Host, venues & cities

The Atelier in Chiang Mai, Thailand is organised in collaboration with the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB).

The host: Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau

The Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), a public organisation, takes the lead on behalf of the Thai government in the development and success of Thailand’s MICE sector. Established in 2004, TCEB works to drive growth, elevate quality standards, and inspire creativity in the industry. TCEB offers a range of advisory services and attractive support packages to contribute to the success and productivity of business events held in Thailand. The Chiang Mai Convention & Exhibition Centre is one of Southeast’s Asia largest convention centres.

Nopparat Maythaveekulchai, President TCEB

“It is my personal pleasure to welcome the Atelier for Young Festivals Managers to Chiang Mai, Thailand in 2016. As the Thai government’s official flagship body for the MICE sector, the TCEB is responsible for fostering Thailand’s role in hosting world-class events. The Atelier participants will enjoy Chiang Mai’s cosmopolitan nature and thriving arts and culture scene which make the city a top destination for international festivals in Thailand and the ASEAN region.”

Preparatory visit to Chiang Mai (November 2015)

Why Chiang Mai?

Participants will have the chance to compare their views with colleagues from various cultural and professional contexts and backgrounds, and analyse them in view of the local context of Chiang Mai. What is the relationship like between traditional and contemporary art in Thailand? To what extent is this reflected in festival management concepts? To what extent do political and social developments have an influence on artistic programming? What are the similarities and differences to other contexts? 

Preparatory visit to Chiang Mai (November 2015)

The city: Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is located 700 kilometres north of Bangkok. With around 200,000 inhabitants, it is Thailand's second most important city. It is an important centre for tourism, education and trade and, more recently, for creativity. The city is famous for its friendly people, refined handicrafts, comfortable climate, and stunning mountain scenery. The artistic, cultural, and creative diversity makes Chiang Mai a highly popular destination that needs to be discovered and experienced. 

In the cooler winter months, starting in November, one of the best ways to explore the city is by bicycle, taking time to sip a coffee, visiting craft shops, and pay attention to the small details in sidestreets, markets, and temples.

The Royal Thai Government has announced Chiang Mai as the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferencing, exhibitions) City, ready for ASEAN MICE. Besides traditional culture and beautiful natural scenery, many hidden treasures remain to be discovered in this flourishing city, historically part of a trade route from Southern China and now partner city of the Southeast Asian Creative Cities Network (SEACCN).