News and Insight

Tokyo is reinforcing its position as a premier destination for business events, with Business Events Tokyo offering training programs that empower Tokyo's professionals to deliver exceptional experiences. Among this year's programs is a dedicated session for association meeting experts, featuring Florence Chua, Managing Director of PCMA Asia Pacific. She will share valuable insights on global trends shaping the industry. Ahead of the program, we sat down with Florence for an exclusive preview of the themes and ideas she will explore.　

Q1: What skills and mindset do you believe are essential for future professionals in the association meetings industry?
Mindset is, above all, the most critical attribute for business event professionals to cultivate. Maintaining an open outlook and embracing the idea that there is always something new to learn ensures continuous growth. Alongside this commitment to lifelong learning, cultural competence is vital. In this field, we interact with delegates from diverse backgrounds and nationalities, and fostering mutual understanding is essential to successful collaboration.
Equally important is the ability to integrate emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to enhance efficiency and deliver greater value. By combining openness, cultural awareness, and technological adaptability, future professionals will be well‑equipped to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.

Q2: Can you give us a brief overview of the program?
The program begins with an overview of global trends and projections for 2026 and beyond, providing participants with valuable insights into both current and emerging developments. These trends will then be translated into practical applications for daily work. Building on this foundation, the program features hands‑on sessions on leveraging artificial intelligence for greater efficiency, as well as in‑depth discussions on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within the framework of ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) principles. For example, the program will explore how to better accommodate delegates with neurodivergent needs. Sustainability and experience design will also be explored, with a focus on creating more engaging and impactful events. The program concludes with strategic guidance on business development, equipping participants with the tools and approaches needed to attract international events to Tokyo.

Q3: What are the most significant global trends in the business events industry right now?
Here are three major trends shaping the future of the industry: the strategic integration of AI and new technologies, navigating economic uncertainty and rising cost pressures, and designing human‑centric experiences that address stress and foster deeper engagement. AI is no longer a "nice to have" -- it has become essential, and success will depend on how thoughtfully it is woven into event strategies.

Q4：How do you see AI transforming event planning and management?
AI is set to revolutionize research, ideation, and content creation--spanning text, images, and video. It will drive marketing efficiency, power multilingual chatbots to support attendees, and accelerate data‑driven decision‑making across the industry. At the same time, there is a real risk of content oversaturation, which makes authenticity and careful oversight more critical than ever.

Beyond these innovations, AI can also take on routine event‑planning tasks--streamlining logistics, scheduling, and coordination--so professionals are freed to focus on the more creative and meaningful aspects of their work. Ultimately, the challenge is not simply adopting AI, but finding the most purposeful ways to use it while maintaining a human touch and ensuring that people remain firmly in charge.

Q5：What strengths should Tokyo leverage and what challenges should it overcome to attract more international meetings?
Tokyo offers a remarkable blend of strengths--its international connectivity, reputation for safety, renowned hospitality, and rich cultural experiences that make it one of the world's most compelling destinations. Yet, challenges remain: competition with other Japanese cities, the perception of higher costs, and the need to align local technology more seamlessly with global standards.
The path forward lies in leveraging Tokyo's extensive network of international companies to spark innovation and create experiences that are truly unique to the city. At the same time, improving technology interoperability will be essential to meet global expectations and ensure smooth collaboration across borders.
Taken together, these efforts can position Tokyo not only as a safe and welcoming host city, but as a forward‑looking hub where tradition and innovation converge--offering event organizers and participants alike an experience that is both distinctive and globally relevant.

Business Events Tokyo is delighted to welcome Florence to Tokyo for the upcoming training event. We remain committed to providing industry professionals with opportunities for skill development and knowledge sharing, ensuring our city is always prepared to deliver the finest event experiences.