What is MICE?

MICE is an acronym used in the meeting and events industry that stands for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions/Events. It refers to a broad category of events that bring together large numbers of people such as corporate meetings, incentive travel, international conferences, trade shows, and more. You might be an organizer for a large event that falls under the umbrella category that is MICE.

These large business events have a significant economic impact on the host destination. They attract a large number of people and information in one place, providing revenue for the local tourism industry including travel agencies, hotels, transportation, and restaurants. The networking opportunities created by MICE events also foster innovation and forge new connections.

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The Significance of a MICE Event

Hosting MICE events brings substantial benefits to a destination, such as fostering innovation, stimulating local economies, and boosting tourism. Additionally, it enhances a destination's global reputation by attracting a diverse audience and promoting the region on the global stage. Since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of MICE events worldwide has been on the rise. Osaka hosted the G7 Trade Ministers' Meeting in October 2023, and the world’s next largest event, Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, is highly anticipated to showcase Osaka's capibilties in hosting global events. With urban developments such as the newly-opened Grand Green Osaka and Japan’s first-ever integrated resort (IR) planned for a 2030 opening, Osaka has become an even more appealing destination for meetings and events.

With all this in mind, Osaka launched an aggressive strategy in March 2023 to encourage even more meetings and event organizers to choose Osaka as their next host destination. This strategy, developed jointly with the Osaka prefectural and city governments, leverages the region’s strengths as well as the impact from Expo 2025 and upcoming IR and aims to make Osaka into the Asia-Pacific region’s top MICE destination.

Take a look at other past events in Osaka:

• Past Events

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What is a Unique Venue?

Unique venues are a critical component of ensuring an unforgettable event. The term refers to spaces not typically used for events, such as historical buildings, cultural facilities, or public areas, that can be used for conferences and receptions, providing a special atmosphere and showcasing the unique characteristics of the host destination. Unique venues around the world are a significant factor in deciding where to host an event, and there is a growing demand for their use in Japan. Osaka boasts many unique venues that can be used for meetings and events, including the Osaka City Central Public Hall and the Osaka Geihinkan Former Guest House, both of which hold deep historical and cultural significance to Osaka. Here, meeting or reception guests can experience a truly Japanese and uniquely Osakan atmosphere.

See more of Osaka's unique venues here:

• Unique Venues

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How the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau Supports Meeting & Event Organizers

The Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau (OCTB) works alongside meeting and event planners to support the success of their events and create unforgettable experiences. Osaka's strength lies in its collaborative system where the OCTB, Osaka Prefecture, Osaka City, and the local economic sector work together to support MICE events. We offer a variety of support services to organizers, including proposing candidate venues and actitives, as well as providing financial support for conventions that meet our conditions. As part of our support services, we offer unique and exciting Japanese and Osaka-style attractions for receptions and parties, ensuring a special and memorable experience for participants.

See more how the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau can provide support for meetings and events:

• Meeting & Event Support for Organizers