Spalba, a SaaS-enabled B2B event marketplace, has entered Vietnam by signing two properties: Angsana Lăng Cô and Banyan Tree Lăng Cô. The move is part of the company's broader Southeast Asia expansion, aimed at capitalizing on Vietnam's rapidly growing Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) market, which has been fueled by the country's emergence as a manufacturing and corporate hub.
The Vietnam entry is a key component of Spalba's Asia-Pacific (APAC) strategy, with the company targeting 100% growth this year and plans to extend its reach to over 80 cities globally. By 2027, Spalba intends to establish a network of more than 100,000 active event spaces, with Southeast Asia as a pivotal growth area.
Vietnam's MICE appeal
Vietnam's appeal as a MICE destination is growing, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City, which is becoming a hotspot for international conferences and corporate events. Spalba aims to streamline the traditionally manual pre-event planning process in Vietnam, where venue discovery can take weeks. "Vietnam represents more than a new geography for us. It is an opportunity to participate in the next phase of how the region's event infrastructure is built," said Vishal Puri, Co-Founder of Spalba.
Spalba's digital twin technology allows event planners to virtually explore venues, potentially reducing sales cycles by up to 60%. The platform also features event mock-ups and Praloop, an AI-powered project management tool, to consolidate event planning workflows.
Initially, Spalba will manage its Vietnam operations from its Singapore and India hubs, conducting 3D shoots at properties to facilitate digital integration. The company plans to expand its presence in Vietnam by onboarding more premium venues and may establish a local office as operations grow.
This expansion aligns with broader trends in the region, such as the recent Hilton debut of its Tapestry Collection in Vietnam, highlighting the country's growing appeal for upscale hospitality and events. Additionally, the development of local aviation talent, as seen in the A320 cadet program launched by BAA Training Vietnam and Sun Phu Quoc Airways, supports the infrastructure needed for increased business travel.
Spalba's entry into Vietnam also comes as the country's tourism sector faces challenges, including scrutiny over budget tour practices, but the MICE segment remains a bright spot for premium offerings.
With its digital-first approach, Spalba is positioning itself to become a key player in the region's event technology space, offering tools that promise to cut planning time and improve efficiency for corporate event organizers.
