Photos: Penang’s largest convention attracts 13,000 delegates

Penang has successfully hosted its largest convention once again, with 13,000 delegates from 30 countries attending the V-Malaysia 2019 network-marketing extravaganza held at Setia SPICE Convention Centre and Setia SPICE Arena from April 23-29.

The annual convention is organised by QNET, one of Asia’s leading direct-selling companies which retails products across the wellness, personal care and beauty, holidays, home care and e-learning categories.

Themed ‘Lead to Inspire to Lead’, V-Malaysia 2019 included training programmes, motivational speeches, QNET product launches, the QNET Carnival product exhibition and plenty of entertainment.

The event was supported by the Penang Convention & Visitors Bureau (PCEB), with road closures and other measures to allow for the 350 buses being used to transport participants. It has become an important event on the island’s annual calendar, with a huge “Welcome Home” banner greeting attendees as they approached the main venues.

Yasmin Bathamanathan, manager, marketing and communications, PCEB, told CEI: “With the sheer number of coaches, airport arrivals and logistics of the delegates, multiple local authorities are engaged, including the immigration, traffic police and local council to ensure the smoothness of the convention.”

She said the event – which has been running in Penang for six consecutive years – has had a huge direct economic impact on the state, brought in more corporate events, and shown the potential of business events to stakeholders, which has led to greater buy-in.

“V-Malaysia and the growth of business events in Penang has [also] brought in more private sector investment - new hotels with meetings facilities,  the upcoming Penang Waterfront Convention Centre, and suppliers and meetings support organisations,” she said.

Key staff began arriving five days ahead of the event to set-up and begin their high-energy ‘warrior’ training, which encourages the team to put ‘service before self’ and ensure a smooth experience for delegates. The large number of participants meant a designated registration day was held on April 22.

QNET CEO, Malou Caluza, said: “Events like the V-Convention give us an opportunity to serve our distributors and allow them to experience us at close quarters. We have brought in around 250 staff from all over the world to support us at this convention and give our participants an unparalleled experience.”

The SPICE Arena was fitted with a large central stage, giant drop-down screens for 360-degree visibility at all distances, and a VIP seating mezzanine.

Over the five days the stage supported everything from speakers to the multicultural Parade of Colours and a dance number by the V Kids. Combined with lighting effects, the giant screens allowed for different themes, close-ups and backdrops.