EVENT SUMMARY
Since 2019, The Webster Group (TWG) has had the great honor of supporting the planning and production of the annual Indo-Pacific Business Forum (IPBF) for the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA). This high-level event convenes international government and trade representatives, corporate leaders, project developers, and sources of financing for priority infrastructure in emerging Indo-Pacific economies. TWG has been responsible for all event, venue, and vendor logistics, as well as event material development and production.
The 2024 IPBF in Manila, Philippines provided a high-profile platform to showcase critical partnerships, infrastructure projects, and initiatives that advance economic integration in line with the U.S. Indo-Pacific vision. This hallmark event featured significant engagement between the U.S. and Filipino governments, as well as leading corporate figures from across the Asia-Pacific region. Furthermore, the Forum had over 10 additional partners supporting the event. The event comprised five plenary sessions, two grant signings, five breakout sessions, and one-on-one meetings with 32 unique organizations. All plenary sessions were live streamed to attendees worldwide, focusing on the challenges and opportunities shaping the region's rapidly growing digital economy, energy sector, and broader infrastructure development in Southeast Asia. The plenary sessions took place in the main ballroom, while the breakout sessions were held on the fourth floor of the Shangri-La. The one-on-one meetings, also on the fourth level, commenced after the plenary sessions ended. The Forum concluded with a networking reception in the main ballroom.
In total 577 credentialed delegates – representing 21 countries from across the Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the United States – attended the 2024 IPBF. Credentialed media representatives brought the total number of attendees present to well over 600. The Forum offered unprecedented networking opportunities for the private sector, helping facilitate connections between CEOs, project developers, government officials, and sources of infrastructure financing. To make the event more user-friendly, TWG incorporated an app for attendees to access important information about the event and additional materials.
The day-long agenda featured panel discussions with CEOs, U.S. and high-level Filipino government leaders, and officials from partner countries in the Indo-Pacific region. His Excellency Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines was in attendance and gave his remarks. Another Filipino government official was Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry, Alfredo E. Pascual. Additional key U.S. Government leaders that participated include The Honorable Enoh T. Ebong, Director of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, and The Honorable Daniel J. Kritenbrink, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs.
TWG SERVICES PROVIDED: A/V & Multimedia Services, Budget Management, Catering, Dining & Food & Beverage Management, Venue Sourcing, Contract Negotiation, Hotel Contract Negotiation & Room Block Management, Interpretation & Translation Services, Attendee Communication, Itinerary Development, Travel & Transportation Management, Logistics Management, Material Production, Registration & On-Site Coordination, Site Visits & Receptions, Website Development
