Bangkok. The combined IT&CMA (Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings Asia) and CTW (Corporate Travel World) is 2008 led by theme – “New Frontiers – Optimise Returns”. The 16th IT&CMA and 11th CTW will be held at the Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, Bangkok, Thailand, from 7 to 9 October 2008. More than 2,000 industry professionals from Asia-Pacific and the rest of the world are expected. This year will see an increase in the number of buyers from Australia, China, Hong Kong, United Kingdom and  USA, as a result of strategic marketing and partnerships with industry partners. The exhibition front records a strong growth: The Thailand pavilion has expanded its exhibition space by 30 per cent, while the Macau pavilion has significantly increased its floor space many folds to 252sqm. New venues are exhibiting like the Marina Bay Sands for 45,000 delegates featuring three hotel towers topped by a sky park, ArtScience Museum, Las Vegas-style casino etc.

This year’s Curtain Raiser is primed as the opening act to set the frame of mind for attendees facing an ever-challenging business environment. The three-part opener will kick off with an interactive on-the-spot poll followed by two keynote addresses from Andrew Matthews, international author/speaker from Australia and Hans Lerch, industry veteran and former CEO of Kuoni Holding from Switzerland, on different but insightful perspectives of ‘happiness’ or ‘motivation’. Last but not least is IT&CMA and CTW advocating the “green” movement this year with the inaugural “Stickiest Green Champions” given to IT&CMA and CTW exhibitors, buyers and travel managers who have shown their professionalism, creativity and effort during the event. www.itcma.com.sg