JLS pilots ‘ free-to-roam ’ event in Singapore
Danica Tormohlen , editor-at-large for SISO , reports on how the Joint Leadership Summit 2021 in Singapore marked the reopening of the ASEAN market and also on the launch of the Asia CEO Summit
our major global
F exhibition industry associations — including SISO , in partnership with Paris-based UFI , the global association of the exhibition industry ; UK-based Association of Event Organisers ( AEO ) and the Singapore Association for Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers ( SACEOS ) — met face-toface at the Joint Leadership Summit ( JLS ) 5-7 October at the Fullerton Hotel in Singapore . The meeting of global trade show and event industry leaders was truly historic .
“ The JLS was a strategic pilot event supported by the Singapore government , where for the first time we were testing out a ‘ free-toroam ’ itinerary for international participants subject to the necessary protocols ,” said then SACEOS president Aloysius Arlando ( He has since left the post ).
Protocols included stringent testing ( antigen , PCR and serology ) and tracing requirements ( via app check-ins ) for fully vaccinated international travellers , but key industry leaders submitted to the restrictions to have a seat at the table with government officials to help move the needle — politically and economically — to help reshape the reopening of business travel and trade shows .
Supported by the Singapore Tourism Board ( STB ), JLS convened regional government representatives , major global organisers and trade association leaders to discuss action plans for the safe reopening of the business events industry in the ASEAN region . SISO member companies in attendance included Emerald , Clarion , Informa , Diversified , Tarsus Group and IMEX Group .
The independent and association leaders discussed the critical need to reopen inter- and intra-regional travel routes while ensuring the health and safety of business travellers as core policy measures . The executives called on the authorities to put into place clear policy initiatives and common operating protocols across the region to be calibrated for a Covid-endemic environment .
“ As we continue on our journey towards an endemic Covid-19 world , it is now time for us to bring back the core purpose of business events — driving commerce ,” said Arlando .
JLS was more than three years in the making due to the pandemic and Covid-related restrictions . “ The global leaders in attendance at the
Below : Key industry figures showing a lead in Singapore
Joint Association Leadership Summit in Singapore , along with others who were not able to join , have put a substantial effort into making this happen – this is a significant moment ,” said Doug Emslie , CEO , Tarsus Group .
During JLS , leaders from SISO , UFI , AEO and SACEOS signed a three-year agreement to launch the Asia CEO Summit . The inaugural event will take place 4-6 October 2022 , at the Fullerton Hotel , Singapore .
“ We have always recognised the importance of the Asia event market , and how we need a forum to bring together global leaders in the industry , to share and exchange ideas about opportunities in the ASEAN market ,” said Hervé Sedky , SISO chair , president and CEO of Emerald .
Since JLS , the reopening of Singapore continues to slowly unfold . As of 5 November , visitors could travel quarantine-free from the US , Canada , The Netherlands , Denmark , France , Italy , Spain , Britain , Germany , Brunei , South Korea , Australia and Switzerland . Up to 1,000 participants per session are allowed for MICE ► events if all attendees are fully vaccinated , but participants must be split into zones of 50 people each , with no intermingling allowed .
SISO is optimistic that government restrictions will be lifted before the 2022 Asia CEO Summit . Stay tuned for details .
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