Convergence and Integration of the MICE and Maritime Industries: An Analysis of the MICE Industry of Busan

Identifying Key Elements for Establishing Sustainable Conventions and Exhibitions: Use of the Delphi and AHP Approaches

“…Among the five categories identified, event contents and capability, organizer and support/sponsorship, and impacts correspond to an event's own characteristics (internal factors), whereas facilities in venue and destination and the local event environment represent C&E-related facilities and infrastructure and a host destination's C&E environment (external factors). Such results reflect existing research by Kim et al [59] and Viale Pereira and Schuch de Azambuja [60] that highlight the importance of event planning and operations and confirm the findings of An et al [61] and Oh, Nam-Jo, and Kim [28], which demonstrated the importance of facilities, infrastructure, and local support as sustainable MICE factors. Particularly, in the current results, the top five indicators with the highest mean values were: (1) willingness of organizers (to hold succeessful C&E), (2) event differentiation strategy, (3) local support for hosting events, (4) cohesion between event theme with city-specific industry/image, and (5) clear (C&E) objectives.…”

“…This study employed the Delphi and AHP approaches to identify indicators for the continuity of regional C&E efforts and their corresponding relative importance. First, based on existing studies, initial items were identified to develop indicators for sustainable C&E events that can maximize the competitiveness and long-term continuity of C&E [1,7,8,10,[26][27][28]41,42]. The initial questionnaire was designed through extensive discussion among seven experts in C&E fields.…”

“…The focus of such studies has mainly been twofold: (1) the appropriateness of a destination to host an event in terms of hospitality capacity, tourist attractions, and destination environment and (2) the availability of adequate event facilities within the host city and the efficiency and quality of services provided by an event. Meanwhile, some research has identified event success or survival factors from the event level to the industry or city/community level (e.g., [1,7,28]). Such factors reflect various interpretations of key event stakeholders who can impact sustainable C&E development.…”

“…In addition, an integrated infrastructure (e.g., a convention/exhibition venue and facilities, quality accommodations, efficient transportation, interesting attractions, and ancillary services) makes C&E events a core element of a host city that can provide residents with a better environment [1]. C&E is a traditional method of connecting secondary stakeholders (i.e., related industries, institutions, academia, the host community, and the destination) and providing a venue for networking [28]. Building a quality relationship between an event and its stakeholders is a basic requirement for C&E activities to establish a brand and increase event preference [39].…”

“…Building a quality relationship between an event and its stakeholders is a basic requirement for C&E activities to establish a brand and increase event preference [39]. Thus, relevant industry clusters within a host city and the surrounding area generate synergy and a close fit between C&E events and the local industries and associations, drawing more visitors to the events, and increasing networking capabilities (i.e., conventions and exhibitions create essential networks for visitors) [8,27,28,40].…”