ACAAF 2024: A new era in sustainable business events

ACAAF 2024, hosted at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on 19 August, has set a new standard for the business events industry in Asia.

The forum, themed “Business Events and Technology with Sustainability,” attracted over 100 influential attendees, primarily representing convention bureaus across the region, and showcased the industry’s commitment to innovative sustainability practices.

Since its inception in September 2021, the Asia Convention Alliance Association (ACAAF) has been a platform for sharing ideas and business leads among its members, with the goal of advancing the business events sector across Asia.

Pioneering sustainable practices

ACAAF 2024 brought together key stakeholders from ACA member countries, including the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Thailand Incentive & Convention Association (TICA), Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), and Seoul Tourism Organization (STO).

The event emphasised the integration of technology with sustainability, aiming to revolutionise the environmental impact of business events in the region.

“We are thrilled to host ACAAF 2024 in Malaysia,” said MyCEB Director of Meeting & Support Incentives, Mohammad Isa Abdul Halim.

“This forum represents a collective journey to exchange best practices and share inspiring success stories, aimed at creating a profound and lasting impact on Asia’s convention landscape through sustainability and technology.”

The discussions at ACAAF 2024 centred on how the business events industry can adopt innovative practices to reduce its environmental footprint.

By connecting ACA with convention stakeholders, the forum laid the groundwork for a sustainable network that will continue to influence the industry for years to come.

ACAAF 2024: A legacy of collaboration

The ACAAF forum is an annual event, with the hosting responsibilities rotating among the alliance’s founding members.

Following the inaugural forum hosted by TCEB in Thailand in November 2023, Malaysia had the honour of organising ACAAF 2024.

The torch will be passed to STO in South Korea for the 2025 forum, followed by TAITRA in Taiwan in 2026.

Since its establishment, ACAAF has been instrumental in promoting collaboration among its members.

The forum provides a unique opportunity for participants to exchange ideas and strategies that not only benefit their respective organisations but also contribute to the broader goal of advancing the business events industry across Asia.

As ACAAF 2024 comes to a close, the focus remains on sustaining the momentum generated by the event.

The insights and connections made during the forum are expected to drive further innovation and collaboration, ensuring that the business events industry in Asia continues to thrive.

ACAAF 2024 has demonstrated that sustainability and technology are not just buzzwords but essential components of the future of business events.

As the industry evolves, the lessons learned and the networks established at this forum will play a crucial role in shaping its direction.

For those in the business events sector, ACAAF 2024 serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainability and the impact that can be achieved through collective effort.

The next ACAAF forum in South Korea promises to build on this foundation, continuing the journey toward a more sustainable and innovative future for business events in Asia.