The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region has firmly established itself as a frontrunner in the meetings and events sector, following a dynamic period of adaptation and growth. While the pandemic prompted a cautious approach, APAC countries quickly embraced virtual meetings, exceeding Western counterparts in adoption rates during 2022 and 2023.
However, 2024 marks a pivotal shift back to in-person gatherings. Attendees are eager to re-experience the energy and connection of face-to-face interactions. This return to in-person events is accompanied by a remarkable evolution in event management technology, creating even more immersive and engaging experiences for participants.
The landscape of event technology is witnessing a surge in strategic partnerships, enabling vendors to offer clients a comprehensive suite of services through integrated solutions. A prominent example is the collaboration between Gevme, a Singapore-based omnichannel event management platform, and WeMeet, a part of China’s expansive WeChat ecosystem. This partnership has significantly streamlined services for Chinese business travelers by seamlessly integrating registration, check-in, and event content within WeChat.
Furthermore, audiovisual companies across the region are actively forging alliances with event tech firms, while tech vendors are prioritizing long-term relationships with meetings and events (M&E) service agencies. Global entities are also making significant inroads into the APAC market, creating opportunities that necessitate thorough security risk assessments.
As the industry pivots from virtual to in-person events, technology vendors, particularly those in the audiovisual sectors, are positioning themselves as formidable competitors by expanding their on-site offerings. Local vendors are establishing offices in various APAC locations to enhance client service and strengthen their market presence.
In the realm of meeting management technology, APAC is experiencing a stabilization as clients embrace specific technologies that promote program maturity and growth. Organizations are increasingly focused on enhancing productivity by leveraging emerging technologies like Robotic Process Automation and Generative AI.
Major events such as Computex Taipei, RISE in Hong Kong, and Tech Week Singapore underscore the region’s unwavering commitment to technological innovation and its reputation as a tech hub. There is a growing trend toward immersive experiential technology, particularly for events like automotive product launches. Venues are also adopting virtual reality (VR) tours and visualization tools to assist planners in creating impactful and effective event spaces.
However, networking and seminar-based events, such as the World Finance Forum in Singapore, emphasize content delivery and the importance of fostering human connections. This shift has led to a more balanced demand for experiential technologies, with organizers prioritizing meaningful interactions over high-tech showcases as life transitions into a new normal.
Security remains a paramount concern for meeting organizers. With an increasing focus on stringent safety measures, agencies and venues are ensuring that vendors adhere to rigorous protocols to protect both personal and event data.
Interestingly, the payment landscape for events is also evolving. While traditional methods like bank transfers and manual credit card transactions are still prevalent in Asia, there is a growing trend toward online payment processing. Many event organizers now prefer payment links sent through authorized financial institutions, which offer enhanced security and immediate results compared to traditional methods that may take several days.
The evolving landscape of meetings and events in the APAC region reflects a significant shift toward in-person experiences, bolstered by innovative solutions. As the industry embraces new norms and balances technology with the human touch, the future of events in APAC looks promising and dynamic. With strategic partnerships, a focus on attendee experience, and heightened security measures, the region is well-positioned to lead in the global events landscape.
