THE 23rd Mindanao Business Conference (Minbizcon) is slated in General Santos City on September 1 to 3, giving focus on the 2015 Asean Economic Convergence (AEC 2015).
The conference carries the theme: "Growth Beyond Convergence."
"We are expecting some 1,500 participants to attend this year's Minbizcon," Rey L. Billena, Minbizcon conference director, said in Thursday's Mindanao Roadshow: Gearing up for AEC 2015 at Microtel Inn and Suites.
This will be the third time the city will host the Minbizcon.
The General Santos City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc (GSCCCII) and the Sarangani Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (SCCII) will be co-hosting the event.
This year's Minbizcon will not only be inviting participants from Mindanao but also from neighboring Asean members.
The conference will be held at the convention center of KCC Mall of Gensan while the trade fair and exhibits will be held at the Veranza Mall, across KCC Mall. There will be a soft opening of the trade fair and exhibits on August 30, 2014.
Plenary topics will include: Positioning Mindanao Economy in the Asean Market, Asean Trade Agreements, The Asean Market, Asean Connectivity, Energy Efficiency, Financing Growth, Intellectual Property, and Standards and Conformance.
The organizers have invited President Benigno C. Aquino III to grace the event.
The 23rd Minbizcon is presented by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and it is supported and collaborated by the City Government of General Santos City, Provincial Government of Sarangani, Mindanao Development Authority (Minda), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Their partner hotels are Greenleaf Hotel, Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham, The Ice Castle Hotel, Family Country Hotel and Convention Center, Hotel San Marco, Road Haus, Florotel, Stonewood Hotel and Sydney Hotel.
The organizers have held roadshows in different cities in Mindanao like Cotabato City, Cagayan de Oro City, and Butuan City.
Last year, the 22nd Minbizcon was held at Davao City from August 8 to 10 at SMX Davao Convention Center of SM Lanang Premier. It was hosted by the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., headed by DCCCII past president and chairman of the board John Y. Gaisano Jr. (With a report from Janin R. Langoy, UIC Intern)