Aiming to strengthen the exchanges and cooperation between the Macao´s convention and exhibition industry with their counterparts abroad, promote the advantages of Macau as an ideal destination for the organizations of conventions and exhibitions, so as to attract the organization of MICE activities in Macao by renowned organizations specialized in this area, members of the External Co-operation Group of the Committee for the Development of Convention and Exhibition and officials of the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), comprised of 8 persons, travelled to Jakarta, capital of Indonesia, from February 28 to March 1, to participate in the "UFI Open Seminar in Asia". The said event was jointly held by The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) and the Indonesia Exhibition Companies Association (ICEA). UFI is one of the most representative associations in field of convention and exhibition, whose members include managers and professionals of the MICE industry from all over the world, with the common mission of promoting the development of the MICE industry, in the regional and international context. IPIM is a member of UFI since 2005 and has over the years actively participated in the various events organized by the said association, taking the opportunity to carry out exchanges with persons and institutions belonging to the MICE industry. During the UFI Open Seminar, before an audience of over 230 people, comprised of UFI members and leaders and representatives of the convention and exhibition industry around the world, the President of IPIM, Mr. Jackson Chang, promoted the advantages of Macau as an ideal place for the organization of conventions and exhibitions, the support provided by IPIM to event organizers to bid for the organization of conventions and exhibitions in Macao and also the "one-stop" service provided by IPIM. In addition, IPIM also installed a booth in the venue, to distribute promotional materials to the delegates and answer their questions about Macao. Members of the Macao delegation also visited the Indonesia Exhibition Companies Association (IECA) and met with its president, Mr. Effi Setiabud. Both parties exchanged valuable opinions on the support provided by their respective governments to the development of the convention and exhibition industry and also the measures to attract a greater number of MICE activities to their respective countries and regions. Members of the Macao delegation included the Convenor of the External Development Group of the Committee for the Development of Conventions and Exhibitions of Macao and President of IPIM, Mr. Jackson Chang, the Executive Director of IPIM, Ms. Irene V. K. Lau, and members of the External Development Group of the Committee for the Development of Conventions and Exhibitions, including the President of the Board of Directors of the Association of Macao Convention & Exhibition Organizers, Ms. Eva Lou, the President of the Macao Fair & Trade Association, Mr. Lam Chong In and the President of the Board of Directors of the Association of Advertising Agents of Macau, Mr. Kevin Bi.
