The Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations (AFECA) successfully convened the AFECA Convention 2025 in Jakarta, Indonesia, from 5–7 November 2025 at the JIExpo Convention Centre & Theatre. Organised in collaboration with the Indonesia Exhibition Companies Association (IECA) and the Indonesia Congress and Convention Association (INCCA), the convention brought together over 300 delegates from 15 countries and regions, including MICE leaders, policymakers, organisers, industry professionals, and youth representatives.
This year’s edition celebrated a significant milestone — AFECA’s 20th anniversary — commemorating two decades of regional collaboration, advocacy, and shared influence, which have helped position Asia at the forefront of the global business events economy. A key feature of the convention was the A20 & Indonesia Business Events Forum (A20 & IBEF), which provided a strategic platform for senior leaders, government advisors, venue providers, and association executives to align on Asia’s shared priorities. The forum addressed challenges such as fragmented regulations, geopolitical shifts, talent shortages, and rising global competition while reinforcing the region’s vision “From Complexity to Clarity: Resilience. Agility. Leadership.”
AFECA President Dato’ Vincent Lim highlighted A20’s origins, stating, “Five years ago, our industry came to a standstill — but from that crisis emerged collaboration. A20 was born to rebuild, reimagine, and refocus the future together.” Participants shared actionable strategies, national case studies, and industry forecasts, emphasizing A20’s role as a collective voice for advocacy, professional standards, and future-readiness.
A landmark highlight was the signing of the Jakarta Declaration MoU between AFECA, INCCA, and IECA, reinforcing regional cooperation in capacity building, association alignment, talent development, and infrastructure advancement. The convention also hosted the AFECA Annual General Meeting and Gala Dinner, celebrating the Federation’s 20-year legacy and honouring leaders through the inaugural AFECA Hall of Leaders 2025. Notable inductees included founding presidents and board members from Singapore, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, and Taiwan, alongside past presidents and annual award recipients from across Asia.
Nurturing future talent, the 10th AFECA Asia MICE Youth Challenge featured 21 university teams from 10 countries, presenting sustainability-focused, innovative event concepts. Winners included BrightSteps Event from Sunway University, Malaysia (Champion), Shakka from ITE College, Singapore (1st Runner-up), and EXPOSURE from Dongduk Women’s University, South Korea (2nd Runner-up).
The AFECA Convention 2025 reaffirmed Asia’s commitment to strategic alignment, regional cooperation, and sustainable growth, positioning the continent’s MICE sector for a decade of innovation, leadership, and global competitiveness.
