Welcome to our weekly wrap-up of MICE News, which covers meetings, incentives, conferences, and events across Australia and around the world. If you are in the MICE industry, this is what you need to know as our writers stay on top of the latest developments.
If you have any MICE news, please send it to kate@travelmonitor.com.au
FCM Meetings & Events globalisation soars with South Africa launch
FCM Meetings & Events, the dedicated global meetings and events division of FCM Travel, has officially launched in South Africa, marking the company’s latest strategic expansion into high-growth MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) markets.
“South African businesses are looking for scalable, intelligent solutions that help them drive a real measurable return on investment from their meetings and events programmes,” said Mummy Mafojane, General Manager, FCM South Africa.
“With this launch, FCM Meetings & Events brings world-class planning expertise, innovative digital tools and sustainable practices to South African businesses, empowering them to manage every element of their meeting portfolios better.”
FCM’s decision to formally introduce its specialist events offering to the South African market follows successful global deployments across Europe, the U.S., Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East. Tailored to meet regional business needs, this newest expansion will help unlock untapped MICE value for clients operating across multiple sectors.
The launch of FCM Meetings & Events in South Africa is effective immediately. To learn more, visit www.fcmtravel.com
Perth announced as host city for 2025 ATEC Meeting Place event
The Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) is excited to announce that Meeting Place 2025 (MP25), in partnership with Tourism Western Australia, will be held in Perth, Western Australia, from 27 to 29 October 2025.
MP25 is expected to attract more than 500 tourism industry leaders, international buyers and local suppliers, generating over $2 million in direct visitor spending for the WA economy. Across the three-day event, delegates will participate in thousands of face-to-face business meetings, build vital business relationships, and take part in an engaging program of conferences, market briefings, and networking events.
This year’s event will offer delegates the chance to experience Perth as a vibrant, fast-growing capital city and explore the many attractions Western Australia has to offer. With so much to see and do before and after the event, delegates are encouraged to extend their stay and make the most of their visit.
PCMA and New Zealand’s Business Events Industry Aotearoa sign two-year strategic alliance
PCMA and Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) have signed a two-year strategic alliance further strengthening the APAC region’s collaboration for driving social and economic progress through business events. The alliance covers cross-promotion of educational events and benefits to grow brand presence and event participation. PCMA and BEIA will also collaborate on research allowing for greater knowledge of the scale and value of business events throughout the APAC region.
Qatar Airways to showcase ‘Qsuite Next Gen’ at ATM Dubai 2025
Qatar Airways is bringing the latest in cutting-edge airline luxury to this year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Dubai with its ‘Qsuite Next Gen’ – the newest iteration of its multiple award-winning patented Qsuite Business Class. Visitors and exhibitors will have the opportunity to experience the latest and greatest of the Qatar Airways’ industry-leading product from 28 April to 1 May 2025.
The Chapman’s Challenge 2025 returns to Pangkor Laut Resort
The Chapman’s Challenge is set to return for its seventh edition from May 23–25, 2025, at the renowned Pangkor Laut Resort. This unique endurance event combines athleticism, adventure, and history in one of Southeast Asia’s most stunning island settings.
Inspired by the remarkable true story of British Colonel Freddy Spencer Chapman—who made a daring escape through the jungle and across Emerald Bay in 1945—the Challenge commemorates the 80th anniversary of his heroic feat. Participants will test their limits across a demanding course that echoes Chapman’s journey, combining a 3.8km road run, a 2.4lm trek through a two-million-year-old rainforest, culminating in a 1km open-water swim across the very waters he once crossed to freedom. This year’s event promises an unforgettable experience for competitors and spectators alike, with exceptional prizes including the prestigious NORQAIN Adventure Sport timepieces.
Wellington, New Zealand wins Rural WONCA 2026 Conference
Wellington, New Zealand will host the 21st WONCA (World Organisation of Family Doctors) World Rural Health Conference in 2026, with the Conference Theme being Whānau Ora: Integrating mātauranga Māori indigenous knowledge with rural health for a thriving future.
The successful conference bid was led by Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network with support from its Te Tiriti partners Te Rōpū Ārahi. Effective advocacy from Business Events Wellington (BEW) and Tourism New Zealand Business Events, and endorsement from the New Zealand health sector and government ministries, led to a winning proposal.
