I attended an international discussion meeting on MICE industry development in Shanghai yesterday. All participants except me were from colleges around Chia. We came to Shanghai together to discuss how to report and publish one MICE book based on the international cites, which have developed MICE industries for many years. It is a little difficult to collect precise and completed information from these countries because most of them haven't done such these reports before. However, it will be very helpful for Chinese cities which want to develop MICE industries. We should think about why they have to initiate and develop MICE industry. In my viewpoints, they just try to satisfy all participants' demand such as helping them find new market, giving them excellent experience which they have never tasted, perfect hospitality to them and so on. In addition, there are some important aspects we should think about if we really want to develop MICE inductries.

First, city character is the most important aspect which makes them decide to hold one meeting or exhibition in our city. We should distinguish what are the differences between our city and other cities. We should give them one important reason why they choose our city among such many cities around the world. Suzhou as a city has three unique aspects compared with other cities. At first, its layout of double chess board has never changed for over 2500 years. We can still find the road or river with the same name of over2500 years ago. In addition, the style of Suzhou is well persevered, so most buildings has only three colors, namely white, black and grey. Furthermore, local people are keeping original living style, doing household in the rivers.

Second, if the city has been chosen, MICE facilities will be the next to be decided. What kinds of facilities do we have? How many people can they hold? Can we meet any demand for them? We should provide not only the sole function, but aslo the complexed function for MICE. For example, there should be some hotels around convention center in order to receive participants.

Third, after or before meeting and exhibition, what can you arrange for all participants? If we can provide tourism products and activties as much as possile, they will be happy and appreciate it very much.  

Forth, professional companies.

Fifth, infrastruction.