Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau and Chiang Mai Province Partner to Encourage Eco-Friendly MICE and Sustainable Events City

CHIANG MAI, Thailand, Dec. 11, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB joined hands with Chiang Mai Province, together with partners from an educational network and alliances to promote a sustainable event organisation. Launching a design contest under the "Thailand's MICE Industry Cares for the Environment" project. Aiming to stimulate awareness of Sustainable MICE Event Management across the nation, the project showcased environmentally friendly events to create uniqueness and sustainability for Thailand's MICE industry.

Mr. Puripan Bunnag, TCEB's President Office Department, said that "TCEB has initiated a policy to promote Sustainable Event Management since 2008. As a result, Thailand became the first country in Asia to have created a roadmap for Green Meetings and the concept has been broadly expanding to different countries across the region. Since 2012, TCEB's Sustainability Strategy has been implementing to drive the country's MICE industry towards sustainability. Meanwhile, provided that stakeholders in the MICE industry join together to apply local products and environmentally friendly materials to create eco-friendly events, the action could help to preserve the environment, enhance creativity, support a local economy, create jobs and build sustainable communities.

"To promote the principle of Sustainable Event Management, TCEB initiated a project so-called 'Thailand's MICE Industry Cares for the Environment' which is an event designing contest to encourage the use of local product and environmentally friendly materials in MICE events. This collaborative project among TCEB, Chiang Mai Province, and local communities is aimed at enhancing event organiser's creativity, promoting local products, generating income to local communities, preserving the environment, and improving knowledge on MICE and event management."

The "Thailand's MICE Industry Cares for the Environment" Project had been opening for applicants during September 15 - November 16. The contest allowed public including youth groups, and students to join the contest by designing a meeting event under an environmental preservation theme. Contestants were required to apply eco-friendly supplies and local products as alternatives to materials such as document folders, delegate's badges, tables, chairs, signposts, as well as catering items including water cups, plastic straws, bottles, and souvenirs. The competition offered 100,000 baht in the total amount of prize money. There were awards for the winner, the 1^st runner-up, the 2^nd runner-up, and six other consolation prizes. All finalists received certificates and eligible to attend a special training course on Sustainable Event Management in Chiang Mai.

The final round of the competition was held at Tha Phae Gate Area, Chiang Mai Province on November 30, 2018. The event opened to the public, allowing visitors to observe and listen to presentations from the nine finalist teams. Competition judges comprised of experts and professional committee from tourism and MICE industries. The award assessment was based on two main criteria: 1) Concept and objective of the project.  Finalists were assessed on how well they could deliver the concept, the application of local materials, and the result on environmental conservation. 2) Creativity and benefits of the project. Finalists were assessed on their innovation, practicability of the project, and the advantages to society and local communities. At the award ceremony, there was an exhibition that showcases stories about TCEB, an introduction of the MICE industry, and Sustainable Event Management. Besides, there were cultural shows, and performances from guest artists.

Mr. Puripan said, "This event is also a part of TCEB's MICE development policy promoting Chiang Mai into the MICE City. The approach focusses on four main areas which are: 1) Promoting public relations and marketing activities by targeting Asian MICE market. 2) Upgrading services, improving tourism products and creating opportunities for MICE activities by leveraging cultural capital. 3) Developing human resources to support MICE activities in local areas. 4) Upgrading infrastructures to support MICE activities in Chiang Mai."

"The principle of Sustainable Event Management enhances guidance and best practice for local communities and generates benefits to the country in the long-term. The approach not only encourages the community participation but also creates an opportunity for event organisers to develop relations with local communities and promotes uniqueness for local MICE business. TCEB continues to work with Chiang Mai and other provinces including local communities involved in MICE activities.  Apart from the task to promote sustainability in event management, TCEB is also committed to supporting MICE events to stimulate the economy and distribute income to local communities, promoting brand image of Thailand's MICE industry through superior services and cultural identity, developing knowledge-based MICE business, and improving entrepreneurship to meet international standards," said Mr. Puripan.

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SOURCE Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB)