HYATT Regency Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui has rolled out a new Executive Meeting Plan for 2014.

Priced at HK$838 (US$108) per person, the package includes use of a meeting venue from 08.00 to 17.00, roll-in lunch either in the meeting room or at the Café, two themed coffee breaks with pastries, complimentary use of technology and communications equipment, complimentary meeting amenities and privileged rental of LCD projectors, video conferencing equipment and high-speed wireless Internet connection facilities.

Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui offers a variety of event venues, such as a 335m² pillarless ballroom that can be divided into two smaller spaces, and five salons.

Prices are subject to a 10 per cent service charge. Terms apply.

Contact +852 3721 1863 or e-mail hongkong.tsimshatsui@hyatt.com for more information.

SAUDI Arabia is the latest to join a growing list of destinations keen on attracting business events, and has created the Saudi Exhibition and Convention Bureau (SECB) to spearhead efforts in the area.

The new bureau will seek to implement efficient and transparent licensing processes in the MICE industry, collect and analyse industry data, classify and enhance existing and future event venues, train and certify event organisers, implement marketing strategies, and develop related university programmes and destination awareness programmes.

SECB will be governed by a Supervisory Committee which consists of one representative each from the Ministry of Municipality and Rural Affairs, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Finance, as well as two representatives from related companies nominated by the Saudi Council of Chambers.

Sultan bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA), chairs the Supervisory Committee, while Tariq Al-Essa takes the role of SECB executive manager.

Prior to the formation of SECB, SCTA and the World Bank conducted several studies on the country’s MICE sector. More than 3.2 million visitors were found to have attended events held in Saudi Arabia every year, generating an economic impact of 8.6 billion riyal (US$2.3 billion).

EVENTS and hospitality firm, Dockside Group, has received approval to build an event venue on an anchored floating pontoon in the heart of Darling Harbour, Sydney.

Opening in mid-2014, the Dockside Pavilion at Darling Harbour will cater for up to 1,440 seated guests and 2,000 standing, and provide spectacular water and city views.

A partnership between Dockside Group, the Darling Harbour Alliance and the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, the upcoming venue is part of the business activation strategy for the Darling Harbour precinct during the redevelopment period (TTGmice e-Weekly, December 12, 2013).

Dockside Pavilion at Darling Harbour will feature a sleek, contemporary design by world renowned fabric architect Warwick Bell of Fabric Structure Systems, the creators of globally celebrated ventures including Louis Vuitton’s 150^th Anniversary Trunk and The Cloud, Auckland.

Christopher Drivas, managing director of Dockside Group, said the venue is an important component in ensuring Darling Harbour remains a dynamic and desirable precinct to visit during the redevelopment of the area.

“With capabilities to host numerous and diverse events, including conferences, business events, charity gala events, festivals and public events, the Dockside Pavilion (at Darling Harbour) will offer event organisers an exciting new option.

“We felt it was important for us as long-term tenants of Darling Harbour to support the industry and the businesses around us during this time of transition. We are looking forward to hosting many exciting and wonderful experiences,” said Drivas.

Dockside Pavilion at Darling Harbour will provide a unique venue alternative during the closure of the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, filling a gap in the market for large-scale function space prior to the opening of ICC Sydney, the ICC Exhibition and Theatre in 2016.

A SELECTION of corporate social responsibility and sustainability initiatives are now available to meeting and event organisers who take their programmes to any Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts properties worldwide.

Initiatives offered by the new Experience It programme are designed around three categories: People & Planet, which features activities involving children from a hotel’s local outreach project and conservation activities; Green, which utilises eco-friendly amenities during events; and Be Well, which offers event delegates fresh, sustainable and local dining options and rejuvenating activities.

“Meeting organisers are asking for alternative offerings that will spark creativity and engagement and have CSR elements, so we’ve created a menu of themed breaks, teambuilding exercises and activities that will cater to this need and energise attendees,” said Mandy Chan, Shangri-La’s director of corporate events management.

“Planting coral cones in a marine sanctuary, painting a school, engaging with local farmers on an eco-tour, these are just a few of the many Experience It activities available at our hotels.”

She added: “Several clients have already incorporated Experience It activities into their meeting programmes in Beijing, Singapore and the Philippines, and we expect this to be a growing trend in 2014.”

Details on Shangri-La’s Experience It programme can be found at www.shangri-la.com.