The Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2025 Marks Significant Growth and Industry Impact in its Second Edition

The Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2025 (TMS APAC) returned to Singapore with resounding success, further establishing itself as a key anchor event for the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industry in the region. Building on the momentum of its 2024 debut, the second edition convened MICE professionals from Asia Pacific and beyond for two vibrant days of business exchange, networking, and knowledge-sharing. Held on 16 and 17 April at Sands Expo and Convention Centre, the event featured a dynamic show floor with nearly 300 exhibitors, a strong Hosted Buyer Programme, and a thoughtfully curated series of knowledge sessions.

TMS APAC 2025 was co-located with the inaugural Business Travel Show Asia Pacific (BTS APAC), which brought together corporate travel professionals, senior buyers, and leading suppliers for high-energy networking, insightful learning, and innovative programming

The gathering kicked off with a dynamic lion dance performance, symbolising prosperity and forward momentum for the region’s MICE and business travel sectors. The opening ceremony was graced by executive leadership from the organiser and strategic partners, including Northstar Travel Group CEO Jason Young, Chief Commercial Officer and President Bob Sullivan, Executive Vice President and Group Publisher David Blansfield, Vice President and Group Publisher Asia Irene Chua, Marina Bay Sands Vice President of Sales and MICE Ong Wee Min, and Singapore Tourism Board’s Assistant Chief Executive of the Industry Development Group and Chief Sustainability Officer Ong Huey Hong, along with Executive Director (Exhibitions & Conferences) Poh Chi Chuan.

In his remarks, Northstar Travel Group CEO Jason Young emphasised the industry’s enduring relevance and the company’s commitment to supporting it: “For more than 80 years, our brands have been the trusted voice of the travel and tourism industry. Our market-leading events and media products are relied upon by the most important professional audiences that drive the US$2 trillion travel market across the MICE, corporate and leisure segments. We truly embrace our role as the champion of travel.” 

He continued, “Right now, the geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainties make travel, we believe, more important and more essential than ever before because travel brings communities together. Travel makes business happen, and that's why we are here this week - to bring communities together and to make business happen. We couldn't be more bullish and excited about the opportunity that TMS APAC brings.”

Guest-of-Honour, Ong Huey Hong, Assistant Chief Executive of the Industry Development Group and Chief Sustainability Officer, Singapore Tourism Board, expressed her enthusiasm at the show’s opening: “It is with great pleasure and excitement that we get to witness not only the growth of the second edition of TMS APAC, but also the inaugural launch of BTS APAC in Singapore. The co-location of the two events will form an even stronger gateway to quality connections and insightful sessions tailored to the meetings and corporate travel sectors.”

She added: “Singapore aims to triple our MICE tourism receipts by 2040. The global economic outlook may appear uncertain for now, but it is too early to determine the impact on our business. In the meantime, we will continue working towards our target by building on our leadership position and unwavering commitment to excellence. We have a robust pipeline of events leveraging the range of vibrant industries in Singapore, and will refresh our hardware and software to support this growth.”

Together, TMS APAC and BTS APAC welcomed 1,773 attendees from over 72 countries, including 347 hosted buyers. Exhibitors and buyers alike were enthusiastic about the high quality of engagement and meaningful connections made throughout the show floor.

For TMS APAC specifically, the 2025 edition recorded a 35% growth over its debut year, reflecting broader participation, richer programming, and deeper regional involvement.

"This year’s edition has demonstrated just how vital and vibrant the MICE industry is in this part of the world," said David Blansfield, Executive Vice President of International & Meetings at Northstar Travel Group. "We have seen a tremendous increase in buyer participation and industry engagement, which cements TMS APAC as the go-to event for professionals who want to understand and shape the future of MICE in the region."

A cornerstone of the event’s success was its curated Hosted Buyer Programme, which facilitated over 8,000 scheduled appointments, maximising business opportunities on the show floor. In parallel, more than 30 hours of high-value education content were delivered across multiple  stages, offering timely insights into macro trends, event design, technology, sustainability, workforce development, and wellness.

Both exhibitors and buyers highlighted the relevance of the content, the quality of connections, and the continued growth of TMS APAC.

Amelia Roziman, Chief Executive Officer of Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), shared: “TMS APAC has proven to be the ideal anchor platform for us to position Sarawak as the legacy capital for business events in Borneo and Malaysia. With its strategic location, high-quality programme, and targeted buyer mix, TMS APAC aligns perfectly with our vision and ambition for the region.”

Vincent U, President, Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) of the Macao Special Administrative Region, added: “Through TMS APAC, we can turn global attention towards Macao, unlocking its potential as a MICE destination. At TMS APAC, Macao isn't just participating – we are co-writing the future of Asia-Pacific's MICE landscape from the perspectives of business cooperation, tourism cooperation, and regional cooperation. By amplifying Macao’s international reach, we are creating lasting partnerships with the international MICE industry.”

Buyers also shared enthusiastic feedback. Yelle Dela Cruz, a first-time attendee and Meeting & Event Planner at California-based Alliances Management, reflected: “TMS APAC has been incredibly helpful. We've already booked our events for 2025 and are now planning for 2026, so having everything in one place is a huge advantage. It’s like a one-stop shop — all the destinations we are exploring, such as Singapore, Korea, Thailand, and Malaysia, are represented here. As an event planner, the convenience is unmatched, and I’m excited to work with many of the hotels I’ve connected with through TMS APAC.”

Harry Foo, Event Director at Evo Communications, commended the insight and applicability of  TMS APAC’s Education Programme: “I love the content at TMS APAC. We are always looking out for trends that matter to our industry, and AI continues to be one of them — especially its application in MICE.  Dr. Jerome Joseph, the keynote speaker, shared practical and relevant examples of how AI can support our work. The engagement tools and activities throughout the show were also well thought out and valuable.”

Vincent Tham, Director, D’Event Tree, observed: “In a short span of time, TMS APAC has overtaken many MICE and travel trade shows in Singapore and beyond, emerging as one of the top business travel shows in Asia Pacific. The energy is electrifying and infectious, and there’s nothing quite like sharing ideas and discussing exciting possibilities amidst such good vibes. It is a dynamic, incredible and creative setting to connect with hoteliers and reunite with friends in the MICE community worldwide.” 

Echoing these sentiments, Ferron Gray, President of London-based Grae Matta Foundation, said: “TMS APAC is an absolute powerhouse of a show.  If you are in the business of meetings, this is the place to be!”

Building on the strong momentum of this year’s edition, TMS APAC will return on 14–15 April 2026, once again at Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore (Hall A & B).

Industry professionals can register their interest early at: https://www.themeetingsshow-apac.com/register-your-interest.

For more information and updates, please visit www.themeetingsshow-apac.com/.

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