The Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2025 (TMS APAC) successfully returned to Singapore, further solidifying its role as a key event for the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sector in the region. The event, held on April 16-17 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, attracted MICE professionals from across Asia Pacific and beyond for two days of business discussions, networking, and knowledge sharing.
Building on the success of its debut in 2024, TMS APAC 2025 featured nearly 300 exhibitors, a robust Hosted Buyer Programme, and a series of engaging educational sessions. The event was co-located with the first-ever Business Travel Show Asia Pacific (BTS APAC), creating a strong platform for corporate travel professionals, senior buyers, and suppliers to connect and exchange ideas.
The opening ceremony of TMS APAC 2025 began with a vibrant lion dance performance, symbolising prosperity and growth for the MICE and business travel industries in the region. Among the dignitaries in attendance were Jason Young, CEO of Northstar Travel Group, Bob Sullivan, Chief Commercial Officer and President, David Blansfield, Executive Vice President and Group Publisher, and Irene Chua, Vice President and Group Publisher for Asia. Representatives from Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Tourism Board, including Ong Wee Min and Ong Huey Hong, also attended.
In his speech, Northstar Travel Group CEO Jason Young highlighted the importance of travel and the company’s commitment to supporting the industry. “For over 80 years, our brands have been trusted leaders in the travel and tourism industry. Despite current geopolitical and macroeconomic challenges, travel remains essential as it brings people together and drives business,” he said.
Guest-of-Honour Ong Huey Hong, Assistant Chief Executive of the Industry Development Group and Chief Sustainability Officer at the Singapore Tourism Board, expressed her excitement at the event’s growth. “We are thrilled to witness the expansion of TMS APAC and the debut of BTS APAC. The co-location of these events strengthens Singapore’s position as a hub for quality connections in the MICE and business travel sectors,” she said. She also outlined Singapore’s ambitious goal to triple its MICE tourism receipts by 2040, despite the current economic uncertainties.
TMS APAC 2025 saw a significant increase in participation, with 1,773 attendees from 72 countries, including 347 hosted buyers. The event’s success was reflected in its 35% growth compared to the previous year, underscoring its expanding influence and deeper regional involvement.
“This year’s TMS APAC has shown just how vital the MICE industry is in this part of the world,” said David Blansfield, Executive Vice President of International & Meetings at Northstar Travel Group. “The increase in buyer participation and industry engagement highlights TMS APAC as the premier event for professionals shaping the future of MICE in the region.”
The Hosted Buyer Programme played a central role in the event’s success, facilitating over 8,000 scheduled appointments between exhibitors and buyers. Over 30 hours of educational content were also offered, covering important topics such as industry trends, event design, technology, sustainability, workforce development, and wellness.
Exhibitors and buyers alike praised the event’s focus on relevant content, valuable networking opportunities, and continued growth. Amelia Roziman, CEO of Business Events Sarawak, commented, “TMS APAC is the perfect platform to showcase Sarawak as a leading destination for business events in Borneo and Malaysia. The event’s high-quality program and targeted buyer audience align with our goals for the region.”
Vincent U, President of the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) in Macao, also expressed his appreciation for the event, saying, “TMS APAC has helped raise global awareness of Macao as a MICE destination, strengthening our international reach and fostering lasting partnerships.”
Buyers shared positive feedback as well. Yelle Dela Cruz, Meeting & Event Planner at Alliances Management, highlighted the event’s convenience, saying, “TMS APAC has been incredibly helpful. We’ve already booked our events for 2025 and are planning for 2026. The convenience of having everything in one place is unmatched.”
Harry Foo, Event Director at Evo Communications, praised the relevance of TMS APAC’s educational content. “We’re always looking for trends that impact our industry, and AI is one of them. Dr. Jerome Joseph’s keynote on AI’s role in MICE was both insightful and practical,” he said.
With strong participation, valuable connections, and insightful programming, TMS APAC 2025 reaffirmed its position as a key event for MICE and business travel professionals in the Asia Pacific region.
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