The Fullerton Hotel, Singapore is to host the first-ever Asia CEO Summit, 5-7 October 2022. Around 100 CEOs and senior representatives from leading global and regional exhibition companies will gather 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 for Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS), Association of Event Organisers (AEO), Society for Independent Show Organisers (SISO) and Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI), the Asia CEO Summit aims to facilitate the exchange of insights on global markets’ reopening and bring together the industry’s collective knowledge and thought leadership.
Key highlights of the Summit will include eight thought leadership panel sessions headlined by global industry leaders and a Joint Leadership Summit on 5 October which will kickstart the event. This will see regional government and industry leaders engage in a high-level discussion on next steps of collaboration to drive growth of business events in the region.
Carina Bauer, chair of UK industry association AEO, 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 growth."
“We look forward to building stronger relationships and collaboration with our stakeholders in Asia,” said SACEOS president Richard Ireland. “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.”
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.”
Monica Lee-Müller, president, UFI, added: “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: “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.”
