remains a major player in the global exhibitions market. And Asia can benefit from the reopening experience of other global regions.” 

Poh Chi Chuan, executive director, exhibitions & conferences, Singapore Tourism Board, said: “Singapore is pleased to host the inaugural Asia CEO Summit in 2022, and over the next two years. This affirms Singapore’s position as a leading global business and Meetings, Incentive, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) hub in Asia. We look forward to welcome regional government and key industry leaders to Singapore. We believe the robust and insightful discussions as well as exchanges will be valuable to help the regional industry recover and set it on a long-term trajectory of growth.”