The next wave of business won’t create itself.
In Macao, Asia-Pacific explored what it takes to make it happen.
What happens when destinations, associations, industry leaders and young professionals come together, not simply to discuss the future, but to challenge how we create it?
That was the spirit of the ICCA Asia-Pacific EvolvDestination Forum 2026, hosted by the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition & Tourism Sectors (MACETS), with the valued support of IPIM, Galaxy Entertainment Group, our Hengqin partners and the wider Macao business events community.
Under the theme Imagination and Impact: Creating Demand. Inspiring Innovation. Delivering Growth., we came together around a question that goes to the heart of Asia-Pacific’s future competitiveness:
How do we move beyond competing for existing business to creating the next wave of opportunities?
The conversations challenged some familiar assumptions.
Does winning business really begin with an RFP? What does it take for an association to consider a destination it has never used before? And how can industry partners contribute to an association’s growth, rather than simply compete to host its next congress?
These questions came to life through real experiences and honest exchanges.
Across leadership dialogues, association exchanges, real-world case studies and interactive challenges, we questioned how future demand is created, what influences association decisions, and how destinations can strengthen their relevance long before an RFP arrives.
From exploring new opportunities for emerging and established destinations to rethinking marketing, collaboration and the decisions behind successful bids, the conversations brought different perspectives together around one shared ambition: turning ideas into opportunities for growth.
We also celebrated the inaugural ICCA Asia-Pacific Association Growth & Innovation Award, recognising MyHEARS for demonstrating how a regional congress can advance professional knowledge, foster innovation and create wider community value. For destinations, it was a reminder that attracting international congresses begins with understanding the ambitions of their national associations. By aligning support with an association’s mission, destinations can strengthen its capacity and confidence to bid for international meetings, while building local expertise, global connections and long-term value for their communities.
And when young professionals joined experienced leaders in challenging established thinking, the message was clear: the future needs both experience and the courage to imagine something different.
The learning did not stop at the forum.
Our special appreciation to MACETS for bringing together IPIM, Galaxy Entertainment Group, our Hengqin partners and the wider Macao business events community to welcome ICCA Asia-Pacific. Through technical visits in Macao and a cross-border exchange in Hengqin, participants experienced two distinct administrative and business environments first-hand, exploring different market approaches, business models and how complementary strengths can open new possibilities.
To our speakers, moderators, judges and facilitators, thank you for sharing not only your successes, but also the decisions, challenges and lessons behind them. You brought substance to the discussions and gave us ideas worth questioning, debating and taking forward.
And to our ICCA Asia-Pacific community, thank you for being more than participants. Your willingness to contribute, challenge perspectives and learn from one another is what gives EvolvDestination its purpose. It reflects a shared commitment to keep evolving and to bring new thinking and meaningful impact to the global business events industry.
The next wave of opportunities will not come from doing more of the same. It will come from thinking differently, connecting strengths and having the courage to create what comes next.
Macao showed us what is possible when Asia-Pacific comes together with that ambition.
The conversation continues. We hope you’ll be part of the next EvolvDestination.
