Asia/Singapore Friday, 10th April 2026
Page 102

Collinson’s Airport Dimensions takes flight in Indonesia with Blue Sky Lounge investment

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The investment and partnership is part of Airport Dimensions’ broader strategy to expand its lounge network across APAC

Airport Dimensions, specialists in airport lounges and experiences and part of the Collinson Group, has expanded into Indonesia through a strategic investment in Blue Sky Group, the owner of the Blue Sky Lounge network.

The move sees Airport Dimensions acquire a 45 per cent stake in Bumi Liputan Angkasa, a subsidiary of Blue Sky Group, granting them a substantial foothold in the world’s second-fastest-growing aviation market.

The investment and partnership is part of Airport Dimensions’ broader strategy to expand its lounge network across APAC

This partnership marks a key milestone in Airport Dimensions’ expansion across the Asia-Pacific (APAC). Blue Sky Lounge currently operates premium lounges in major hubs such as Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, and Juanda International Airport in Surabaya.

The collaboration will immediately bolster Airport Dimensions’ network by adding 11 existing Blue Sky Lounges across Indonesia, located in airports located in Jakarta (Terminals 1, 2, and 3), Balikpapan, Samarinda, Batam, Bali, Pontianak, Palembang, Pekanbaru, and Surabaya.

The partnership has also yielded its first joint project, the upcoming launch of a brand-new airport lounge at Makassar Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport later this year.

This strategic investment aligns with Airport Dimensions’ broader strategy to expand its lounge network across APAC, building on recent successful ventures into Hong Kong with Kyra Lounge and Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club, and a flagship partnership with SASCO in Vietnam.

Philippe Leboeuf leads Dorchester Collection as CEO

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Dorchester Collection has appointed Philippe Leboeuf as CEO, effective June 2025.

A seasoned hotelier, Leboeuf joins from Raffles London, where he served as managing director.

With extensive experience in the luxury sector across multiple continents, he has held senior leadership roles, including director general of Concorde Hotels, owned by Taittinger, overseeing 19 owned and 70 affiliated hotels. He also served as a Board director of Leading Hotels of the World.

New IMBA Theatre to transform Singapore’s cultural scene

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IMBA Theatre, Singapore’s first venue dedicated to large-scale immersive experiences, will open at Gardens by the Bay in December 2025. Presented by the new entity IMBA (Immersive Media Based Arts), created by local edutainment group H&B, the theatre aims to engage audiences with immersive storytelling and big ideas in emotional ways.

IMBA Theatre will offer year-round arts and culture events at Gardens by the Bay, featuring a versatile space that blends technology and creativity. It will showcase local and global exhibitions, performances, and more, encouraging audiences to engage with art in new ways.

IMBA Theatre’s Gallery Space is designed for traditional and mixed media showcases; photo by IMBA

In collaboration with ACRE Design, Arina International Holdings, DP Architects, and Kaizen Architecture, the new venue uses digital and media technology to host interactive exhibitions, live performances, and cultural showcases by local and global artists.

IMBA Theatre will feature a 1,858m² Black Box Theatre with a 12.5m-high projection wall, designed for exhibitions and events. The 1,161m² Gallery Space, with a height of 6.5m, will host media showcases. Retail and dining experiences will also be available.

IMBA Theatre will provide a platform for artistic exchange, bringing together local and international creatives through immersive storytelling. It will showcase Singapore’s diverse arts scene and offer an evolving selection of programmes. Partnering with London-based Lightroom, a leader in immersive storytelling, IMBA will deliver world-class experiences. The Theatre will open in December with The Botero Show, an immersive exhibition featuring works by Colombian artist Fernando Botero, including his iconic sculptures displayed across indoor and outdoor spaces.

IMBA Theatre will highlight Singapore’s cultural heritage, showcasing the Nanyang style, which blends Chinese and Western techniques to portray South-east Asian themes, along with murals reflecting the city’s past.

In collaboration with Nanyang Polytechnic’s School of Design & Media, IMBA will develop local and global IP content, supporting the growth of talent and innovation to enrich Singapore’s cultural and creative industries.

Michael Lee, CEO of H&B, said: “IMBA Theatre is more than just a venue; it is a space designed for scale and adaptability to inspire wonder and allow audiences to foster deeper connections with the arts and the world around us. Conceptualised by IMBA, the Theatre will be a portal to immersive encounters to create moments of wonder and a lifetime of inspiration. It will merge technology, creativity and impactful storytelling in the way we showcase local talent and global artistry. This is a testament to our commitment to creating transformative experiences that bridge tradition and innovation, and cement Singapore’s position as a global cultural hub.”

Felix Loh, CEO of Gardens by the Bay, added: “Gardens by the Bay constantly refreshes our offerings so that there is always something novel for our visitors… IMBA Theatre will reach out to both regular and new audiences by offering innovative immersive experiences amid the iconic setting of the gardens.”

Millennium boosts winter events in Northland & Bay of Islands with special packages

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Function space at Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands

Millennium Hotels & Resorts is reinforcing its commitment to Northland and the Bay of Islands, aiming to drive increased visitation, corporate conferences, and events during the winter season.

To entice event organisers, Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands is offering exclusive corporate and conference packages for events held between May 1, 2025, and September 30, 2025. These packages include premium accommodation, meeting space offers, and tailored itineraries featuring cultural experiences, adventure tourism, and gourmet dining.

Function space at Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands

Accommodation rates start at NZ$179 per night, with breakfast included. Free venue hire for 50+ attendees and a minimum of 10 rooms per night. Terms and conditions apply.

Millennium Hotels & Resorts has also launched targeted marketing campaigns showcasing Northland’s breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and diverse activities to audiences across New Zealand and key international markets, including Australia.

Above and beyond

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1. Aboriginal Heritage Walk, Melbourne
Set within the lush Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, this Aboriginal Heritage Walk offers a deep dive into the culture and customs of the Kulin Nation. The 90-minute experience is led by a First Peoples guide through an exploration of native plants used for food, tools, and medicine while sharing stories of Country.

Ideal for private groups of up to 20 per guide, with additional guides available for larger bookings, this immersive journey provides a meaningful connection to Australia’s Indigenous heritage in Melbourne’s 
city centre.

2. Farmer’s Daughters, Melbourne
Farmer’s Daughters brings the rich flavours of regional Gippsland to Melbourne, offering a true artisan farm-to-table experience across three distinct levels. The Rooftop, the venue’s largest space, delivers a greenhouse-inspired setting with seasonal cocktails, Gippsland wines, and curated menus showcasing the region’s best produce including their popular soda bread.

The space accommodates up to 48 seated guests or 70 for cocktail receptions, with customisable F&B packages. Heated and weatherproof, this gourmet oasis with a retractable roof is a great way to experience the region while remaining in the city.

3. Wintjiri Wiru, Northern Territory
Set atop a desert dune with panoramic views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, Wintjiri Wiru blends Anangu storytelling with cutting-edge technology. The Sunset Dinner version of the show begins with a gourmet hamper featuring native ingredients, enjoyed in an open-air theatre under the desert sky.

As night falls, choreographed drones, lasers, and projections bring the sacred Mala story to life. This immersive experience accommodates up to 200 guests cocktail-style, with multilingual narration devices available on request.

As custodians of the land, Anangu hold the Mala story from Kaltukatjara to Uluru.

4. Reef & Island In A Day, Cairns
A new partnership between Zoom Helicopters and Sunlover Reef Cruises introduces the Reef & Island In 
A Day experience, an exhilarating mix of flight and reef exploration.

Groups of 10 to 600 pax can opt for a 10-minute scenic flight or a 25-minute heli transfer before arriving at the Moore Reef pontoon. With activities involving a semi-submersible, glass-bottom boat, and helmet diving, guests have adventurous options without getting their hair wet, before enjoying a premium lunch and island adventure – great for team bonding.

5. Minjerribah Culture, Food & Wildlife Tour, Brisbane
Kiff & Culture designs immersive, high-end group experiences across Brisbane and beyond.

For a deeper cultural connection, the Minjerribah Culture, Food & Wildlife Tour takes groups of two to 24 pax on a guided exploration of Stradbroke Island, combining Indigenous storytelling, wildlife encounters, and a premium seafood feast. Bespoke itineraries, including heli-tours and multi-day adventures, cater to business events of multiple sizes.

Alternatively, the Fire to Fork dining experience showcases locally sourced produce slow-cooked over open flames in stunning alfresco settings, with options for wine pairings, and at private locations such as Roma Street Parklands.

Uno Loco Group acquires The Conference Company

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From left: The Conference Company’s James Brehaut; incoming CEO Thea Farrant Adam; The Conference’s Company Stephen Noble and Jan Tonkin; and Uno Loco Group’s Blair Glubb

Uno Loco Group has acquired The Conference Company, bringing together two highly regarded organisations in the New Zealand industry.

Jan Tonkin, managing director of The Conference Company, and Blair Glubb, chief executive of Uno Loco Group, announced the acquisition early in March.

From left: The Conference Company’s James Brehaut; incoming CEO Thea Farrant Adam; The Conference’s Company Stephen Noble and Jan Tonkin; and Uno Loco Group’s Blair Glubb

Tonkin, a former president of the International Association of Professional Conference Organisers (IAPCO) and past BEIA Board Member is widely respected for her contributions to the business events sector in both New Zealand and Australia.

During the transition, Tonkin will remain with The Conference Company for six months, supporting incoming CEO Thea Farrant Adam.

Fusion Hotel Group appoints new regional director for South-east Asia

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Fusion Hotel Group has named Markus Gloor as the new regional director for South-East Asia. In this role, Gloor will be responsible for the opening and management of new properties outside Thailand and Vietnam.

With three decades of experience in the hospitality sector in Switzerland and Thailand, Gloor previously served as the director of operations in Thailand, where he played a key role in expanding the brand.

Ta’aktana names new GM

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Ta’aktana, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Labuan Bajo in Indonesia has appointed Peter-Paul Kleiss as the new general manager.

With a distinguished career across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, he joined Ta’aktana in 2023 as director of operations. His dedication to operational excellence and improving guest experiences led to his promotion to general manager.

IMEX makes two senior level appointments

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From left: Kelly Grant, Natalie Gestetner

IMEX strengthens its marketing focus with the appointment of Kelly Grant as marketing director, and the creation of a brand ambassador role filled by Natalie Gestetner, reflecting the increasing integration of events within marketing strategies.

Grant brings over 15 years of experience in the global events industry. She now heads up the 16-strong marketing, content, social media and digital team, and will lead the rollout of a programme of year-round content that’s underpinned by strategic use of data to enable a measurable and highly targeted audience reach and attendee conversion.

From left: Kelly Grant, Natalie Gestetner

Based on the west coast of the US, Gestetner will work within the new Impact team. She will work closely with brand-side executives and senior level marketers to introduce them to IMEX and explore how the shows can support their strategic objectives and KPIs.

Significant strides have already been made with the introduction of a dedicated event for chief marketing officers (CMOs) and senior marketing professionals at IMEX America 2024, with plans to develop this further in the year ahead.

IMEX’s CEO Carina Bauer explained: “We’ve invested in our team and business so that we’re equipped to respond and flex to changes in the industry. Looking at research and speaking to our colleagues and friends around the world, there are many instances now where the event planning role sits within the marketing function and these new roles help us respond to that shift.

“We want to welcome this new audience of marketers and use our shows to demonstrate the true value of live events. These two senior level appointments signal our intention to advocate for live events as an important and measurable part of the marketing mix.”

IMEX’s next show, IMEX Frankfurt, takes place May 20-22, 2025.

IECA and IHRA unite to lead private sector-driven events in Indonesia

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From left: IHRA's Haryadi Sukamdani; and IECA's Hosea Andreas Runkat at the MoU signing

The Indonesian Exhibition Companies Association (IECA) and the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (IHRA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen industry collaboration and shift from government-events focus to private sector-driven events.

Under the agreement, hotels will offer competitive rates to IECA members, ensuring continued use of venues while allowing exhibition organisers to secure cost-effective spaces. The partnership aims to bridge the gap left by declining government-backed gatherings, which once formed a significant portion of large-scale events.

From left: IHRA’s Haryadi Sukamdani; and IECA’s Hosea Andreas Runkat at the MoU signing

The MoU was recently signed during the IECA Afternoon Tea event in Jakarta.

Haryadi Sukamdani, IHRA Chairman said: “This is a necessary shift. Hotels have long depended on government events to fill ballrooms, but we need to be more adaptable. By working with IECA, we’re opening doors for more private sector collaborations.”

The partnership is particularly aimed at IECA members in regional areas, especially those outside Jakarta, where event infrastructure is less developed, and many organisers struggle to find venues that are both accessible and budget-friendly.

“By securing preferential rates, our members in these areas gain viable alternatives that enable them to continue hosting events,” said Hosea Andreas Runkat, IECA Chairman.

For IECA, the agreement is part of a broader effort to ensure its members to continue holding events despite financial constraints. “Our industry depends on consistency. Reliable access to venues gives organisers confidence to plan, keeping the sector active,” he pointed out.

While exhibition organisers face fewer direct consequences from government budget cuts, Hosea highlighted that the sustained activity of venues is crucial for the well-being of the entire event ecosystem – from hotels and suppliers to contractors, and other reliant stakeholders.

“Keeping event spaces in use helps sustain the entire ecosystem. This is not just about exhibitions, it’s about ensuring the entire value chain, from logistics to production, remains strong,” he elaborated.

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