Supported by its Team Malaysia partners, the KLCC recently organised its 4^th Association Seminar themed “How to Package a Winning Bid” for Malaysia-based association executives.

Meetings and conventions tourists tend to spend up to five times more than average tourists, making the need to draw a bigger slice of this pie to our shores not just a boon for local associations, but also the country’s profile as well.

The key then is getting international and regional event organisers to realise that “Malaysia is a destination too attractive to miss”, says Robin Lokerman, President of MCI Asia Pacific and CEO of the Institutional division.

Speaking to local associations at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre’s (the Centre) 4^th Association Seminar, Lokerman was among the expert panel invited to speak on the seminar’s timely theme, “How to Package a Winning Bid” given Malaysia’s ready trump cards including a multi-cultural and “open” Islamic environment, exceptional modern facilities and infrastructure, professional expertise complemented by the fact that  English is widely spoken and “absolutely fabulous value for money”.

Key insights shared included a keen knowledge in the event being bid for, how to handle the scope of work that such a win would entail and an intimate knowledge of Malaysia as a meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) destination.

“To customise your approach,” advised Lokerman, “do plenty of research and work with experts in the field to understand the support which you already have at hand. Sources such as convention bureau or convention centres like the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre are vital contacts who not only can help you, but point you in the right direction.”

This approach proved effective for winning the World Chambers Congress 2009 (WCC 2009) led by immediate past president of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM), Datuk Mustafa Mansur.

“In addition to registering our interest to host the WCC 2009 early, the FMM and Ministry of International Trade and Industry immediately enlisted the help of Team Malaysia members including the Centre, Tourism Malaysia, Malaysia Airlines and the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).

“Showing a united front, particularly with government support before the international associations, indicated that we knew what we were doing and we could handle the enormity of the task”, added Datuk Mustafa.

Representing Tourism Malaysia, director general Datuk Mirza Mohammad Taiyab detailed the government support available for local associations, including providing information on conference venues, transportation; providing ideas on social programmes and pre-/post convention touring options; disseminating conference and exhibition information to relevant organisations through Tourism Malaysia's overseas offices; requesting speedy clearance from the Royal Customs and Immigration departments; and  hosting cultural shows at opening ceremonies or social evenings.

Malaysia Airlines was also present to pledge their support with special fares and discounts for recce trips, speakers and staff.

Speaking on behalf of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, General Manager Peter Brokenshire shared the importance of inviting international counterpart associations for site visits.

“An actual visit lets decision makers experience first hand the first-class facilities and eases any uncertainties they may have when considering a new destination. The Centre, with the help of Team Malaysia, can host such visits with entertainment opportunities, themed dinners, city tours and cultural showcases.”

“Our experienced team is also at hand to help local associations in the bid process, from expressing interest to host international meetings and compiling bidding documents, to the final stages of the actual bid. Particularly for smaller organisations, all they need to do is to use this ready expertise to their winning advantage,” said Brokenshire.