An impressive investment plan from Bangkok Land Plc will give a shot in the arm of Thailand’s conference and exhibition economy. The real estate giant is to spend Bt3.1 billion ($101.06 million) within the next 12 months on IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, the country’s leading venue in Asia.

In a bid to fully integrate convention facility and shore up the country’s leading role in conference and exhibition economy in Asia, Bangkok Land will add an additional 50,000 sq m of convention space to the venue with IMPACT Convention Center being completed by July 2012.

Paul Kanjanapas, Managing Director of IMPACT Exhibition Management Company, said “Bangkok Land has committed to this major investment due to the increased number of bookings being received particularly in the meetings, weddings and exhibition sectors. We are fast tracking the building of meeting rooms now, and they will be made available immediately after each is completed.”

According to him, the venue is embracing a very promising business prospect. A popular location for wedding ceremonies, it saw an almost 30 percent increase and caters to 30-40 events at the same time now.

Upon completion, the IMPACT Convention Center will consist of grand foyers of 7,000 sq m and 2 large ballrooms. One of the ballrooms can accommodate 25,000 for a cocktail event and the other 8,000 seated guests. There will be three fully equipped auditoriums, a multi-purpose exhibition hall of 5,000 sq m, large function rooms, business centers, VIP rooms. It will also be equipped with a press center, a kids corner and a prayer room.

Ease of connectivity between all venues is also underway with Skybridges being built for ease of all exhibitors, and visitors.

"By June 2012 IMPACT will be the most unique tailor made, complete, integrated convention centre not only in Thailand but in Asia too,” Khun Paul said.

The conference and exhibition sector, a pillar in Thai economy, is estimated to grow by 30 percent this year after a downturn in 2009 from the financial turmoil. Thai government has vowed to pour Bt1.6 billion into the sector this year.