The Sheraton Manila Hotel has converted its Collab co-working area into an events space, and launched it recently in conjunction with the 120th-anniversary celebration of The American Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines.
The 1,000m2 space complements Sheraton Manila’s other business events facilities. In total, the hotel boats 1,760m2 of total event space across 15 function spaces, where the largest can comfortably hold 780 pax.
“We saw much more opportunity in creating a modern, eclectic and versatile meeting space…. We are very optimistic about (the business events prospects for) 4Q2022 and 2023,” said Bruce Winton, Marriott International’s multi-property vice president Philippines.
He cited AmCham’s 120th-anniversary celebration as an example of what can be done at Collab. An exhibition and symposium titled MICE is NICE was held on the second floor, dinner and entertainment on the ground floor, and networking throughout the space with business leaders and corporate decision makers.
MICE organizers favoured the rising number of business event venues like Collab in metro Manila as they address the shortage of suitable venues and prepare for the increase in demand for such spaces.
As Michelle de Ocampo-Ballesteros, CEO of Ex-Link Events, said: “MICE in the Philippines is slowly pickng up. There is a higher demand for face-to-face events”.
Currently, most are either domestic or hybrid events, but is hopeful for the future as other markets in Asia are gradually gaining confidence in attending business events overseas.
