The Asia Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations (AFECA), together with the Indonesia Exhibition Companies Association (IECA) and the Indonesia Congress and Convention Association (INCCA), successfully convened the AFECA Convention 2025 in Jakarta from 5 to 7 November at JIExpo Convention Centre & Theatre.
Celebrating AFECA’s 20th anniversary milestone, the convention drew more than 300 delegates from 15 countries and regions, bringing together policymakers, venue operators, organisers, association leaders, industry suppliers and youth representatives to chart the future of Asia’s business events sector.
A key highlight was the A20 & Indonesia Business Events Forum, where senior industry leaders aligned on shared regional priorities including policy coordination, sustainable development frameworks and infrastructure planning to strengthen Asia’s global competitiveness.
Forum discussions addressed regulatory fragmentation, geopolitical shifts, talent shortages and intensifying competition, with calls for the region to move 'from complexity to clarity', through stronger cross-border collaboration and unified standards.
Another major development was the signing of the Jakarta Declaration MoU between AFECA, INCCA and IECA, formalising cooperation in capacity building, association alignment, talent development and business events infrastructure advancement.
The convention also hosted AFECA’s Annual General Meeting and Gala Dinner, marking the Federation’s two-decade legacy and unveiling the inaugural AFECA Hall of Leaders 2025 to honour individuals who have played pivotal roles in shaping Asia’s MICE industry.
Looking to the future, the 10th AFECA Asia MICE Youth Challenge showcased next-generation talent, with 21 university teams from 10 countries and regions competing with sustainability-driven event concepts. Sunway University’s BrightSteps Event (Malaysia) took the champion title, followed by Shakka from ITE College (Singapore) as first runner-up and EXPOSURE from Dongduk Women’s University (South Korea) as second runner-up.
With its anniversary edition successfully concluded, AFECA said the Jakarta convention marked the entry of the next decade with a strengthened mandate – to champion Asia as the world’s most coordinated, dynamic, and fast-growing business events powerhouse.
Penulis: Meetings & Conventions Asia
