By Ian Neubauer

Representatives of travel and media organisations from around the world are converging on Shanghai for IT&CM (Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meeting) China 2009, the Asia-Pacific region’s largest MICE conference and expo.

A small but strong contingent of hosted buyers from Australia and New Zealand are attending the event, including Event Buddies, InHouse Event Solutions, OutLoud Australia, Talent Tools, The event Designers, EGlobal NZ and Verve Consulting.

SpiceNews will also be reporting live from IT&CM China, with Thursday’s (Apr 16) newsletter dedicated entirely to the event and reviews of new and exciting conference hotels on the mainland. A special feature on IT&CM and China will also appear in the upcoming issue of Main Event magazine.

Now in its third year, IT&CM China matches together buyers and sellers from the MICE sector to explore business opportunities, generate leads and strengthen existing business partnerships.

The event will also feature daily education sessions with eminent speakers expounding on pertinent issues.

They include Roy Graff, managing director of China Contact; Frankie Gao, general manager of MCI; and Australian event planner, creative consultant and author Nigel Collin, who will give a talk entitled ‘When the Going Gets Tough, Creativity Gets Going’.

IT&CM will also offer social and networking functions, including pre- and post-show city tours, an opening ceremony, friendly golf games, hosted luncheons and a welcome dinner.