MIFF Awarded The Best Mice Exhibition Of The Year 2004

Furniture World Magazine

The prestigious Malaysian Tourism Awards was held on Friday, 19 August 2005 at the Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. The Awards, hosted by the Ministry of Tourism is a tribute to individuals and organisations that have excelled in the development of Malaysia's tourism industry. On this auspicious occasion, the Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) has made news once again when it was awarded by the Minister of Tourism. Y.B. Dato' Dr Leo Michael Toyad as the Best MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions and Special Events) exhibition of the Year. The award gives recognition to the MICE industry that has contributed significantly to Malaysia's share of the exhibition market. This is the first time such an award is presented and MIFF is proud to be the first recipient of this inaugural Best MICE Exhibition award in recognition for its efforts in organising the 10th Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) from 2 - 6 March 2004. The nominees to this award were judged according to strict criteria including total number of booths, the number of participating countries, economic impact (revenue and room nights), international and local exhibitors/ delegates' contents (percentage) and number of international and local visitors. MIFF is one of the most anticipated events of the year, which is primarily responsible in opening the doors to international buyers to appreciate and purchase Asian, particularly Malaysian furniture. MIFF 2004 covered 60,000 sqm of exhibition area with 377 exhibitors from 13 countries. There were a total number of over 16,000 visitors where over 6,500 were international visitors from 125 countries. However, the compelling facts and figures do not stop here. From the MIFF 2004, it generated an estimated RM2.05 billion in total export sales and with the number of international visitors attending this renowned exhibition, it created an economic spin- off estimated in excess of RM20 million for the local industries including the hotel, tourism, F&B, transportation and the local trade industries. Receiving this inaugural award sets another milestone for MIFF in light of its recognition for its professionalism and exemplary standards, which puts MIFF among the top ten leading furniture tradeshows in the global arena. This is coupled with the recognition of MIFF being a member of UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry approved event whereby it is subject to a strict audit process from an UFI approved firm. On this note, it strengthens the validity and reliability of MIFF's records adhering to international standards and the degree of professionalism that is set by the union of the world's leading tradeshow and organisers and fairground owners. The MIFF 2005 held from 1 - 5 March, marked another year of an astounding success breaking the record for international visitors and buyers surpassing the figures in 2004 with an increase of 4.6% and international visitors from 128 countries. The MIFF 2006, the 12th edition of the MIFF series, is scheduled to take place from 7 - 11 March. MIFF is set to improve and grow further and next year's exhibition will be bigger in space exceeding 70,000 sqm of exhibition space, exhibiting wider in variety and diversifying in designs. For the first time, MIFF will be held at two venues; the traditional venue at PWTC and the new Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). Visitors can expect major furniture players from Asia who have kept up with the latest trends and will be enthralled by appealing product designs and craftsmanship. MIFF is geared once again to present an exciting range of the best furniture the region has to offer, building stronger networks, venturing new markets and fusioning designs, making it the imperative choice as the best exhibitor for the nation's tourism industry.