[Edaily Kang Gyeong-rok Travel Reporter] MICE agencies in Seoul, Taiwan, Thailand, and Malaysia are expanding their cooperation to attract and host international conferences. This involves sharing information on attracting international conferences held by each agency and directly connecting with representatives from academic institutions and associations who are considering hosting events overseas.

The Seoul Tourism Foundation announced on the 30th that it will co-host the “4th Asia Convention Alliance Association Forum (ACAAF)” in Taipei, Taiwan, on the 1st of next month. Approximately 100 participants are expected to attend, including representatives from MICE agencies in Taiwan, Thailand, and Seoul, as well as executives and staff from academic institutions and professional associations.
This event marks the fourth forum hosted by the Asia Convention Alliance (ACA), which rotates among its member countries. The ACA was launched in 2021 to foster cooperation in attracting and hosting international conferences in the Asian region. Five organizations from four countries are participating, including the Seoul Tourism Organization (STO), the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA), the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), and the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA).
The forum focuses on business exchanges between member organizations and academic societies and associations that host international conferences. The organizations share information on attracting and hosting international conferences, and introduce city-specific support programs to representatives from academic societies and associations considering holding events overseas. The aim is to expand opportunities for attracting and hosting events within the Asian region, separate from individual cities competing for specific international conferences.
This year’s forum will be held in conjunction with “Asian MICE Forum 2026 (AMF 2026),” a MICE event in Taiwan. The program includes business exchanges, expert lectures, and on-site tours of Taipei. AMF is an event that addresses technological changes and sustainability in the MICE industry.
In Seoul, Professor Yoon Eun-ju of Hallym University will participate as a speaker. Under the theme “Rethinking MICE and ESG,” she plans to introduce the growth trajectory of Seoul’s MICE industry and examples of ESG practices.
This event in Taipei marks the conclusion of ACAAF’s first tour of member countries. The forum was held in Thailand and Malaysia before taking place at COEX in Seoul last November; this year, the venue has moved to Taiwan. Under this system, a member organization from the host country organizes the event for that year.
Kim Byung-min, CEO of the Seoul Tourism Foundation, stated, “We will expand our cooperative framework to translate information exchange among member cities into actual business opportunities and joint projects.”