The business events trade show takes place next Wednesday and Thursday at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore and will be colocated with the inaugural Business Travel Show APAC, which, like The Meetings Show, is run by Northstar Meetings Group.
Northstar says there are increased numbers of both exhibitors and buyers for the 2025 event. Amongst buyers, 40 per cent are returning from 2024 and 60 per cent are new.
The show has some significant industry support, with the likes of IHG Hotels and Resorts, Hyatt Hotels, Pan Pacific Hotels Group and convention bureaus from Japan, Thailand, New Zealand, Vancouver and Monaco all having a presence on the floor.
“TMS APAC 2025 is experiencing phenomenal growth this year, with a record number of exhibitors and our hosted buyer opportunities nearing full capacity,” said Northstar Meetings Group’s executive vice president, David Blansfield.
“Singapore’s seamless connectivity, world-class venues and exceptional hospitality create the perfect environment for business networking and growth.
“Coupled with the city’s leadership in innovation and sustainability, this year’s show is set to redefine how MICE professionals connect, collaborate and create new business opportunities, delivering an impactful and inspiring experience for exhibitors and buyers alike.”
However, pavilions from the likes of Accor, Marriott International and Australia will be missing from TMS APAC this year.
There will still be representation from Australia, with the likes of Pan Pacific Perth, InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef and Seibu Prince Hotels and Resorts exhibiting.
Likewise, some individual Marriott International and Accor properties are exhibiting.
On the flipside, New Zealand is taking a considerable contingent to The Meetings Show, under a country pavilion helmed by Tourism New Zealand.
The New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), set to open next February, Auckland Convention Bureau, Business Events Wellington, ChristchurchNZ Business Events, Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre and the Hobbiton Movie Set will all be at the show with Tourism New Zealand.
“Our research shows New Zealand is a highly appealing destination for tourists from Asia,” said Tourism New Zealand’s global manager of business events, Penelope Ryan.
“Now we’re aiming to grow our share of conferences in the region through better awareness of our three new world-class convention centres, direct air connectivity, key industry sectors and the conference support available.
“In addition to the 100% Pure New Zealand stand, the recent government funding boost for our sector has enabled us to increase our presence at the show.
“We’re proud to be sponsoring the keynote speakers and the hosted buyers’ refreshments.
“With some distinctively Kiwi cookies, chocolate, coffee and tea, we’ll give attendees a taste of New Zealand.”
While in Singapore, New Zealand business events stakeholders will also attend PCMA’s regional conference, The Business of Events 2025, which takes place directly before TMS APAC.
Alongside an event at the New Zealand High Commissioner’s Residence in Singapore, Tourism New Zealand will travel further into Asia, hosting an event at the New Zealand Embassy in Japan.
