A STUDY ON THE DEPLOYMENT OF SMART TECHNOLOGIES IN MICE VENUES

Abstract

In recent years, smart technologies have been deployed across the world at an astonishing rate. Being a highly competitive nation, Singapore is among leaders in the engagement of advanced technologies. In 2014, to elevate Singapore's competitive advantage, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong declared his aim for the country to become a Smart Nation. This can be translated to the impetus need of all sectors to work collectively towards the aim. However, it appears that the Meetings, Incentive trips, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) industry, has abstained from the deployment of smart technologies for one reason or another. This paper seeks to examine the potential of smart technologies deployment in Singapore’s existing MICE facilities as a tool to sharpen Singapore’s competitive advantage, and propose ways to assist venue owners in the implementation process. The MICE industry contributes significantly and consistently to Singapore’s constant economic growth, making up 1.1% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2012. Hence, it is important to continually enhance Singapore’s competitive advantage where feasible, especially where we face intense competitions. A two-pronged qualitative research method is employed to gather valuable insights from Singapore’s MICE industry players. Through these analyses, prevailing issues that resulted in inefficiencies and lowered productivity levels were uncovered, together with the industry trends. The recommended list of smart technologies will serve as a valuable decision-making tool for venue owners in evaluating the types of smart technologies to deploy based on their specific requirements. A Smart-Tech Deployment Model is also introduced to assist in the identification of critical factors that influences venue owners’ decisions in adopting smart technologies in their facilities.