IT&CM China will anchor the first-ever Shanghai Business Events Week launched by Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration (SMTA). Taking place from the 11th to 15th April 2011, this initiative to theme leading MICE industry highlights under one brand, will see six exciting business, education and networking events come together in cosmopolitan Shanghai.

IT&CM China 2011 joins other leading events such as SMTA’s China (Shanghai) International Meetings & Conferences Forum, Global Business Travel Association (GBTA)’s Corporate Travel ExpertSM Certification Course, ICCA’s Association Database Workshop, IMEX-MPI–IT&CM China’s Future Leaders Forum and the TTG China Travel Awards, in this MICE extravaganza.

SMTA’s timely launch of the Shanghai Business Events Week reflects the bountiful business outlook in China. This presents a wealth of opportunities for the international and domestic MICE industry. Delegates to IT&CM China 2011 – appropriately themed “Leading China’s Next MICE Wave” – mirror these sentiments. Commented Victor N de Vries, Director of Business Development of Hilton Shanghai, “China has positioned itself well on the international stage and is attracting demand through increased and suitable space and inventory combined with competitive rates. Outbound wise, China has an already large and growing footprint on world business.”

MICE destinations Macau and Seoul are also looking to benefit from China’s growing outbound MICE market, through their participation at IT&CM China. Together with their local partners, the Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) wants to raise its profile among IT&CM China’s buyers and media by creating awareness of its familiarization visits for key MICE planners / agents, product update seminars and industry trainings. Seoul Tourism Organisation (STO) will take the opportunity at IT&CM China to promote its recent initiative, The Seoul MICE Alliance – a collaboration with private-sector organisations to enhance the city’s global competitiveness and services to international visitors.

Meanwhile, corporate hospitality giant Starwood Hotels and Resorts will capitalize on IT&CM China 2011 to promote its Asia-Pacific incentive programme that allows Meeting Planners to earn more ‘Starpoints’ faster. This new IT&CM China 2011 exhibitor is also looking to launch an exciting offer at the event.

Delving further into MICE opportunities, IT&CM China 2011 will shine the spotlight on the possibilities and potentials of “China’s Next MICE Wave” during the event’s keynote panel discussion on 13 April 2011. The speaking panel includes three respected industry veterans: Jacques Arnoux, Managing Director - Asia of Pacific World Asia, China, Ni Hui, Vice-President of Grand China Express International Travel, China and Arnaldo Nardone, President of ICCA. The session is structured to engage and benefit more than 2,000 IT&CM China international and Chinese exhibitors, buyers and media.

In addition to this educational front, the event will also feature 8 seminar sessions on the 14 and 15 April covering topics such as Organising Successful Congresses and Conventions, Cut Through The China Red Tape and Win-win Buyer-Seller Negotiations. Seminar sessions feature a total of 11 experienced industry speakers. Another educational highlight is the Corporate Travel ExpertSM Designation Course, offered by GBTA and TTG Asia Media for the very first-time in Shanghai at IT&CM China. This 1.5 days starter course is an internationally recognised certification programme for personnel with Corporate Travel responsibilities. Places are limited and the programme is currently being promoted at an introductory offer of 2 participants for the price of one!

On the networking line-up, IT&CM China will boast a host of dinners, luncheons and coffee-breaks including the Opening Ceremony and Welcome Dinner at Sofitel Shanghai Sheshan Oriental, Hosted lunch by Meetings & Exhibitions Hong Kong and Coffee Break Reception by Macau Government Tourist Office.

Due to overwhelming response, the ever-popular pre-show city tours of Shanghai for international buyers and media have been fully taken up. Registration for Exhibitors, Buyers and Media concluded on 28 February 2011. Industry professionals who wish to attend the event may register online as trade visitors.