As Malaysia opens up domestic tourism and interstate travel, Penang continues to be the first state to push through with its first hybrid business events conference – BE @ Penang 2021.

Co-organised by the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) and Anderes Fourdy Events – Malaysia’s leading professional congress organiser, the 6th edition of the homegrown conference will be held from 9 – 10 December in Setia SPICE Convention Centre while streamed online through the official conference platform.

Themed ‘BE Connected. BE Inspired’, BE @ Penang 2021 is a celebration of the industry members’ grit, adaptability and innovation. The conference aims to provide a platform for industry practitioners to recharge as a united force and BE Inspired as we BE Connected.

This year, the conference directs itself to a fresh start for all delegates in getting back the momentum to attend and organise physical and hybrid conferences and events.The conversations will be driven by leaders from the four convention bureaus in Malaysia, Malaysia Airlines, Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) Penang Chapter, Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS), International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Hybrid City Alliance, GainingEdge and many others.

Among the main topics explored include “Business Events Malaysia 2022 & Beyond Outlook” with the head of MyCEB, PCEB, BESarawak and Sabah Tourism Board; “Business Opportunities in the New Normal”; “The Rise of Multi-Hub & Hybrid Events”; “Monetizing Virtual & Hybrid Events”; and “Maximizing Social & Legacy Impact of Business Events”.

Switching up the Keynote is highlight speaker Boonsiri Somchit – author of “When the Chicken Dies, Everyone Cries: Authentic Leadership & Life Lessons from the Heart of the Kampung”, while the closing keynote will be presented by John D. Chacko, the President of the International Advertising Association (IAA) Malaysia, Global VP IAA Education, IAA World Board Member, as well as the Chairman of the upcoming 46th IAA World Congress that will be held in Penang in 2023.

The physical component of BE @ Penang 2021 will have exclusive by-invitation only activities for the delegates who will be attending the conference in person in Penang. One such highlight is an interactive workshop facilitated by renowned leadership training consultancy – Leaderonomics, which will be the first large in-person workshop organised in Penang post-movement control order.

Outstation delegates are invited to a special Discover Penang Fam Tour whereas participating ICCA Malaysia members will be attending a session co-organised by the ICCA Asia Pacific Regional Office followed by a “Crazy Rich Asian” tour of the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, where some famous scenes from the Hollywood blockbuster was shot.

To close the conference off, PCEB will be launching its new global marketing campaign – ‘BElong in Penang’ at the finale dinner. This campaign is part of PCEB’s work with the Penang State Government and industry partners to drive the rejuvenation of the tourism and business events industry.

“I hope that BE @ Penang 2021 will end the year on a positive note with additional useful perspectives and ideas for our industry partners and other relevant industry players while we continue to keep up the rejuvenation momentum,” said Ashwin Gunasekeran, CEO of PCEB.

To restart the momentum of attending physical events, registration to the conference is FREE and can be done at http://beatpenang.com/registration.