After the cobwebs of the old year have gone, it is time to get down to one of the first important events this year – MICECON 2013, SMX Convention Centre, Lanang, Davao City.

MICECON 2013 is an event where tourism industry players gather to discuss the newest trends. It is also an event where old relationships are strengthened and new partnerships formed.

Some of the topics are: Imagining the Future of Travel, The Future of Meetings Asia Pacific, Why Meetings Matter, Global Competitiveness and the Challenge of Philippine Tourism, Keeping Associations Healthy, Wealthy and Wise, Rise of Asian Brands, Brand Strategy on a Tight Budget.

There are other interesting topics on the event. However, what is great about MICECON 2013 are the speakers – majority are international speakers and respected on their fields of expertise.

I remember the first MICECON 2010 in Subic – it is magical, fun and full of learnings. I said to myself this event will pump-up the industry and it does! Right now, tourism industry is healthy and growing. In fact, it is one of the sunshine industry.

The Department of Tourism and its arm the Tourism Promotions Board is doing a superb job on this.

Besides the learning sessions, I can’t wait to see the entertainments and games prepared by the organizers – this gives the event an extra ooompphhh.

However, MICE as a tourism industry needs proper support and strategies - MICECON 2013 will drumbeat the need to take a closer look on this very important industry.

I can’t wait for MICECON 2013.