APEC Japan 2010 Meeting Schedule

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) has chosen Japan as the destination for its 2010 annual summit, comprising fifteen meetings to be held across the nation, from Beppu City in Kyushu to Sapporo in the northern island of Hokkaido. This will be the second time Japan has hosted the APEC forum, the first being in 1995. APEC's membership consists of 21 member countries, all of which boarder the Pacific Ocean, and its goal is to increase the regional economic cooperation and prosperity of its members and to address important issues pertaining to such matters.

Japan is an ideal place to hold such an extensive summit. With 51 government designated International Convention Cities which possess all the facilities and infrastructure necessary to hold large, complex and high level meetings, the choice of venues is vast and varied. Stretching from as north as Montreal, Quebec and as south as Florida, U.S.A., with natural features ranging from snow-capped mountains, rushing rivers and lush forests to sandy beaches, tropical foliage and even a dune-laden desert, Japan offers an array of climates and natural environments for one to enjoy. In addition, with the second largest economy in the world, Japan is an affluent and technologically-advanced nation, continually on the cutting edge of science and technological research and innovation. This has given rise to one of the most convenient and traveler-friendly societies in the world, including an extensive and comprehensive transportation infrastructure, world-class hotels which boast the highest level of service and hospitality in the world, and high-end luxury markets. Furthermore, Japan is a gourmet paradise, having received a total of 416 Michelin stars between Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto – Tokyo alone earning nine three-star ratings, tying Paris for the highest in that category worldwide. And to top it all off, Japan has a rich and interesting history and native culture, as witnessed by its many yearly festivals and eleven UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

For association executives and meeting planners, Japan sincerely looks forward to warmly welcoming you to the Land of the Rising Sun for your next meeting!