The eastern coastal city of Qingdao, Shandong province has been ramping up efforts to boost the industry of Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions, or MICE, which was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2022 Qingdao International Auto Show attracts hordes of visitors. [Photo/Guanhai News]

According to official statistics, in 2022, the city signed a total of 196 projects during major exhibitions, meetings and conventions, involving an intended investment amount of more than 180 billion yuan ($26.55 billion), which has strongly promoted the revitalization and development of the local economy.

Qingdao has released a three-year action plan to promote the high-quality development of the local MICE industry. Over 70 high-level events have been arranged throughout the year, including the Qingdao Multinationals Summit and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Investment and Trade Expo.

It has also been working to build multi-level, multi-field, multi-category brand exhibitions. More than 20 exhibitions supporting key industrial chains have been held in the city, including the China International Consumer Electronics Expo, the Virtual Reality Innovation Conference, and the Asia-Pacific International Intelligent Manufacturing Expo.

Measures have been taken to foster MICE related companies and attract more industry giants to settle in the city.

The Qingdao Day during Shandong Week of China Pavilion, Expo 2020 Dubai is held on March 24, 2022 in Qingdao. [Photo/Guanhai News]