World-class Convention & Exhibition Centre in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai (Thailand) – May 4, 2016 (travelindex) – With the city of Chiang Mai becoming one of the major MICE hubs in Asia, our Editor was speaking recently with Dr. Sarawut Srisakuna, Ph.D., Acting Director General of Pinkanakorn Development Agency and General Director of Chiang Mai Night Safari.

Q. What was the vision and concept in developing the Chiang Mai International Convention and Exhibition Centre?

A. Chiang Mai is the largest city of Thailand North region. Chiang Mai has an efficient and well- connected infrastructure offering excellent accessibility for MICE travellers. Its international airport is ranked third in the country. High-quality facilities and services, include hotels and other type of accommodation. Chiang Mai offers interesting and exciting pre- and post tour activities and can serve all types of MICE events. Such well-equipped MICE infrastructure, together with the unique charm of Lanna culture, amidst fresh green mountainous terrain, make Chiang Mai the MICE hub of the North, satisfying all MICE demands for meetings and seminars, incentive trips, and trade exhibitions.

Until recently, Chiang Mai did not have a Convention and Exhibition Centre with the capability of hosting a large number of people. In 2010 the “International Chiang Mai Convention and Exhibition Centre” (CMECC) was build with funds from the government budget and was completed in 2014. This venue was establish with the “sustainable” concept to benefit the local businesses and community; they benefit directly from the hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, coffee shops, temple and night life. More importantly, MICE visitors spend, on average, 6 times more than leisure travelers. CMECC intends to attract lajor event from the region and in particular from the ASEAN Economic Community.

Q. What are the benefits and impact on the local economy?

A. As you may know, tourism in general and business travel in particular bring a wide range of benefits to cities, regions and countries in form of higher levels of income, more employment and higher government revenue. MICE travelers spend more than leisure tourists, a world-class convention and exhibition centre will attract an increasing number of MICE events with more MICE travelers spending more on quality tours, accommodation and entertainment, bringing more economic benefits to Chiang Mai and the North.

Q. What was the total investment to build the CMECC?

A. The total construction cost were around three billion Thai Bath, while decoration costs amounted to two hundred million Thai Bath.

Q. What are the main facilities and features offered at the CMECC?

A. The Chiang Mai International Convention and Exhibition Center offers 3 interconnected exhibition halls which can be divided into 476 booths. The convention hall can accommodate 1,700 people and 29 various types of meeting rooms, for 50 to 700 pax, can be set-up. There is parking space for over 3,000 cars.

The CMECC is a world-class business meeting facility and the first of its kind in the North of Thailand. We expect it to play a significant role in the development of the province’s MICE industry.

Through excellent connections and close cooperation with both the private sectors and government in Chiang Mai and in order to facilitate MICE planning for all stakeholders and organizers, CMECC is setting up a ONE STOP SERVICE CENTER to assist and support all MICE requests and activities. The One Stop Service Center will also assist to solve problems arising with professional services.

CMECC offers competitive and flexible pricing.

CMECC was awarded the “MICE Venue 2015” in the sector of History and Culture as it showcases the magnificent Lanna architecture and culture.

Q. How do you see the future development of the CMECC

CMECC will become the main hub for the MICE industry in Asia and host numerous international and global events, similar to Germany, the leader of the MICE industry in Europe. In the near future, the Chiang Mai International Convention and Exhibition Centre will be the venue that not only supports MICE stakeholders in the upper Northern Province but also stimulates economic growth and distribute income in Thailand.

About the International Chiang Mai Convention and Exhibition Centre:
The International Convention and Exhibition Centre Commemorating His Majesty’s 7th Cycle Birthday Anniversary is one of the largest convention and exhibition center in Southeast Asia with a total space of 521,600 square meters. It is decorated by Thai-Lanna style and completely well-prepared for both national and international conventions, exhibitions and fairs. Comprising with usable space of 60,000 sqm modern facilities and professional services therefore it is an ideally suitable to host world-class international MICE events.

The International Convention and Exhibition Centre Commemorating His Majesty’s 7th Cycle Birthday Anniversary is composed of two main buildings, SMEs building and main exhibition and convention hall. The main exhibition and convention hall is a large 2-story building with three main services including exhibition halls, convention halls and meeting rooms. Exhibition hall comprises three interconnected multi-purpose halls with a combined space of 7,935 sqm. Ratchaphruek convention hall provides a space of 3,400 sqm with a capacity of 3,000 seats. It is equipped with stated-of-the-art sound and lighting systems. The main hall offers a variety of 29 meeting rooms with 100-700 seating capacity. Supporting facilities such as restaurant and food court, V.I.P rooms, prayer room,high-speed wireless internet, built-in registration counters are provided. Parking for over 3,000 vehicles is available to visitors around the area which can be put to other uses.

SMEs building is subjected to promote Thailand’s entrepreneurship stimulus program, known as OTOP. It provides useable areas with 11,988 sqm which are composed of temporary exhibition hall, product display hall and supporting areas such as business meeting rooms, seminar rooms.

The 7,443 sqm multi-use outdoor space is designed to accommodate the need of all type of outdoor events and activities.

Contact information for all your MICE and Business Events:
International Chiang Mai Convention and Exhibition Centre
Pinkanakorn Development Agency
456 Moo 1 Tambon Changpuak Muang
Chiang Mai 50300
Thailand
Tel. +66 5301 0572, +66 5301 0573
Fax: +66 5301 0571
Email: mice_co_pda@yahoo.com
Web: www.pinkanakorn.or.th