The Meetings Show Asia Pacific (TMS APAC) and the inaugural Business Travel Show APAC officially opened on April 16 at Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre, setting the stage for a high-energy week celebrating the region’s thriving business events and travel sectors.
The launch kicked off with a vibrant lion dance performance featuring two troupes, captivating the crowd with color, rhythm, and acrobatic stunts — a traditional symbol of prosperity and good fortune, setting a festive tone for the days ahead.
The opening ceremony drew key industry figures and dignitaries, including Northstar Travel Group CEO Jason Young, Chief Commercial Officer and President Bob Sullivan, Executive Vice President and Group Publisher David Blansfield, and Asia Vice President and Group Publisher Irene Chua. Also in attendance were Ong Wee Min, Vice President of Sales and MICE at Marina Bay Sands, and Ong Huey Hong, Assistant Chief Executive of Industry Development and Chief Sustainability Officer at the Singapore Tourism Board, alongside Poh Chi Chuan, Executive Director for Exhibitions & Conferences.
This year’s shows welcomed more than 1,800 attendees, marking a 30% increase from 2024. The event also featured a record 300 exhibitors — up 40% year-over-year — and offered over 30 hours of educational programming and 8,000 pre-scheduled buyer-seller meetings.
Together, TMS APAC and BTS APAC have firmly established themselves as essential events on the calendar for professionals in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and corporate travel industries across Asia Pacific.