Merger positions Tasmania as key competitor
One of the largest global event management companies, MCI, has merged with a small Tasmanian agency in a move that is set to put Tasmania on the global conferencing map.
After operating a small office in Tasmania for two years, MCI last week announced it would join with Convention Wise in a bid to expand its network in the Tasmanian business events market.
Convention Wise will now trade under the global MCI brand – which employs 1500 staff across 23 countries – while MCI will now have the capacity to deliver large delegate meetings in Tasmania.
MCI managing director Ray Shaw explained that the deal works in favour of both companies: "We now have the operations on the ground to deliver up to 1000 delegate meetings to Tasmania, and Convention Wise now have the support of MCI’s world talents and product practices."
But Tasmania’s meetings industry is also set to benefit, Shaw said, noting that the deal would deliver "significant economic and employment benefit" to the state.
It would also allow Tasmania to compete with mainland Australia, Shaw added.
"Tasmania is plagued by economy of scale. It is always competing with mainland Australia, but doesn’t have the infrastructure to service it," he told The Nibbler. "This merger is big news for Tasmania. The biggest player in the world now has a significant stake in one of the smallest states in the world."
Meanwhile, former Convention Wise owner, Phil Holmes welcomed the long term benefits for the industry."Our current clients will benefit from MCI’s global strength and experience and Tasmania will gain greater opportunities from the international exposure associated with this global company," he said.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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