Seoul to Hold MICE Promotion Roadshows in Brussels, LondonEvents to focus on 'Globalization of Korean Traditional Food and Design' The Seoul Metropolitan Government and Seoul Tourism Marketing plan to hold their first-ever MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions & Exhibitions) promotion roadshows in Belgium and the U.K. in an effort to advance into the European MICE market. The first event will take place in Brussels on May 28, with the second scheduled to be held in London on July 12. The roadshows are expected to draw considerable attention due to the presence of many international organizations in Brussels and London, as well as the high profile of the cities in the MICE industry. The events, aimed at promoting MICE competitiveness based on global convention services and infrastructure, will showcase Korean traditional foods that have been gaining popularity worldwide. They are also expected to reinforce the image of Seoul as a global economic center while promoting its new image as a world-renowned design capital, following recent praise of the city's design standards by the New York Times and Wallpaper magazine. Seoul's roadshows will be based on three themes: "Globalization of Korean Traditional Food and Design"; "MICE with Korean Traditional Food and Design"; and "Seoul: Where MICE meets Flavors and Style".  In Brussels, a five-course menu by Sang Hoon Degeimbre, an acclaimed Korean-Belgian chef, and a menu prepared by Yves Mattagne, a Michelin two-star chef, will give attendees an opportunity to appreciate the harmony between Korean traditional food and Western cuisine. The event will demonstrate how the culinary cultures of East and West can be in exquisite harmony. In addition, the dinner will showcase Korean traditional clothing, including fusions of Korean and Western styles. These will highlight Seoul's status as an internationally popular MICE venue in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. The Seoul Convention Bureau, along with other interested parties, will host events and exhibits throughout these roadshows. Individuals and organizations interested in the city of Seoul as convention and otherwise events venues are most welcome to join our roadshows and sign up for pre-scheduled appointments. On the sidelines of the London roadshow, coinciding with this year's congress of all U.K. associations, Seoul and congress organizers will co-host a gala dinner to promote Korean culture among influential officials as well as help transform Seoul into a leading MICE city. The roadshows are particularly significant because Seoul is in the global spotlight in 2010 as World Design Capital and host city of the November G-20 Summit, which will be attended by leaders of the world's largest economies. These events are expected to show Seoul's emergence as an important international convention city. In addition, the Korea MICE Expo, a smaller version of the worldwide IMEX exhibition, is scheduled to be held in Seoul in November, and a ¡®Visit Korea Year¡¯ campaign is expected to open Seoul's doors even wider. Such events will provide participants with additional benefits and enable them to experience many of Seoul's charms. For further information, contact Deputy Chief Diane Kim or Deputy Chief Martin Kim of the Seoul Convention Bureau (mice@seoulwelcome.com). |
