The Industrial Development Bureau of Hengqin has officially joined the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), a move that is set to open new global resource channels for the Macao-Hengqin MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry. The announcement was made during the Macao-Hengqin MICE Enterprises & ICCA Bay Area Members Seminar 2026, held at Tianmu Qintai in Hengqin, which brought together over 100 industry representatives.
The seminar, themed "Global Bidding and Breakthrough Strategies for Emerging Destinations," was hosted by the MICE Industry Association of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. Key speakers included Mr. Lin Yanjie, Head of the Culture, Tourism, Exhibition, and Trade Division, and Dr. Sherry Tan, Associate Professor at the Macao University of Tourism, who shared insights into the development opportunities arising from this milestone.
This membership marks a significant step in the internationalization of the Macao-Hengqin MICE industry. By joining ICCA, Hengqin gains access to a vast network of global MICE professionals, resources, and bidding opportunities, which can help attract more international conferences and events to the region. This aligns with the broader strategy of integrating Macao and Hengqin into a cohesive MICE hub, leveraging their combined strengths in tourism, infrastructure, and policy support.
The MICE cooperation between Macao and Hengqin has entered a stage of regularized and sustainable development, supported by an increasingly well-established framework spanning policy, operational models, and talent development. A key policy driver is the revised Measures for Supporting the Development of the MICE Industry in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, issued in January 2026. These measures provide subsidies of RMB 800 per participant for international conferences included in ICCA statistics, with a maximum subsidy of RMB 1 million per event, along with additional special incentives. Enterprises obtaining ICCA accreditation for the first time will also receive a one-off reward of RMB 200,000, further strengthening support for the growth of MICE market players.
The impact of these initiatives is expected to be substantial. Over the next two years, Hengqin plans to attract more than ten international conferences eligible for inclusion in ICCA statistics. Applications for 2027 conferences in key fields such as artificial intelligence and materials science have already entered the bidding process. These efforts aim to enhance Macao-Hengqin's international visibility and influence, while strengthening its voice in the global MICE industry.
For business leaders and technology innovators, this development signals a growing opportunity to participate in high-level conferences in the region, particularly in cutting-edge sectors like AI and materials science. The financial incentives and strategic focus on international events are likely to draw global attention, fostering knowledge exchange and potential partnerships. As Hengqin and Macao continue to integrate, the MICE industry becomes a vital conduit for economic diversification and technological advancement in the Greater Bay Area.
The collaboration between Macao and Hengqin is also evolving in talent development, with efforts to build a strong pipeline of MICE professionals. This ensures that the region is not only a venue for events but also a hub for expertise and innovation. The combination of policy support, international accreditation, and a focus on emerging technologies positions Macao-Hengqin as a competitive destination for global conferences.
As the world emerges from recent disruptions, the MICE industry is rebounding, and destinations that can offer unique value propositions, such as the Macao-Hengqin partnership, are poised to benefit. The ICCA membership and the proactive bidding strategy demonstrate a clear commitment to placing the region on the global MICE map. For stakeholders, this translates into increased business opportunities, enhanced brand visibility, and a stronger economic ecosystem.
