Event bookings can earn vouchers

Thailand’s largest convention venue launches a membership programme to attract more business.

Impact Muang Thong Thani announced last week what it call a “Society Corporate Reward Card”  that offers clients a chance to redeem discounts when they book their next event at the venue.

The Impact Exhibition Management company general manager, Loy Joon How, said the card was the second loyalty programme after the launch of Society Privilege Card that has 9,000 active members.

“We received feedback from clients that our costs were too high,” said Mr Loy. “This plan will help us attract business, while maintaining rate integrity.”

The new card gives 800 selected partners, one reward point for every Bt250 spent based on a minimum spending of Bt25,000 at the venue.

They can collect points and redeem them within two years for cash vouchers that can be cashed in for space rental, catering services, meetings, Impact restaurants, car parking, services and equipment.

All of the card holders have a booking history with Impact have been in a position to make decisions on venue choice for at least three years.

Mr Loy expects to achieve a ratio 50:50 between international events and domestic events, up from the 30:70 in favour of domestic events. Impact is also planning to open a four-star 381-room hotel near the main hall costing Bt2 billion.

“Our target is to be among the top five venues in Asia within five years,” said Mr Loy.

Business is slow in the MICE sector, but he still forecasts that the company’s event bookings will  match the 2007 peak by the close of 2011.