What Is a Convention, One of the Key Components of MICE? — Explanation and Case Studies Utilizing Unique Venues
2025.7.3
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Table of Contents
- What Is a Convention as Part of MICE?
- How to Choose the Right Venue for a Convention
- What Are Unique Venues Recommended for Conventions?
- Case Studies of Unique Venue Utilization
- Contact Us for Convention Planning and Inquiries
What Is a Convention as Part of MICE?
A convention is one of the four categories that make up MICE (pronounced “mice”), a collective term for business events. It generally refers to large-scale meetings, assemblies, exhibitions, or expos. Among these, the term is most commonly used to describe international conferences attended by participants from two or more countries. Some conventions can attract over 3,000 people from around the world. They are often organized or sponsored by governments, international organizations, local authorities, academic institutions, industry associations, or private companies.
Conventions are characterized by their international nature. Since they attract guests not only from across Japan but also from overseas, they offer high potential for drawing large crowds. The interaction among participants can also lead to new business opportunities. Hosting a convention can provide significant benefits to the organizing body.
If you’re not familiar with MICE, we recommend reading this article.
How to Choose the Right Venue for a Convention
As mentioned earlier, creating opportunities for interaction among participants is key to generating new business opportunities through a convention. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a venue that can accommodate a large number of people and facilitates networking.
It’s also important to select a venue that can be easily adapted to various types of events, such as receptions and social gatherings, rather than simply serving as a place for conversations. Additionally, since guests will be coming from across Japan and abroad, be sure to consider accessibility from major train stations and airports.
We strongly recommend confirming two essential factors:
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The venue’s capacity
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Accessibility from major transportation hubs
What Are Unique Venues Recommended for Conventions?
A convention is a valuable opportunity that can lead to future business prospects. That’s why it is important to choose a venue that provides a sense of exclusivity and distinction for your invited guests. In this regard, utilizing a unique venue is highly recommended.
A unique venue refers to a special location that is made available for events outside of its original purpose. Examples include historical buildings, shrines and temples, castle ruins, art galleries, and museums—places that offer a unique atmosphere. Many of these venues, such as museums and art galleries, already host conferences and exhibitions, making them well-suited and efficient for holding conventions.
Spending time in cultural properties that embody the essence of Japan can offer overseas guests a truly memorable and special experience.
Examples of Unique Venue Utilization
Here, we introduce a unique venue located in Osaka—one of Japan’s major cities. Each venue offers excellent accessibility and is well-suited for hosting conventions.
-Osaka City Central Public Hall
Built in 1918 and located in the heart of a major metropolis, Osaka City Central Public Hall is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property that remains accessible for a wide range of events.
Its Main Hall, with over 1,000 seats, can accommodate concerts, lectures, ceremonies, and more. The space retains design elements reminiscent of European palaces, featuring rich artistic details such as depictions of Japanese mythology on the ceiling and walls, and stunning stained-glass windows spanning the room. Guests are sure to enjoy a unique and inspiring experience, reflecting on both Japanese and global history.
Click here for more details about Osaka City Central Public Hall.
-Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka
Opened in 2022, the Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka is one of the city’s premier art institutions. It houses over 6,000 works, including modern and contemporary art and design pieces from both Japan and abroad, with a particular focus on artists connected to Osaka.
The museum features a hall that can accommodate up to 300 people, as well as multipurpose spaces and a lawn area—allowing organizers to choose the most suitable venue based on the purpose of their convention. This flexibility is one of the museum’s key attractions.
Click here for more details about the Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka.
-Osaka Castle Nishinomaru Garden – Osaka Guest House
Located at the foot of Osaka’s iconic landmark, Osaka Castle, the Osaka Guest House in Nishinomaru Garden is an elegant venue modeled after the Shiroshoin of Kyoto’s World Heritage Site, Nijo Castle.
Built in 1995 to host and welcome dignitaries during the APEC ’95 international conference, it has since served as a venue for high-profile events—including the banquet for the G20 Osaka Summit in 2019. It stands as a symbol of Japan’s world-renowned hospitality.
Click here for more details about the Osaka Guest House in Nishinomaru Garden.
Contact Us for Convention Planning and Support
Host your next convention at a unique venue that utilizes Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
UNIQUE VENUES OF JAPAN, with a proven track record of welcoming guests from across Japan and around the world, is here to support you every step of the way.
Click here to get in touch.
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