Organized by Montgomery Events Asia, this large-scale hybrid flagship event for geospatial and location intelligence was held at Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre (MBS). As a large-scale pilot event held amidst a global pandemic, it was both a milestone for Singapore’s MICE industry and a testament to the city’s receptiveness to a safe and innovative event experience.
Pico was appointed as the on-site event management team and worked closely with the client, Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and MBS, to implement Safe Management Measures (SMM), and as the event’s official stand builder. With SMM planning and execution being the focus, its influence was felt on every other aspect of the team’s work on the project.
The team coordinated with the venue on route planning for the two-level conference hall venue, including guest arrival, antigen and swab tests, waiting area and registration, sponsor meeting suites, meeting pods and conference hall.
To minimise downtime, participants were organized into 14 groups, comprising 13 for conference and trade/exhibition attendees, and one group for those interested only in trade/exhibition. VIPs, speakers, exhibitors, organizers and the emcee were required to partake in antigen rapid tests (ART) or swab tests, as they were mostly from overseas and/or in close contact with overseas persons on another floor. Once notified of a negative result via SMS, guests proceeded to collect their ID badges at a counter on the same floor. Local attendees were required to utilise the government mandated SafeEntry app upon arrival before registration.
SMM also extended to seating arrangements and designated entrances to ensure safe distancing and prevent intermingling between participant groups. QR codes at each entrance enabled locals to check in with the SafeEntry app.
Guest flow was intricately plotted, including to designated washrooms and post-conference paths to and within meeting suites. Dubbed ‘GeoSuites’, the meeting suites were converted from MBS ballrooms, with each accommodating meeting pods to host exhibitors’ meetings arranged via the official Geo Connect Asia portal. Attendees were to remain strictly within their group whilst visiting the Geosuites. For added safety, meeting pod interiors were fitted with plexiglass panels to separate the participants.
Registration of trade visitors commenced later, with timeframes allotted for trade floor visits. A waiting area was available for visitors arriving earlier than their allotted time, or awaiting the next available slot after exceeding their one-hour session.