The conference aims to provide a platform for industry practitioners to recharge as a united force and BE Inspired as we BE Connected. 

This year, the conference directs itself to a fresh start for all delegates in getting back the momentum to attend and organize physical and hybrid conferences and events. 

The physical component of BE @ Penang 2021 will have exclusive by-invitation only activities for the delegates who will be attending the conference in person in Penang. 

Delegates were also taken on a “Discover Penang Fam Tour”.

The conversations of the conference focussed on the domestic market for business events in light of global trends. 

The discussions and conversations were driven by leaders from the four convention bureaus in Malaysia, Malaysia Airlines represented by Ms Lau Yin May (Group Chief Marketing & Customer Experience Officer) , Fajaffri Mohd Fadzil (Senior Director, Investment Division) of Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) who spoke at the conference, Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS) led by  Dato’ Sri Abdul Khani Daud is the CEO of Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), Hybrid City Alliance, GainingEdge and many others. 

Among the main topics explored include “Business Events Malaysia 2022 & Beyond Outlook” with the head of MyCEB, PCEB, BESarawak and Sabah Tourism Board; “Business Opportunities in the New Normal”; “The Rise of Multi-Hub & Hybrid Events”; “Monetizing Virtual & Hybrid Events”; and “Maximizing Social & Legacy Impact of Business Events”. Switching up the Keynote is highlight speaker Boonsiri Somchit – author of “When the Chicken Dies, Everyone Cries: Authentic Leadership & Life Lessons from the Heart of the Kampung”.

Today, (Dec 10) the closing keynote will be presented by John D. Chacko, the President of the International Advertising Association (IAA) Malaysia, Global VP IAA Education, IAA World Board Member, as well as the Chairman of the upcoming 46 th IAA World Congress that will be held in Penang in 2023. 

As part of the closing ceremony, PCEB will be launching its new global marketing campaign – ‘BElong in Penang’ at the finale dinner. 

This campaign is part of PCEB’s work with the Penang State Government and industry partners to drive the rejuvenation of the tourism and business events industry. 

Meanwhile, Ashwin Gunasekeran, CEO of PCEB hopes that BE @ Penang 2021 will end the year on a positive note with additional useful perspectives and ideas for our industry partners and other relevant industry players while we continue to keep up the rejuvenation momentum.

“The pandemic has fast-forward the use of technology at a greater pace. We are also investing in 5G infrastructure to be in tandem with these developments,” added Ashwin.