On December 10, 2012, Fukuoka Directive Council hosted a M.I.C.E. Internationalization Seminar in Fukuoka City. Approximately one hundred Fukuoka D.C. members and guests including those from Kumamoto, Oita and Okinawa were in attendance to hear two invited speakers. The first was Mr. Noor Ahmid Hamid, Regional Director of ICCA South Pacific. He spoke of the importance of Fukuoka building alliances with other cities and said a good place to start would be with its sister cities. He said that chance is never a factor in becoming a leading convention location; it all comes down to good planning. Mr. Hamid continued with advice that Fukuoka needs to engage globally and to win international business – Fukuoka must become more international. Fukuoka should aggressively make it known that it wants to host M.I.C.E. and suggested the slogan, “City of Excellence”. The second presentation was by Mr. Mark Cochrane, Regional Manager of UFI South Pacific. He commented that Japan needs to internationalize its existing M.I.C.E. industry. The number of exhibitions held in Asia is still growing while other regions are falling. Mr. Cochrane suggested Fukuoka should find a niche in order to become a successful M.I.C.E. venue. He also believes that Fukuoka needs to promote itself to international organizers of events. Both speakers praised the quality and location of the venues in Fukuoka City for M.I.C.E.. The proximity of the airport and lack of traffic congestion were also mentioned as attributes that Fukuoka should use to appeal to the world. FDC HP: http://www.fukuoka-dc.jpn.com/?lang=en
