Industrial Development Bureau of Hengqin Officially Joins ICCA, Exploring Global Resource Channels for the Macao-Hengqin MICE Industry

Industrial Development Bureau of Hengqin officially joined the International Council of the Conference and Event Industries (ICCA) during the Macao-Hengqin MICE Enterprises & ICCA Bay Area Members Seminar 2026, which took place on 21 August 2026 at Tianmu Qintai in Hengqin. This move marks a strategic step toward integrating the region into global MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) networks, enhancing its capacity to host high-profile international events. The seminar, themed “Global Bidding and Breakthrough Strategies for Emerging Destinations,” was organized by the MICE Industry Association of the Guangdong-Macao In-Deep Cooperation Zone in Hengqin and attracted over 100 participants representing the local MICE sector. The participation of the Industrial Development Bureau of Hengqin in ICCA signals a broader effort to align regional policies with international standards and practices. The event featured presentations from Mr. Lin Yanjie, head of the Culture, Tourism, Exhibition, and Trade Division, and Dr. Sherry Tan, associate professor at the Macao University of Tourism. They discussed how the integration into ICCA could unlock new opportunities for the Macao-Hengqin MICE industry, particularly through access to global resources and expertise. The collaboration between Macao and Hengqin has progressed to a phase of regularized and sustainable development, underpinned by a growing framework encompassing policy, operational models, and talent development. In January 2026, the revised Measures for Supporting the Development of the MICE Industry in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin were introduced. These measures offer financial incentives to enterprises hosting international conferences that qualify for inclusion in ICCA statistics. Specifically, each participant attending such conferences receives a subsidy of RMB 800, with a cap of RMB 1 million per event. Additionally, enterprises that achieve ICCA accreditation for the first time are eligible for a one-time reward of RMB 200,000. These financial supports aim to bolster the competitiveness of local MICE market players and encourage the organization of high-quality international events. The collaboration between Macao and Hengqin continues to evolve, with ongoing efforts to build a robust talent pipeline. Over the next two years, Hengqin aims to attract more than ten international conferences that meet ICCA criteria. Applications for 2027 conferences in key areas such as artificial intelligence and materials science are currently undergoing the bidding process. These initiatives are expected to elevate the profile of Macao-Hengqin on the global MICE stage, reinforcing its position as a competitive destination for international conferences and exhibitions. The development underscores the commitment of both regions to fostering a dynamic and internationally recognized MICE industry. By leveraging ICCA membership, Hengqin can benefit from the association’s extensive network, gaining exposure to best practices, innovative trends, and potential partners from around the world. This alignment with global standards is likely to contribute to the long-term sustainability and growth of the MICE sector in the region. Looking ahead, the focus will remain on expanding the number of accredited international events and ensuring that the infrastructure and services supporting these events continue to improve. The success of these initiatives will depend on continued investment in talent development, infrastructure upgrades, and policy support. As the bidding process for 2027 conferences progresses, the Macao-Hengqin MICE industry is poised to play an increasingly influential role in the global conference and exhibition landscape.