The awards began with a conference where industry leaders gathered to discuss best practices and latest developments within the sports industry, the key focus being on Asia. The conference will continue into Tuesday, followed by the awards gala in the evening.

SPIA Asia 2016 endorsed and supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Sports Authority Thailand and the Tourism Authority Thailand received remarkable 208 entries from 17 Asian countries which were then shortlisted to 161 by an independent panel of industry experts and award auditors.