Asia Pacific’s MICE sector defies global headwinds with strong growth | News
The Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2026 (TMS APAC) ended its third edition on a high note, cementing Asia Pacific’s position as one of the world’s most dynamic and resilient markets for the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) industry. The exhibition, held from 14 to 15 April 2026 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore, demonstrated strong growth, with deeper regional participation and significant improvement in business performance, underscoring the sector’s continued momentum amid a challenging global landscape.
Organized by Northstar Travel Group and co-located with the inaugural Global Travel Marketplace (GTM) Luxury Asia Pacific and the second edition of Business Travel Show Asia Pacific, TMS APAC brought together 1,913 meeting and travel professionals, with more than 600 buyers from over 80 countries, a 10% increase from 2025.
“The Meetings Show Asia Pacific has become a powerful barometer for where the global MICE industry is going,” said Jason Young, CEO of Northstar Travel Group. “The level of business activity, engagement and innovation on display here reflects the strength of Asia Pacific and its growing influence in shaping what the future will hold for our industry. What stands out on the show floor and throughout the program is the confidence, adaptability and partnership mentality that is driving the region forward, even in a complex global environment.”
Irene Chua, Vice President and Group Publisher, Asia, Northstar Travel Group, added: “The strong growth and quality of engagement at this year’s exhibition highlights the continued importance of Asia Pacific to the global MICE industry, with TMS APAC serving as the leading MICE exhibition for industry professionals to connect, exchange ideas and achieve meaningful business results.”
In her opening remarks, Ong Huey Hong, Assistant Chief Executive of the Industry Development Group, Singapore Tourism Board, noted that the MICE industry continues to demonstrate resilience and adaptability and find innovative ways to bring people together to collaborate. She added that Singapore remains committed to providing a stable, reliable platform for global organizations to collaborate and build the future, and called on the industry to forge new connections, dream boldly and drive innovation.
A key value driver of the event was the curated Buyer Program, which enabled high-quality connections and tangible business opportunities. Reflecting the breadth of the industry, new participants such as Korea Tourism Organization, Hilton, Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), Budapest Convention Bureau – HUNGEXPO Budapest Congress and Exhibition Centre, Destination Vancouver, Spain Tourism Board, Aichi Sky Expo, AYANA Resort Bali, Banyan Group and Bintan Resorts brought new energy to the show.
They joined a strong lineup of returning and key exhibitors including Japan National Tourism Organization, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Millennium Hotels & Resorts, JTB Meetings & Events, Pan Pacific Hotels Group, Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts, Singapore Tourism Board, Business Events Sarawak, Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute of the Macao SAR (IPIM), Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, Jeju Tourism Organization, Kyoto Convention & Visitors Bureau, ProColombia and Visit Monaco, jointly strengthening the depth and diversity of the exhibition floor.
Building on the success of previous editions, TMS APAC 2026 continues to grow in both scale and strategic relevance. Mandy Pham, Sales Director at New World Hotels & Resorts Vietnam noted that since participating in the opening show, they have generated many potential leads, many of which have already converted into sales, underscoring the effectiveness of the event in achieving tangible business results.
Returning exhibitor Yasuhiro Umeda, Specialist, Bidding and Promotion Division, Kyoto Convention & Visitors Bureau, noted that the discussions quickly developed from initial engagement to fully developed event concepts, highlighting how effectively TMS APAC connects needs with solutions within a short time frame.
Insook Lee, Executive Director, Korea MICE Bureau, Korea Tourism Organization, shared, “It is our first time to attend TMS APAC. Our pavilion consists of a total of 21 organizations to promote Korea to global buyers. We found the event very meaningful as a platform to showcase Asia as a hub for MICE events and meetings.”
Cynthia Sitompul, Deputy Director of MICE and Wedding, AYANA Resort Bali, expressed her positive experience at the show as a first-time participant: “TMS APAC has been very productive. The scale of the show provides the right balance for buyers and sellers to come together. Singapore remains a strong hub, and the timing and location of the show were ideal for us to showcase our upcoming AYANA Convention Centre.”
Richard Soo, Managing Director of MEP Meeting & Exhibition Planners, Malaysia, commented: “At TMS APAC I have been able to build the right connections and partnerships. The exhibition brings with it a high concentration of credible suppliers and key players in Asia Pacific. The region is the place to be for the corporate events industry, and this is where we will have the biggest impact.”
As Asia Pacific’s premier MICE trade show, TMS APAC returns from April 21 to 22, 2027 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore.
Industry professionals are invited to register their interest early at: https://www.themeetingsshow-apac.com/register-interest.
For more information and updates, visit www.themeetingsshow-apac.com/.
image as: Copyright ©Northstar Travel Group
