The Future of Events

Naomi Mano joins panel of industry thought leaders at PATA webinar

Luxurique president and CEO and president of Japan MICE Association, Naomi Mano, was one of four panellists discussing the future of MICE events during a PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) webinar, The Future of Events 2023.

Mano was joined by three other MICE industry thought leaders: Harsha Hariharan, Regional Sales Director at Cvent, Supawan Teerarat, Senior Vice President of MICE Capability and Innovation at Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau TCEB and Nichlas Maratos, vice president of commercial at Dusit Hotels and Resorts.

The panel discussed the increasing role of technology and flexibility in a world where hybrid events are now the standard, and the growing interest within the MICE industry in themes of sustainability, authenticity, wellness and women in power.

Mano shared Luxurique’s response to these themes, including initiatives to lessen over-tourism. Luxurique introduces MICE planners to new destinations away from metropolitan areas where the itinerary content is just as rich.

Mano also highlighted the need to address the changing needs of clients. “Our MICE clients are looking for something special to make it worthwhile getting together. The most memorable component of events aren’t conferences, but team-building elements, and we’re finding that decisions tend to be based on activities and networking opportunities, not conference facilities,” she said. “At Luxurique, we do a version of The Amazing Race, with competing teams racing to clear checkpoints across the city by following clues and completing tasks. The event is tailored according to themes as well as the corporate profile, business objective, brand or corporate look & feel. It’s a team-building experience that exposes attendees to the local area and its culture, so it really ticks all the boxes.”