CLARK FREEPORT — The official countdown to the highly anticipated
Philippine Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE)
Conference 2024 has begun at the Clark Parade grounds on July 10.
The event, led by the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) in partnership
with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) and the Department of Tourism
(DOT), marks the start of the 366-day countdown to MICE Con 2024, set
for July 2024.
CDC President and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera, TPB Chief Operating
Officer Maria Margarita Nograles, and DOT Undersecretary Ferdinand
Jumapao were present to kick off the countdown. At the event, Devanadera
highlighted the various offerings of the Freeport and the Metro Clark
areas that delegates and guests can look forward to during the
conference.
“This launch and the MICECon is a testament to how the Philippine
Government, under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.,
collaborates with the private sector to achieve success. With an entire
government approach, we are confident in our upward trajectory and
future success,” said Atty. Devanadera.
Nograles emphasized the suitability of Clark as the host destination for
MICECON 2024, praising the Freeport for its growth and development over
the past decade. She expressed optimism that Clark’s MICECon will
position the Philippines as a top MICE destination in Asia, attracting
new investments and business opportunities for the whole of Region 3.
“I would like to congratulate the CDC, headed by Atty. Agnes VST
Devanadera, for winning the bid for MICECon 2024. It has been exactly 10
years since we had the Philippine MICE convention here in Clark. But 10
years later, Clark has certainly grown big leaps and bounds from a
decade ago,” Nograles said.
“Clark has now become a premier getaway with its international airport,
it boasts a sustainable, well-planned city with modern infrastructure
facilities, world-class accommodations, and meeting facilities, plus
various activities and attractions. It certainly makes us very
optimistic that Clark’s MICECon will further position the Philippines
as the top MICECon destination in Asia,” Nograles added.
“The time for Clark is now. Let’s all work together to make MICECON 2024
exceed expectations and set a remarkable precedent for the advancement
of the Philippine MICE and tourism industry,” Nograles said.
Tourism Secretary Cristina Frasco highlighted the significant growth of
the M.I.C.E. sector in the country. She noted that the creation of the
Boracay M.I.C.E. Alliance has expanded opportunities for M.I.C.E. events
on the island, while Clark has emerged as a booming M.I.C.E. and
lifestyle venue, accommodating sporting events and small to medium-sized
meetings.
“Not to be outdone is Clark, now also a booming M.I.C.E. and lifestyle
venue for sporting events, and even small and medium-sized meetings.
Dubbed the M.I.C.E. center for the north, Clark helps decongest Manila
by hosting M.I.C.E. events for areas up north. MICECON 2024 will
definitely help solidify Clark’s position as a major host for
big-ticket events,” expressed Frasco, as conveyed by Usec. Jumapao.
The launch also included the unveiling of the official build-up letters
for MICECon 2024, showcasing the Freeport’s commitment to hosting the
conference. Clark is fully prepared to deliver an exceptional
experience, boasting state-of-the-art facilities, infrastructure, and
outstanding hospitality.
In addition to the launch of the MICE Con 2024 countdown, the event also
marked the official launch of the iClark mobile application. The mobile
application, which the CDC’s Information Technology Department (ITD)
developed, gives attendees and visitors a seamless digital experience by
enabling them to access event information, Clark directions, hotels,
restaurants, tourist attractions, bike paths, and even events. With the
iClark app, participants can also maximize their engagement and make the
most of their MICE Con 2024 stay within this Freeport.
Aside from the launch, a ceremonial signing of the Commitment of Support
among the CDC, TPB, and SMC Convention Center – Clark was held. Key
officials, including CDC President and CEO Devanadera, CDC Vice
President for Business Development and Business Enhancement Group
(BDBEG) Atty. Noelle Mina Meneses, SMX Convention Center (SMXCC) Vice
President and General Manager Michael Jaey Albaña, and SMX Convention
Center-Clark Senior Branch Manager Eduardo Miguel Morato, reaffirmed
their dedication and collaborative efforts for hosting the MICE Con 2024
in Clark.