IMPACT’s successful hosting of the ASEAN Summit reinforces its reputation as an industry leader; reaffirms readiness to host international conferences in 2020

Published : 2019-11-27

The 35^th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Thailand ended with a terrific success. The Summit welcomed over 3,300 attendees, including the ASEAN leaders from the 10 member states, key trade partners, international agencies, as well as local and international media from all over the world. IMPACT Muang Thong Thani took pride in hosting the event and received positive comments from all relevant agencies and organizations in both Thailand and other countries. With a comprehensive range of versatile facilities and services it has to offer, IMPACT has reaffirmed its potential and readiness to host other major international conferences for years to come.

Mr. Paul Kanjanapas, Managing Director of IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., Ltd., the operator of IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center, Muang Thong Thani, emphasized the company’s pride and a successful hosting of the 35^th ASEAN Summit, an international conference where leaders and delegates from the 10 ASEAN nations gathered to discuss cooperation plans and measures in the areas of economy, security and society, as well as policy synergies and development initiatives within the ASEAN region and beyond. The Summit provided a platform for ASEAN nations to be proactively prepared for the ever-changing social landscape and global situation.

The 35^th ASEAN Summit was held from October 31 to November 4, 2019 and attended by the leaders of 10 ASEAN member states, namely Cambodia, Thailand, Brunei, Myanmar, Malaysia, Laos, Vietnam, the Philippines, Singapore and Indonesia, as well as ASEAN’s trade partner countries including China, South Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, India, Russia and the United States, international agencies like the United Nations (UN) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and spouses of the ASEAN leaders. Since it was a gathering of ASEAN leaders and international key figures, ensuring the maximum safety and security of all attendees was a top priority.

As the hosting venue for the Summit, IMPACT took it very seriously the need to ensure safety and readiness of the venue. There was extensive preparation for the Summit across all aspects, including venues, facilities and security systems. IMPACT has discussed and worked closely with government agencies regarding security protocols and international security, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and government agencies in Nonthaburi regarding venue preparation. To ensure the maximum level of security, Bangkok Land Public Company Limited, the landlord of the city of Muang Thong Thani, has entrusted the Royal Thai Police to manage the IMPACT Muang Thong Thani compound from October 29 to November 4, 2019.      

During the ASEAN Summit, there was no other event taking place at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani. In other words, the venue was solely dedicated to the Summit. This was to ensure that everything went smoothly as planned. Each building was designated to serve a different purpose. IMPACT Forum served as the venue for ASEAN leaders’ summit. Hall 4 was used as accommodation for the Secretariats of ASEAN. Hall 5 hosted the “ASEAN Styles” exhibition. Hall 6 was the venue for business matching and the Indo-Pacific Business Forum. Hall 7 was turned into a dining hall for the entourage. Hall 8 was used as accommodation for security officers and Thai public health officers. Phoenix Room served as the administration center for officers of Thai government agencies.

In addition, Jupiter function rooms at IMPACT Challenger were used as reception rooms and venues for special activities for spouses of the ASEAN leaders, while the elegant Royal Jubilee Ballroom was set up for a gala dinner in honor of leaders and spouses attending the 35th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in the evening of November 3, 2019. The Challenger 3 building was designated to accommodate both Thai and foreign media, and ibis Bangkok IMPACT was a designated venue for media registration. To ensure smooth implementation of security measures, indoor parking garages were reserved for the ASEAN leaders and foreign delegates, while outdoor parking areas were reserved for media. There were also 10-15 vans, golf carts and shuttle buses available to pick up and drop off delegates and media at different locations around IMPACT Muang Thong Thani.      

Mr. Paul added that IMPACT was committed to doing its best to make sure the venue was properly prepared for such an international-level conference. A range of preparedness activities were carried out ahead of the Summit to meet the organizer’s requirements and to provide the ASEAN leaders and delegates with superior comfort and convenience they deserve while at the same time enabling IMPACT to earn international recognition. IMPACT Forum was renovated to accommodate the Summit and additional lighting fixtures, air conditioners and security cameras were installed to ensure the highest security protection. There was also an installation of communication system, of which IMPACT has teamed up with government agencies and private companies like True and CAT Telecom to provide the attendees with high-speed internet access. Prior to the Summit, an emergency drill was conducted to help security officers be prepared for unexpected emergencies, such as a fire, a power outage, a gas leak, an IT system outage, or a disturbance, in accordance with the standard for MICE Security Management System or TIS 22300. IMPACT has also joined government agencies in a drill designed to deal with any possible riot.

For venue decoration, IMPACT had carpets replaced and provided extra sets of luxury tables and chairs for VIP guests. Thainess has been incorporated into every detail of food and beverage service provided during the Summit. IMPACT has also prepared a team of volunteers to help facilitate officials and international media attending the Summit. There were also an operations team and a professional team responsible for impressive Thai-style flower decoration in each function room. IMPACT has also coordinated with relevant agencies and communities around Muang Thong Thani area to help facilitate traffic diversions before the Summit began to make sure that everything was in an orderly fashion and ensure highest level of security. 

All of these highlight IMPACT’s potential and readiness regarding venues, facilities and services that build on its reputation and praises from relevant agencies and organizations in both Thailand and other countries. The success of the ASEAN Summit is considered a significant factor that makes Thailand and IMPACT Muang Thong Thani the preferred venues for international conferences. The Thai government and private sector are now discussing new opportunities to host many more international events in 2020 and beyond.     

For media inquiries, please contact
Corporate Communications Department, IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., Ltd.
Jintana Phongpakdee	Tel:	+66 (0) 2833 5061	Email:	jintanap@impact.co.th
Supaporn Boonkhaw	Tel:	+66 (0) 2833 5062	Email:	supapornb@impact.co.th