Singapore MICE Forum (SMF 2025) has made a bold return this this year with its most expansive edition to date, say organisers.
SMF 2025, organised by the Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (SACEOS), opened at Sands Expo & Convention Centre July 23 for three days of conferences, workshops and networking.
More than 1,500 attendees from across business events engaged in “future-focused dialogue and collaboration” to shape what’s next for the industry.
Delegates discussed the “MICE eco-system” such as business innovation and industry recognition, talent development, next-generation competition and association events.
“SMF has always been about pushing boundaries – this year, we’re proud to welcome new programmes, new collaborators and new voices,” said Richard Ireland, president of SACEOS. “The conversations happening here will shape the trajectory of our industry and inspire the next chapter of growth for Singapore and the region.”
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Centred on the theme “What’s Next?”, SMF 2025 brought together thought leaders from industries aligned with business events spanning geopolitics, luxury hospitality, design thinking, technology, sports and digital media.Sessions included two Fireside Chats with Melissa Ow, Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board, and the other with Ho Kwon Ping, Founder and Executive Chairman of Banyan Group.
At the forum’s Marketplace, 300-plus participants, 28 speakers, and more than 20 companies showcased solutions and services.
“To shape what’s next for the MICE industry, we must look beyond ourselves — and learn from the best minds across all industries. SMF 2025 is about exploring new behaviours, technologies, and global forces that will empower us to create more impactful business events,” said Dylan Sharma, SMF & SMA Co-Chair.
A 20-member delegation from Indonesia, convened by the Indonesia Exhibition Companies Association, also attended to build on regional business events collaboration. Organisations included Indonesia Convention Exhibition BSD City, Dyandra Promosindo, Nusantara International Convention Exhibition and Royalindo Expoduta.
The Singapore MICE Awards took place on July 24 with 16 categories and a record 70 nominations this year. Alvin Tan, Singapore’s Minister of State for Trade and Industry, was guest-of-honour for the evening.
Two events wfre scheduled to make their SMF debut: The Association MICE Symposium (AMS), jointly organised by SACEOS and the Singapore Business Federation, was supported by the Singapore Tourism Board. The symposium was held to deliver a high-impact, half-day programme designed to equip association leaders with the strategies and tools to drive growth through purposeful events.
On July 25, the Singapore MICE Development (SMD) was held to motivate the next generation of MICE professionals. SACEOS officials say the SMD initiative serves as a dedicated platform for leading MICE companies to engage directly with students from Institutes of Higher Learning, as well as mid-career professionals exploring opportunities in the industry.
