The International Advertising Association (IAA) held its networking session at the Amari SPICE Penang with industry players yesterday.
The gathering is a prelude to the IAA World Congress 2024 to be held in Penang.
Lending presence was State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy, IAA Malaysia president, John D Chacko and Ashwin Gunasekeran, PCEB chief executive officer.
Others present were Datin S. Barathi of Chief Minister Incorporated, Malaysian Association of Hotels vice president Dato Khoo Boo Lim, Motac Penang director Jonathan Freddy Bagang, MAH Penang Chapter chairman Tony Goh, Lone Pine general manager Dato Gulab Rai, Kevin Cheah (Iconic Hotel GM), Ms Hazel Chua from ONYX Hospitality Group Bangkok, representatives for airlines, Lisa Wong from MAS, Phoenix Li from Starlux among others.
Meanwhile,Yeoh in his address expressed his pleasure that IAA Malaysia and Penang will be the host of the 45th IAA World Congress, a first in South East Asia.
The IAA World Congress has been held in cities like New York, London, Paris, Tokyo, Sydney, Beijing, Dubai and Moscow.
“The congress will also celebrate the 85th Anniversary of IAA Global, the 30th Anniversary of IAA Malaysia, and International Women’s Day.
“This world class congress will signify Penang’s progressive direction in attracting high-value and impactful events into our beautiful state.
“International and local travellers will be converging in Penang for this World Congress, and we aim to provide them with an unforgettable experience,” said Yeoh.
He also added that Its presence now in Penang testifies to how far we have come in cementing our global presence.
The IAA World Congress 2024 is set to draw approximately 2,000 delegates from 26 countries, and will be extensively covered by international media partners.
The 3-day event is expected to garner RM12.553 million of Estimated Economic
Impact to Penang, with an estimated RM1.5 million in room nights.
Later, Chacko made a detailed presentation on the up-coming event which will also bring top speakers from all over the world for the gathering.
