Seoul Convention Bureau boosts benefits for event organisers

Seoul Convention Bureau has rolled out a new stimulus package for its Plus Seoul programme, which offers a higher amount of financial support to organisers of international conferences and incentive travel in the city.

Core benefits for international conferences will be increased up to 250 million won ($220,138) from 150 million won ($132,083) previously; while organisers of incentive groups stand to receive up to 200 million won ($176,110), double the previous amount.

Furthermore, the bureau says it will "help to cover" development costs for event apps and VR experiences for international congresses with over 1,000 participants.

Seoul was ranked 10th in the ICCA city rankings in 2017, with a total of 142 meetings that attracted 53,475 participants in that year. 

Meanwhile, organisers of large conventions are eligible for other incentives offered by the bureau, including customised experiences, unique venue benefits as well as on-site Seoul experience booths for delegates to try on Korean traditional costumes and receive travel recommendations during conference breaks.  

"We designed Plus Seoul with one question in mind: 'What can Seoul add to business events?" said Jiyun Kim, director of the MICE planning team at the bureau. "Whether it be intellectual exchange, company loyalty, or just fun, we want to give meetings an extra boost."

The stimulus package also includes a welcome kit prepared by the bureau—a Korean traditional pouch packed with a pair of reusable chopsticks. The gifts are part of a social media campaign and contest for participants to post photos of themselves using the chopsticks with the hashtags #MiceSoul, #PlusSeoul and #chopsticksmyway.