With the reopening of Malaysia’s international borders on 1st April 2022, more events are accommodating to this transition and are easing back to normality in the form of physical events. Hence this necessary discussions and strategies pertaining to conduct safe events should be ignited to ensure attendees locally and internationally, have a safe experience. “HEX Talk Event Series 2022: Return of International Events: What is Next for the Events Industry?” was a forum organized by a group of Events Management students, as part of their group project for Events Operations module. The forum aimed to address the concerns regarding the reopening of the borders, from the viewpoints of local and international industry experts to present alternative perspectives on its impact on the business event sector.
As more events are welcoming the reintroduction of physical events, the Revive 2022 team worked tirelessly over 3 months in organizing a hybrid forum to ensure the event exceeds participant expectations, both physical and online as well as establishing a successful hybrid forum to place as a benchmark for future events, amidst transitions to the endemic phase. Despite the ease of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) restrictions, there were many hurdles faced. However, this only strengthened the students’ abilities in organizing an event, as well as provided a learning space for them to grow and assimilate themselves into the world of the events industry.
HEX Talk Event Series 2022 was held on 29th June 2022 at Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus. The event was also conducted online via Zoom web conferencing. The forum began with Opening Remarks by Associate Professor Dr. Joaquim Dias Soeiro, Head of School, School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events (SHTE). The HEX Talk was welcomed by five-panel speakers from various industries to provide their expertise on the topic at hand, making for an insightful and collaborative session:
Mr. Jaggarao Simancha, CEO & Founder, ASC Agenda Suria Communication Sdn Bhd and Vice President of Advocacy, Malaysian Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (MACEOS);
Dato’ Sri Dr. Irmohizam Bin Ibrahim, Chairman of Conferences & Exhibitions Asia Pacific (APAC) Member Advisory Council (MAC), World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) Board and Adjunct Professor of Taylor’s University;
Mr. Mohamad Isa Abdul Halim, Director of Capability Engagement Division, Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB);
Ms. Waikin Wong, Regional Director - Asia Pacific, International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA);
Mr. Ch’ng Chor Ban, Senior Lecturer, School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events, Taylor’s University
The school were grateful to be joined by Moderator for the event, Mr. Lee Mark, Chief Operating Officer of The Hot Shoe Show @ Co. Sdn Bhd and Industry Advisory Panel of Taylor’s University who interacted with the audience and allowed for an overall interactive and memorable forum.
The event was registered by 350 attendees from 25 countries such as Malaysia, Philippines, Maldives, China, Indonesia, and more, as well as over 40 companies or institutions. After the event, positive feedback were received from the participants and a token of recognition from our panel speakers, thus it was a successful event.
Well done to the organizing team under the Events Operations module, led by the Lecturer, Ms. Khairiah Ismail for their hard work!
