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 Nogales, 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.
Nogales 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.
