Singapore has long been a popular destination for leisure tourists from all over the world, but recently its reputation has been growing as a go-to place for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions, also known as MICE events.
The city-state has more than 260 hotels which cater to all needs and budgets. Some of these rank among the best hotels in the world, and on top of this the country also has numerous meeting places and exhibition centers.
Benefits of Singapore for MICE events
Located at the bottom of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore has a hot climate all year round and is in close proximity to some of the most interesting countries and nicest beaches in the world. It is well-served by many major airlines, but it also has fantastic transport and infrastructure within the country. The cityscape there is lively and exciting, but perhaps most importantly there are already plenty of event planners on the ground there to help make your event a success.
TIps to start planning a MICE event in Singapore
- Get the venue right: When you’re looking for a meeting space in Singapore, there are many options. Even though you can expect high standards in Singapore, If you are arranging everything from overseas it is best to send a delegate to help find the location. This is often more reliable than choosing solely based on information and photos from a website.
- Check permits and licenses: Going abroad is a great way to elevate your corporate event, but it comes with some challenges. Certain kinds of entertainment and advertising require licenses, and if your event is being held in a hotel then you will probably need a fire safety permit too. You can apply for these yourself, but if you are confused then engaging a local event planner could be a good idea.
- Look out for grants: Part of the reason that Singapore is considered such an attractive destination for MICE events today is because the Singapore Tourism Board regularly offers grants and incentives to the organizers and participants of events there. These are typically things like plane ticket discounts or cheaper transport once you arrive.
- Check the embassy website for advice: This should be done before setting off on a trip anywhere in the world. Embassy websites often provide some travel advice and can help you spot if there is anything you might have overlooked, such as visa policies. They also usually let you know if there have been any important changes or emergencies lately.
- Respect the mix of cultures: While English is widely used in Singapore, and it is an official language, the country is home to a broad mixture of people and cultures. There are expats living there from all over the world, but the locals are often of Malay, Chinese, or Indian descent. If your event includes local people, you can try to make it inclusive by using some local greetings or providing a mixture of local dishes with the food.
MICE events can be a great way to drive positive change within your organization and the world. Singapore is a world-class destination for such events, offering expertise, ease of communication, and an exotic location.
