"Ben Goedegebuure, General Manager of Maritz Global Events, provides his feedback on Malaysia's capital"
Synopsis for article: “Kuala Lumpur is an excellent destination and its principal qualities are expertise, value for money and exceptional hospitality. It is one of the outstanding international destinations,” says Ben Goedegebuure, Maritz Global Events
During a six-day hosted visit to Kuala Lumpur (KL), Maritz Global Events General Manager Ben Goedegebuure and Nancy DeBrosse, Senior Vice President, Strategic Account Management for Experient, enjoyed an in-depth introduction to Kuala Lumpur’s fabulous business events proposition and enjoyed a taste of Malaysia’s amazing multi-cultural society and heritage, as well as its renowned food.
These were important guests for KL, which is looking to attract increased business from the United States. Maritz Global Events brings together the industry-leading power of Maritz Travel, a recognised industry leader in corporate conferences, meetings and incentive travel, and Experient is one of the best-known and most respected brands in the association meetings, live events and tradeshow world.
During the visit, the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and its Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Business Events Alliance (KLCCBEA) partners organised a series of experiences and conversations for its visitors. These included a stimulating session focused on developments in Malaysia post the 2018 general election, which resulted in the first change in government for 61 years, and featured key Malaysia opinion leaders and influencers.
Other activities included a city and walking heritage tour of the city; a brief trip to Tiarasa Escapes Glamping Resort in Janda Baik; a hands-on pewter making class at the School of Hard Knocks, Royal Selangor; experiential site inspections and one-on-one engagement sessions with partners; and an insightful Industry Dialogue with Alliance partners and stakeholders, which focused on market insights, market opportunities and pricing models.
Alan Pryor, General Manager of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, explained: “Malaysia has potentially huge advantages for US-based organisers. Malaysia is a friendly, moderate Islamic country that is multi-lingual, authentic, hospitable, multi-dimensional, multi-cultural and affordable and we did our best to demonstrate these elements to our guests over the course of their visit. We also introduced them to Malaysia’s rapidly improving infrastructure and highlighted the burgeoning and affordable transportation and accommodation options – particularly in Kuala Lumpur.”
The feedback
“Kuala Lumpur is an excellent destination and its principal qualities are expertise, value for money and the exceptional hospitality in this country. It is one of the outstanding international destinations,” said Goedegebuure.
“This was my first visit to Kuala Lumpur and the country of Malaysia,” said DeBrosse. “And I’m really excited to tell you that I’m very pleasantly surprised at the entire city. From the modern buildings and the infrastructure, to the kindness, politeness and the hospitality of everybody in this city is just amazing. The commitment to technology in the buildings for the meetings industry is really attractive – I think you have a wonderful opportunity here to market to the North American meetings and events community.”
Pryor explained: “Ultimately, we want to help make Malaysia an iconic business events destination, attracting more events which will not only benefit Malaysia economically, but also through the expertise and knowledge that they generate.
“Having Maritz Global Events visit Malaysia provided the perfect platform for us to showcase the country, but what is now required is a consistent presence in market. The Centre’s next engagement will be at IMEX America, where we plan to continue our work to build strategic partnerships and alliances with US industry associations, professionals and key decision makers.”
For further information:
Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre
Email: info@klccconventioncentre.com
Tel: +60 (3) 2333 2888
Address: Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur
Website: www.klccconventioncentre.com
