On 2 September 2008, outstanding players in the business events and MICE industry will gather at the Shangri-La Hotel for the second Singapore Business Events Awards (SBEA) to be recognised and feted by the Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau (SECB), a group of the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and their industry peers.

A call for entries for the awards was launched in mid-May 2008. This year's Awards are divided into seven categories:

1. Exhibition of the Year
2. Meeting of the Year
3. Convention of the Year
4. Business Event Venue Excellence
5. Most Innovative Marketing Initiative
6. Service Partner Excellence (By nominations only)
7. Business Event Ambassador (By nominations only)

Mr Aloysius Arlando, Assistant Chief Executive, Business Travel and MICE Group, SECB, said that this year, it has introduced a bonus point system to reward industry players who have undertaken green initiatives and those that have demonstrated a commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

"The Singapore Business Events Awards casts international spotlight on Singapore's professional business events industry, especially our exemplary players who have demonstrated their innovation, creativity and excellent service standards to deliver world-class business events. This year, we've introduced a bonus point system that rewards industry players who have undertaken green and CSR initiatives. The bonus point system will give them due recognition for their efforts, while also acknowledging their contribution to tourism and Singapore's appeal as a business events destination. The focus on Singapore's dynamic MICE industry will hopefully attract more newcomers, both individuals and companies, to join this exciting industry," said Mr Arlando.

This year's judging panel features representatives from leading international MICE organisations, such as Meeting Professionals International (MPI), International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), UFI - The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry and the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO).

Other bodies represented on the judging panel include International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) , Hospitality Sales and Marketing International (HSMAI) and Singapore Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers (SACEOS) .

Into its second year, the Awards has received tremendous support from the industry players.

Mr Anthony Chong, Executive Director of Kingsmen Exhibits Pte Ltd, which won the Service Partner Excellence of the Year award last year said its win had cemented "Kingsmen's good reputation in providing clients innovative designs and excellent service".

Mr Stephen Tan, Chief Executive, Singapore Exhibition Services, noted that the awards had successfully highlighted the high standards of the various segments within the business events industry in Singapore, from the organisation of events to the venues, business suppliers to marketing initiatives.

Suntec Singapore, which won two distinctions last year, called the awards last year "very timely, especially when there has been so much buzz about MICE and its potential".

"It will truly enhance our destination as a city with tremendous offerings for business travellers. It will also encourage more people to join this exciting and robust industry," said Mr Pieter Idenburg, CEO of Suntec Singapore.

For table sales, please contact Ms Vasantha Kumari Ramachandran or Ms Kate Ang of STB at email: sbeawards@stb.gov.sg or Tel: +65 68313719

Find out more about the Singapore Business Events Awards 2008