Singapore’s themed MICE events offer a break from the conventional

Being ordinary in the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) industry is the kiss of death for many operators. But in Singapore, a whole raft of new venues and experiences is taking the conventional and giving it a new twist, thanks to government support.

“Singapore is a great location for industry events,” says Melody Liu, marketing professional and event organiser. “There are many amazing venues. To promote the MICE industry, the government offers many grants and subsidies to international event organisers.”

Boosting this is a new development that has seen new spaces opening up. “Lately a lot of shared workspaces have also opened up their space after work hours as event venues, which is quite interesting; these include galleries and museums, and of course theatres that also offer space for private and commercial events,” Liu says.

Some examples of these spaces include the ArtScience Museumat Marina Bay Sands, The Red Dot Design Museum, The Esplanade, Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, and National Design Centre. For the more unconventional, there is the Gardens by the Bay offering outdoor splendour; the Night Safari; cruising on the Royal Albatross; marine extravaganzas at S.E.A. Aquarium; and ascending the city on the Singapore Flyer.

Serviced apartments are an integral part of Singapore’s MICE landscape as they are often used as event spaces for “cosy” dinners or exclusive events, with apartments of different configurations at their disposal.

Fraser Suites is popular for its tranquil location, yet close enough to bustling central business district (CBD) and Orchard Road.

Closer to the CBD is Oakwood Premier OUE Singapore, which is a 268-unit luxury serviced apartment building with boardroom and meeting facilities.