The Queenstown Convention Bureau will offer free advice to support event execution; Queenstown pictured
Destination Queenstown has launched a suite of online tools and resources to facilitate business event planning in the region.
The initiative includes a dedicated business events microsite and a comprehensive guide designed to simplify the organisation of incentive trips, conferences, and retreats.
The Queenstown Convention Bureau will offer free advice to support event execution; Queenstown pictured
The new resources provide event planners with tools such as accommodation capacity charts, suggested itineraries, and up-to-date airline connectivity schedules from New Zealand’s main airports, and direct daily flights from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Gold Coast.
Other useful resources include a forward outlook of potential accommodation occupancy to guide decisions around when to visit, and local accommodation maps with travel times to ensure a seamless experience on the ground.
These tools aim to showcase Queenstown’s venues, event services, and local suppliers, and to support the creation of immersive experiences for delegates.
Queenstown Convention Bureau’s manager, Sarah McDonald, emphasised that the new online tools, along with access to local experts, will assist event planners, particularly those organising from remote locations. The Queenstown Convention Bureau will offer free advice to support event execution.
Michael Wieser returns to Lily Hotels as CEO, having previously held the role before the Covid-19 pandemic.
With 35 years of international hospitality experience, he has held leadership positions with some of the world’s most prestigious hotel brands, with a proven track record in operations, guest satisfaction, and strategic growth.
Wieser will oversee the development and expansion of the two resorts in the Lily portfolio: Lily Beach Resort & Spa and Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa.
CBRE is bolstering its hotels and hospitality team in Asia-Pacific with the appointments of Andrew Hunter as senior director, and Mark Hahm as associate director.
Hunter, based in Singapore, will collaborate with CBRE’s global, Asia-Pacific, and local hotels teams to enhance cross-border hotel investment opportunities. He will focus on client engagement to drive deal distribution and provide essential hotel market intelligence to empower clients in their real estate investment strategies.
From left: Andrew Hunter and Mark Hahm
Hahm, based in Seoul, joins CBRE from JLL where he held a senior role managing hotel transactions. He will enhance transaction execution in South Korea, leveraging his experience with hotel owners and investors.
Sydney (pictured) can showcase its vibrant ecosystem across the fields of AI, quantum computing, and robotics
Australia’s reputation as a global leader in intelligent robotics research has received a boost with the announcement today that Sydney will host the IEEE/Robotics Society of Japan (RSJ) International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS) in 2028.
This landmark decision marks the first time in the conference’s 30-year history that it will be held in the Southern Hemisphere.
Sydney (pictured) can showcase its vibrant ecosystem across the fields of AI, quantum computing, and robotics
The conference is anticipated to attract between 7,000 and 10,000 international delegates, injecting an estimated A$31 million directly into the local economy. IROS Sydney will take place at the state-of-the-art International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) from October 2-6, 2028.
Established in 1988 and held annually, IROS serves as a crucial platform for the international robotics research community to converge and explore the cutting edge of science and technology in intelligent robots and smart machines. The groundbreaking research showcased at these conferences is pivotal in fostering the growth of new industries and laying the groundwork for future innovation.
BESydney’s CEO Lyn Lewis Smith highlighted: “Events such as IROS allow us to build vital global connectivity for our robust local research ecosystem, while simultaneously showcasing Australia’s exceptional capabilities, collaborative spirit, and investment opportunities,” she stated.
Smith further emphasised the strength of New South Wales’ research infrastructure, pointing to advanced facilities such as the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) ARC Research Hub for Human-Robot Teaming for Sustainable and Resilient Construction and Robotics Institute, as well as the University of Sydney’s Australian Centre for Field Robotics and the ARC Australian Robotic Inspection and Asset Management Hub. These institutions have been at the forefront of innovation in critical areas including space robotics, infrastructure maintenance, and sustainable mining applications.
“Initiatives like the Sydney Quantum Academy and Tech Central’s innovation hubs further underpin Sydney’s vibrant ecosystem,” Ms. Lewis Smith added, “creating fertile ground for collaboration across disciplines such as AI, quantum computing, and robotics. These advancements are significantly bolstering NSW’s competitive edge and attracting international conferences and investment that shine a spotlight on its leadership in digital and intelligent technologies.”
IROS is sponsored by the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society, the Robotics Society of Japan, the Society of Instrument and Control Engineers, the New Technology Foundation, and the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society.
The successful bid to bring IROS to Sydney was a collaborative effort spearheaded by BESydney, working in close partnership with leading robotics researchers from across Australia.
Malaysia's business events sector benefits from strong China arrivals; Kuala Lumpur pictured
Malaysia has seen an increase in arrivals from its top medium-haul inbound source market, China, registering nearly 3.3 million visitors in 2024, a growth of 123 per cent compared with Chinese arrivals to Malaysia in 2023.
The visa-free policy of up to 30 days has been extended until December 2026, together with the growing connectivity between Malaysia and China, is expected to further boost these numbers and enhance business and cultural exchange between Malaysia and China.
Malaysia’s business events sector benefits from strong China arrivals; Kuala Lumpur pictured
To attract more international business events, including those from China, the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) offers financial and non-financial support through its MyTripleE 2.0 campaign.
A MyCEB spokesperson stated: “The MyTripleE 2.0 campaign plays a key role in attracting major corporate and incentive groups, while also catering to the rise of smaller, high-achiever groups that prioritise quality over quantity.”
Malaysia’s business events infrastructure is also expanding to meet growing demand, such as the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC), scheduled to open in 3Q2025.
Ashwin Gunasekeran, CEO of Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau, shared: “PWCC’s expansive, state-of-the-art facilities will fill a crucial gap in Penang’s current exhibition landscape, establishing the state as a premier destination for large-scale exhibitions.”
PWCC’s key offering includes a 7,000m2 multipurpose hall with multiple configurations and 19 meeting rooms.
Meanwhile, the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), which is the largest trade and exhibition centre in Malaysia, continues to position itself as a central hub for Belt and Road-related projects, particularly in sectors such as infrastructure, technology, and manufacturing.
Its CEO, Mala Dorasamy, shared: “With our advanced facilities and international standard services, we can successfully host high-profile business events, further promoting Malaysia to Chinese business leaders.”
She highlighted MITEC’s comprehensive support for Chinese event planners: “Through our management company, Qube Integrated Malaysia, MITEC offers pre- and post-event support, local market insights for better market penetration planning, and assistance in connecting with relevant government agencies.”
The MyCEB spokesperson further highlighted how Chinese outbound event organisers are increasingly drawn to destinations that offer a strong tourism appeal, where culture, shopping, gastronomy, and entertainment can be easily integrated into the business event experience.
“Malaysia’s rich multicultural heritage, infused with Chinese influences, enhances its attractiveness, offering a unique balance of familiarity and novelty for Chinese visitors,” the spokesperson said.
Additionally, Malaysia’s eco-friendly landscapes and sustainable venues align with the rising demand for destinations that provide fresh air and natural surroundings, making it an appealing choice for event organisers seeking rejuvenating environments for their delegates.
Sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes are also gaining traction. “Companies are looking for destinations that offer opportunities to engage in community-driven initiatives, environmental conservation efforts, and trade development activities.
“Malaysia’s diverse selection of CSR-friendly programmes – from eco-tourism projects to social enterprise collaborations – meets this growing demand, allowing Chinese delegates to integrate meaningful impact into their business events,” said the MyCEB spokesperson.
Adam Piperdy speaking at the 8th Hospitality Indonesia Conference at Le Meridien Jakarta in February; photo by Hospitality Asia Media
Singapore-based events management company Unearthed Productions recently expanded its portfolio and operations to four South-east Asian countries – Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
As to why South-east Asia, Adam Piperdy, CEO of Unearthed Productions, shared with TTGmice: “These countries represent vibrant and rapidly growing MICE markets in the region. There’s significant demand for high-quality event management services, and we noticed that our clients are increasingly looking for multi-city MICE experiences; 15 per cent of our clients have relocated their events from Singapore to around the region.”
Adam Piperdy speaking at the 8th Hospitality Indonesia Conference at Le Meridien Jakarta in February; photo by Hospitality Asia Media
For example, Tech in Asia Conference has moved to Jakarta, while gamescom asia will hold its 2025 edition in Bangkok via a tie-up with Thailand Game Show.
In addition, Unearthed Productions’ group-level agreement with agreement with a large hotel management company “significantly influenced” the company’s decision.
“These countries are key hubs for new properties, and expanding into these locations allows us to seamlessly serve their hotels and clients, providing consistent and top-tier service across the region,” he added.
To deliver high-quality business events in these four countries, Piperdy is currently scaling human resources.
“We now have a team in each country, with several more hires to boost our local capabilities. We have also launched a global Unearthed Productions SOP to ensure that each team is able to deliver the same high level of quality no matter which country the team is based in. This SOP covers a comprehensive list of topics, including but not limited to safety, communication standards and even dress code,” he explained.
Piperdy noted that the four countries’ business events scene also varies.
“Vietnam and Indonesia show promising growth and potential but are underserved, while Malaysia and Thailand already have strong MICE ecosystems. In the (latter) markets, we want to focus on enhancing the guest or attendee experience. We will look at augmenting the latest event technology with AI and ask ourselves how we can improve technical production – while championing event sustainability,” he said.
To support event planners in adopting sustainability ideas and initiatives, Unearthed Products has launched a GreenUP checklist, which is part of the company’s brand-new GreenUP certification programme.
Piperdy elaborated: “Our clients may enrol (in this programme) to understand the real-world impact of their sustainability efforts and get those efforts recognised. By being GreenUP-certified, they will also be eligible for a range of incentives, including complimentary carbon credits to offset their events’ carbon footprint.”
According to Piperdy, Unearthed Productions is also one of the first companies to harness solar energy to power up different parts of event venues, including additional lighting fixtures and digital displays, through EcoLIVEPower.
When asked what the plan was for the next five years, Piperdy shared that the company will focus on three pillars – innovation, partnerships with key stakeholders in the region, and event sustainability – with the aim of driving more business events to South-east Asia.
“We aim to be recognised as the go-to agency for organisations that prioritise both exceptional events and environmental responsibility,” he concluded.
From left: NZICC’s Prue Daly; mentee Loric Wang from BEIA; and her mentor CD Event Management’s Shelley Cunningham on 2024 BE Mentored Programme recognition day
Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) is kicking off its 11th BE Mentored Programme on March 19, with an in-person launch for mentees in Auckland at the All Blacks Experience, SkyCity Precinct.
BEIA’s chief executive Lisa Hopkins shared that 17 mentees from around New Zealand will be joining the programme this year.
From left: NZICC’s Prue Daly; mentee Loric Wang from BEIA; and her mentor CD Event Management’s Shelley Cunningham on the 2024 BE Mentored Programme recognition day
Mentees come from a broad range of event management, tourism and hospitality backgrounds and are looking to develop their careers, build valuable relationships and broaden their experience within the business events industry. Mentors, who all volunteer their time, are experienced practitioners within their fields and hold senior management positions.
Sally Doherty of Sallyd & Co will be facilitating the Programme launch, which will be run as a workshop to help mentees prepare for their mentoring journey ahead, with what to expect and how to make the most of their time in the programme. A similar workshop will be held for mentors online.
The programme will run through BEIA’s Annual Conference and AGM, being held in Auckland in November, when mentees and mentors will be recognised. Mentoring pairs will meet monthly between March and November.
“We are excited to follow the journey of our mentoring pairs and will be checking in during the course of the programme to see how they are progressing and provide any support required,” Hopkins added.
PCMA’s flagship Asia Pacific conference, The Business of Events (BOE), will be held at Marina Bay Sands from April 13-15, 2025, focusing on the integration of mastery and intellectual prowess for intergenerational leadership.
Building on BOE 2024’s “Unlearning and Relearning” theme, the 2025 edition will address practical business challenges through discussions on several dualities – Skill and Strategy, IQ and EQ, Personal and Professional Growth, and Broad and Deep Exploration.
PCMA BOE 2024
The first day will also feature real-world AI productivity case studies and insights from the Day Zero Challenge. Additionally, breakout sessions during the day – curated by BOE Content Advisory – will cover six themes: Technology, Creativity, Humanity, Strategy, Sustainability, and the Chinese Market. These sessions aim to enhance strategic foresight and problem-solving skills.
Next, day two of BOE 2025 will include 12 PCMA APAC Labs for applied learning experiences, alongside plenary sessions. The opening keynote will offer an industry reflection on current opportunities by MCI’s global executive vice president Oscar Cerezales; while the closing session will feature David Knoff, an Antarctic Expedition Leader, discussing leadership and resilience based on his 537-day experience in Antarctica.
Other confirmed speakers include Ayesha Khanna, co-founder & CEO of Addo, who will deliver the opening keynote on AI’s impact on business events; Azran Osman-Rani, CEO & co-founder of Naluri, who will speak on innovation and business transformation; while Matt Jones, co-founder & brand director, Four Pillars Gin, will present on brand storytelling.
Knoff, Osman-Rani, and Jones are speakers sponsored by Saxton Speakers Bureau.
Connect Marketplace Hong Kong is set to launch at AsiaWorld-Expo from March 19-21, 2025, aiming to accelerate business within the Asian business events industry.
The three-day programme will encompass a series of targeted networking events, informative conferences, and strategic incentives designed to foster tangible business outcomes.
The event will take place at the AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong
The inaugural event is projected to host over 1,500 pre-arranged meetings, connecting more than 5,000 buyers from over 30 countries and regions, including key business events markets such as Australia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, US, UK, and Vietnam.
The marketplace will feature a diverse range of exhibitors, including airlines, hotels and resorts, tourism boards, business events, associations, and technology providers relevant to the industry.
A key component of the event is the conference, which will feature insights from over 30 distinguished speakers representing academia, industry associations, media outlets, businesses, and the environmental sector.
Notable speakers include Kaye Chon of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Waikin Wong from ICCA; Richard Ireland of Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers; Poman Lo of Regal Hotels International; Cathy Ching of Invest Hong Kong, Janene Wardrop from the International College of Management, Sydney; Andy Winchester of Bloomberg, and Andrew Lau of Colliers. These experts will share perspectives on emerging trends, innovations, and future developments shaping the business events landscape in Asia.
In addition to the conference sessions, attendees will have access to exclusive networking opportunities designed to blend professional engagement with informal settings. A featured event will be an evening at the Hong Kong Jockey Club, offering a unique opportunity to experience local culture and network against the backdrop of the city skyline.
From left: ICCA’s Senthil Gopinath; Melbourne Convention Bureau’s Julia Swanson; and Talk2 Media & Events' Matt Pearce
ICCA and the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) have announced a new industry partnership aimed at bolstering the business events industry across the Asia-Pacific region.
The agreement, formalised during AIME 2025 held in Melbourne, Australia, from February 10-12, 2025, signifies a commitment to generating expanded business opportunities for ICCA members in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and globally.
From left: ICCA’s Senthil Gopinath; Melbourne Convention Bureau’s Julia Swanson; and Talk2 Media & Events’ Matt Pearce
Under the partnership, AIME will serve as an advocacy partner, amplifying the voice of the international business events industry to support destination enhancement. AIME is owned by the Melbourne Convention Bureau and managed by Talk2 Media & Events.
ICCA CEO Senthil Gopinath emphasised the significance of the collaboration, stating, “ICCA’s partnership with AIME signifies our commitment to supporting the growth of the Asia Pacific meetings industry, which has experienced incredible growth over the past few years and continues to figure prominently on the world stage.”
“We’re looking forward to working with APAC members to support the development of meetings and events professionals in the region, including ICCASkills, business exchange workshops, advocacy and more.”
The partnership builds on existing collaborations. Notably, the Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) and ICCA jointly presented the Emerging Leaders Challenge for the second time at AIME 2025. This programme invited emerging leaders to share innovative ideas on the future of the industry, with the winner participating in an ABEA and ICCA session focused on future growth opportunities.
Furthermore, ICCA presented at the AIME Leaders Forum, hosted by ABEA following AIME 2025 on February 13. This session focused on advocacy strategies and how the industry can lead and support advocacy initiatives globally and regionally. The forum provided a platform for C-Suite executives, association leaders, and government officials to discuss advocacy priorities, particularly concerning legacy, growth, the value of business events, and the importance of investment and destination profiling.
Looking ahead, AIME 2026 will be held from February 9-11, 2026, at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre in Australia. Planned programmes include the ICCA Business Exchange, The Bidding BootCamp, and an AIME scholarship to develop future talent in the business events sector. AIME will also have a presence at the ICCA Congress in Porto, Portugal, from November 9-12, 2025.
The newly-opened Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok anchors the One Bangkok development with cosmopolitan elegance. Featuring the city's largest ballroom and a spectacular new penthouse suite, it delivers exceptional hardware and deeply authentic, soulful service for business and leisure travellers alike
Behind the imposing, Brutalist concrete that defines Zurich’s Oerlikon district lies a surprising secret. While its exterior honours the neighbourhood’s industrial roots, stepping inside Mama Shelter reveals a vibrant, neon-soaked world that is a far cry from its rigid shell
A polished urban retreat designed for business travellers, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown combines thoughtful design, seamless service, and exceptional facilities.
Wieser will oversee the development and expansion of the two resorts in the Lily portfolio: Lily Beach Resort & Spa and Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa.
