Thailand to host “Mass Participation Asia 2017”

Mass Participation Sports Events Pte Ltd in collaboration with Move by Muse Co Ltd, the Sports Authority of Thailand, Tourism Authority of Thailand, and Thai Health Promotion Foundation held a press conference to announce “Mass Participation Asia 2017” (MPA), Asia’s only conference for the mass participation industry. The event will be held for the first time in Thailand on April 3 and 4 at the Centara Grand at Central World, bringing together local and international leaders in mass participation sporting events, including marathon, cycling and triathlon. These experts will share their strategies and successes in organizing mass participation sports, with the objective of developing Thailand’s sports tourism and positioning it to be the next international sports hub.
 
“Having projected the growth of mass participation sports in Thailand, we are excited to be co-hosting MPA. The beauty of mass participation events is that it knows no boundaries, welcoming participants of all ages regardless of social status. These events bring communities together, attracting both local and international participants, professionals and casuals. Thailand has clearly positioned itself as an attractive destination, with tourists planning holidays around their attendance of such events in the country. This is very much in line with the government’s vision to develop Thailand as the next international sports hub. The initial program which will take up to 3 years will focus on bringing in international events to Thailand and to improve local events to international standards,” said Tanukiat Junchum, SAT’s Director of Professional Sports Development and Boxing Department.
 
“MPA will open up new doors for mass participation sports in Thailand. With the many leaders and experts coming in for the conference, I am certain we will learn important strategies for us to host successful international events. With this knowledge, we can build meaningful relationships between the public and private sectors and boost sports tourism for the country. Thailand is blessed with great geographical landscapes that has the potential to host a diverse range of sports, from golf, marathon trails and cycling along scenic routes. We are also equipped with an international sports training center which is ready to host conferences such as MPA,” said Mr Junchum.

 
“We are pleased to host an international conference such as MPA in Thailand, especially after its overwhelming success in Singapore. As an industry pioneer, the conference provides a unique platform for stakeholders across the industry to meet, exchange knowledge, and learn from one another. Our goal is to foster collaboration and drive best practice within the industry,” said Chris Robb, CEO of Mass Participation Sports Events Pte Ltd, the property owner of MPA.
 
“This year, MPA will not only feature leaders from within mass participation but also from beyond the industry, including the likes of Neil Stewart, Head of Agency, APAC at Facebook, the largest online social media platform and social networking service; Josh Black, former APAC CEO of GroupM Content, the world’s largest advertising media company; David Hansen, founder of SuperSprint Events and director of over 500 international events including the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games Triathlon; Sam Middlehurst, Co-Founder of The Music Run, the ultimate 5k running and music festival that has expanded to 10 countries in just 3 years; as well as Victor Cui, CEO of ONE Championship, Asia’s largest media property that elevated the MMA industry in Asia,” said Mr Robb.
 
“MPA, which has received international recognition, will help build a positive image for Thailand. Aside from equipping our local operators with the necessary knowledge for mass participation, the conference presents us with an opportunity to connect with every stakeholder, from government agencies, event organizers, event promoters, industry suppliers, digital agencies, brands, sponsors and even non-profit organizations. I foresee the conference will not only promote tourism within urban areas but also to its outskirts and local communities. With a rise in such events, I am certain mass participation events will grow into a huge platform for businesses to leverage as a marketing tool,” said Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications.
 
“Thailand organizes over 700 mass participation events annually with the numbers growing to meet the increasing demand. There is a positive trend of promoting a healthy lifestyle with these events and with case studies being presented at MPA including the likes of the Boston Marathon and Music Run, it would spur our local organizers to rise up to meet international standards. Moreover, with greater awareness, our Thai population will pay more attention to other health related facets such as nutrition and recovery,” said Narong Tiammek from the Thai Health Promotion Foundation.
 
“We are taking a giant step forward in creating a knowledge hub for mass participation sports in Thailand with the conference. Our goal is to hold the event annually, in a bid to establish the Mass Participation Thailand Center (MPTC), a repository of knowledge, information and expertise from around the world on everything mass participation,” said Boonperm Intanapasat, Chairman of Muse Group Bangkok Co., Ltd, co-host of MPA.
 
Delegate passes to attend Mass Participation Asia 2017 starts at 17,500 baht (US$499) during its early bird phase, available until 19 March, after which they go for 21,000 baht (US$599). Delegate passes include all-access to MPA 2017, daily lunches and coffee breaks as well as access to a networking cocktail party. Attendees will also receive special discounted hotel rates with the conference’s hotel partners. MPA will be held on April 3-4, 2017 at Centara Grand at Central World, between 9am and 5:30pm. Further to that, a series of workshops will be held by several key presenters on the following day on April 5. Seats to each workshop go for 8,750 baht (US$250) or 14,000 baht for any two. For more information, please visit http://massparticipationasia.com/.