Mount Victoria Lookout, Wellington; photo by WellingtonNZ
The capital city of New Zealand, Wellington, has secured the International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research (IAHR) Asia Pacific Division Conference for 2028.
The conference, themed Water our Treasure, will take place in October 2028 on the Pipitea campus of Victoria University of Wellington. It is estimated to generate nearly NZ$1 million (US$590,364) in economic impact for the city, and attract leading water and environmental engineers from around the globe.
Mount Victoria Lookout, Wellington; photo by WellingtonNZ
The successful bid was spearheaded by Gregory De Costa from the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand and Alan Brent of Victoria University of Wellington. The duo, along with the support of Business Events Wellington and Tourism New Zealand Business Events, highlighted Wellington’s unique connection to water and its expertise in water management.
De Costa pointed out that hosting the event locally would give New Zealand researchers and the industry an opportunity to gain knowledge and build networks in this field.
“Further, this congress will highlight New Zealand as a country for cutting-edge research and technology dissemination which will help boost it as a destination for tertiary study, particularly for many Asian students contemplating overseas study.”
The Singapore Exhibition & Convention Bureau (SECB) has expanded its international conference ambassador programme in Greater China, and inducted Alicia Yao, managing director of IME Consulting and vice chairman of the China Business Event Industry Committee (CBEIC) into this influential fold.
Yao, a veteran business events practitioner and sought-after speaker based in the Chinese capital, received her appointment from Edward Koh, executive director, conventions, meetings & incentive travel, SECB at an event organised by the bureau in Wuxi.
IME Consulting and China Business Event Industry Committee’s Alicia Yao (right) is now a conference ambassador for Singapore
As chairman of CBEIC, set up by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), Yao was in charge of recommending and shortlisting 50 qualified buyers to attend the recent ITB Asia.
She also chaired a China panel, We are back: New Trends of China Outbound Meeting and Incentive Events at the tradeshow in Singapore in October.
According to Koh, Yao is being recognised for her association business networks and role in helping SECB advance its interests and agenda in the market.
Also inducted with Yao in Wuxi was Pam Sam Yee (aka Fan San Ru), secretary general, China Millions Forum (CMF) ASEAN. CMF, founded in Beijing in 2004, is an organisation that promotes the professional quality of financial insurance practitioners and aims to unite members to revitalise the insurance industry.
In 2023, SECB inducted Hong Kong-based Perry Shum, vice president, IEEE Photonics Society as Greater China’s first international conference ambassador.
There are over 80 local and 15 international conference ambassadors from Greater China, North Asia, Europe and the US, Koh noted.
Yao commented that the goal of CBEIC and CCPIT, also know as the China Chamber of International Commerce, is for Chinese associations to go global, and promote cooperation between Chinese industry associations and the international business events industry.
On Singapore’s growing importance, she said the business events hub is responding to changes in demand, providing richer and more meaningful experiences for conference participants by working with new and old partners to innovate and jointly promote the development of the industry.
Even though traditionally Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast have been popular as incentive travel destinations for Indian corporate groups, CVBs in other Australian cities are now gearing up to claim a bigger share of the pie.
Earlier this month, Tourism Australia led a delegation of 15 CEOs representing all of its state and territory tourism organisations including convention bureaus to India, calling at New Delhi and Mumbai. These leaders were determined to raise their destination profile among event buyers.
Mack: more requests from Indian event planners for other Australian cities
“The incentive travel segment has been driving the Indian outbound MICE growth. Destinations like Sydney and Melbourne remain popular among incentive travel groups from India, but we are now also seeing requests for other parts of Australia. With the help of our CEO delegation, we are creating awareness about larger incentive travel experiences available across Australia,” Robin Mack, executive general manager, commercial and business events, Tourism Australia, told TTGmice.
Building on enhanced direct air connectivity – expanding from eight flights in 2019 to 25 today – along with a digitised visa process, Australia has benefitted from a surge in corporate event demand from India. Currently, this demand is growing at a year-on-year rate of six to seven per cent.
“Indian travellers are becoming much more experienced and looking to explore destinations beyond Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast. Our proximity to Sydney holds us in good stead as Indian incentive travellers are looking at multi-destination trips. A three-night Sydney and two-night Canberra itinerary is a perfect scenario for us,” said Michael Matthews, CEO, Canberra Convention Bureau, who added that interest is rising from smaller groups of 30 to 80 pax.
However, Matthews said his city is ready for more – as many as 500 pax per group.
Business Events Adelaide, in association with India-based Venture Marketing, also hosted an event in New Delhi on last week. Drawing some 70 event planners and corporates, the event highlighted various products and experiences available for incentive travel groups visiting Adelaide.
Damien Kitto, CEO, Business Events Adelaide, said: “We believe that Adelaide has many experiences to offer corporate clients in India. I am very confident over the next 12 months Adelaide will host many Indian MICE groups. Some of the experiences that we are keen to promote includes meet-and-greet activities with former Test cricketers at Adelaide Oval ground or visits to Monarto Safari Park.”
Business Events Adelaide is also engaging with Indian carriers like IndiGo and Air India to introduce direct flights to the city.
New research from Accor has found “undeniable” proof of the value face-to-face meetings bring to business performance. Insights from 9,000 professionals around the world said revenue could increase by 36% if all important meetings were conducted in person, and agreed that human connection fostered by in-person interactions is significantly more effective in driving business success and performance.
A striking 85% of respondents expected that prioritising in-person meetings would significantly boost their revenue, with an average projected increase of 36% over the next year. This statistic highlights the tangible business benefits of face-to-face meetings, suggesting that companies looking to enhance their commercial performance might want to rethink their approach to client interactions.
A striking 85% of respondents expected that prioritising in-person meetings would significantly boost their revenue
One respondent stated: “Business professionals expect to close 37% more deals if they were able to conduct all their important meetings face-to-face.” This sentiment was shared by a majority of the professionals surveyed, with 81% indicating they believed they would achieve better business outcomes if they could prioritise in-person meetings.
Understanding that in-person meetings are an investment, 35% of professionals globally agreed meeting in person is worth the investment in both time and costs. Ninety-two per cent of professionals agreed meetings were important with external clients while 85% of workers agreed face-to-face interaction was important with internal colleagues.
In fact, respondents believed that one in-person meeting bore the same impact as three virtual meetings.
Around 41% agreed that face-to-face interactions were more effective for business, particularly when it came to sales, closing deals, and overall business success. Nearly 40% emphasised the importance of in-person meetings for their work, with 38% noting that the investment in time and costs was worthwhile.
Furthermore, 37% believed in-person meetings were key to fostering company culture, while 35% reported higher attendee engagement during these interactions.
However, 33% acknowledged that virtual meetings made it more difficult to build personal relationships, underscoring the value of physical presence in the professional world.
The primary driver of business travel was commercial, with 34% of professionals stating that closing a deal was their main travel purpose, closely followed by client (31%) and contract negotiations (30%).
A significant 68% favoured conducting client presentations in person, compared to just 17% who preferred virtual formats. Site inspections showed an even stronger preference for in-person involvement, with 77% choosing this method.
Looking ahead, the research suggests that the hybrid business model is now the norm. As businesses continue to rely on digital solutions, the human touch provided by face-to-face meetings will remain an irreplaceable aspect of closing deals and fostering strong business relationships. While digital tools offer convenience and global connectivity, they cannot fully replicate the effectiveness of personal interactions.
Singapore minister of state for culture, community and youth, Alvin Tan visits GSTC; photo by GSTC
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) unveiled the world’s first global sustainability standard designed for attractions as well as a comprehensive sustainability guide for business event venues, a move coinciding with the city-state’s hosting of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s (GSTC) Global Sustainable Tourism Conference last week.
The new MICE Venue Sustainability Playbook is the latest development in Singapore’s move towards responsible business events. Content was built on data and learnings obtained from the 2023 national MICE Industry Carbon and Waste Baseline exercise, which studied energy, water and waste generated by Singapore’s six purpose-built business events venues – Changi Exhibition Centre, Raffles City Convention Centre, Resorts World Convention Centre, Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Singapore Expo, and Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre.
Singapore minister of state for culture, community and youth, Alvin Tan visits GSTC; photo by GSTC
The MICE Venue Sustainability Playbook aims to help event venues manage their carbon emissions, and offers practical recommendations for energy efficiency, waste management, and water conservation efforts. It features a decarbonisation framework, best practices from purpose-built business event venues, and international counterparts, and a consolidation of whole-of-government support schemes to drive decarbonisation across Singapore’s venues.
Besides launching the MICE Venue Sustainability Playbook, STB also demonstrated its commitment to supporting the reduction of carbon emissions at business events by encouraging delegates attending the GSTC Global Sustainable Tourism Conference to offset their carbon footprint from air travel by purchasing quality carbon credits through a credible offset project.
Delegates who did so received a pre-loaded value souvenir card which can be used for public transportation in Singapore. This initiative aims to create awareness of the carbon emissions impact of air travel and encourage delegates to take ownership of their own emissions, thereby fostering a greener, more sustainable delegate journey from start to end.
Meanwhile, Singapore’s attractions are also getting a power shot in their sustainability efforts through the new GSTC Attraction Criteria. Developed with support from STB, the criteria aims to serve as the global sustainability standard for attractions and provide a common understanding of sustainable practices for attractions worldwide. This is the first-ever global standard specifically designed for attractions. Attractions can expect to apply for the certification in early 2026, after the onboarding and GSTC accreditation of certification bodies in 2025.
STB’s chief sustainability officer, Ong Huey Hong, said: “These initiatives are pivotal in positioning Singapore as a leading sustainable urban destination and demonstrating our commitment to sustainability. By developing world-class standards and providing the industry with practical tools, we are not only enhancing our own tourism sector but also contributing to global sustainability efforts in tourism.”
The Westin Jakarta has appointed Thomas Glaser as its new general manager, where he will oversee all executive and operational aspects of the property.
Glaser brings over 20 years of extensive hospitality experience to The Westin Jakarta. Prior to this appointment, he served as general manager at Hilton Bandung for four years.
His diverse background equips him with a comprehensive understanding of the hospitality industry and a passion for delivering memorable guest experiences.
A rendering of Winter Sports World; photo credit Collins and Turner
While Western Sydney has long boasted world-class venues like Sydney Olympic Park and Rosehill Gardens Racecourse, its full potential as a major events and business tourism destination has remained untapped.
With the development of new infrastructure such as an international airport and a concerted effort to promote the area as a unified destination, this is set to change.
A rendering of Winter Sports World; photo credit Collins and Turner
Come late-2026, Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) is set to open. This new additional entry point into Sydney will operate 24-hours-a-day services, which contrasts with some other major international airports in Australia that have curfew limits. A new hotel, the Courtyard by Marriot Western Sydney Airport, will also open in 2026.
“The round-the-clock access from WSI Airport will be a gamechanger for business events visitors, especially those with tight time frames. (It will also) provide more flexibility for long distance flights out of Europe and the US,” Business Events Sydney’s (BESydney) CEO, Lyn Lewis-Smith told TTGmice.
The new airport is also in “closer proximity” to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, as well as Hunter Valley vineyards, which Lewis-Smith indicated will “definitely influence a change in approach to itineraries especially for our corporate and incentive market”.
Qantas was the first to sign up in mid-2023 as the first domestic airline partner, and is projected to carry approximately four million passengers and 25,000 flights a year upon opening. Virgin Australia has also signed on, and recently, WSI secured its first international airline partner, Singapore Airlines.
Other major developments are also underway in Western Sydney. Currently under construction and due to open in 2025, Powerhouse Parramatta – billed as the largest museum in NSW – will offer 18,000m2 of exhibition space, focused on demonstrating the continued impact of the applied arts and sciences on the world. The museum will also boast a range of event spaces including a 2,000m2 rooftop garden, a tiered-seating theatre for 700 guests, a 55-seat cinema, and a 200-seat kitchen space for culinary demonstrations.
Over in Penrith, Winter Sports World will be Australia’s first snow park. Slated to open in 2026, the park will feature a 300-metre indoor ski slope, ice hockey, speed skating, alpine skiing, and ice climbing. The precinct will also boast a 170-room hotel, conference and event facilities, and a restaurant with snow views.
But corporate meetings and incentives are not BESydney’s only focus.
“For associations, the Westmead Health and Innovation District is a leader in breakthrough research and innovation. This growing district, situated in Western Sydney, means that the city’s ability to deliver on knowledge exchange, talent attraction, and direct foreign investment will be a gamechanger for this important sector,” Lewis-Smith shared.
The NSW Government aims to boost annual visitor economy expenditure to A$91 billion (US$59.9 billion) by 2035. This goal, a 40 per cent increase over the previous target, will require significant expansion of the state’s tourism infrastructure. To accommodate the expected influx of visitors, the government has identified the need for an additional 40,000 hotel rooms and increased business event facilities in Sydney, Western Sydney, and key regional areas.
This has also resulted in a A$1.5 million increase in funding for BESydney in FY25, which will help “improve our competitive position in the Asia Pacific region”, said Lewis-Smith.
Harding: logistical convenience and no surprise fees with Club Med's all-inclusive feature
One year on from kicking off a business events-focused strategy in 2023, Club Med has seen a 30 per cent increase in business this year, with forward sales and pipeline bookings looking extremely strong.
Rachael Harding, chief executive officer of East, South Asia and Pacific, at the company, attributed the strong pick-up to the brand’s all-inclusive feature and opportunity to charter the entire resort – or island, if the property is in the Maldives.
Harding: logistical convenience and no surprise fees with Club Med’s all-inclusive feature
In an interview with TTGmice last week at Club Med Kani in the Maldives, which hosted a brand and property showcase for almost 200 journalists, content creators and key opinion leaders from around the world, Harding said: “People want ease and convenience. At Club Med, event organisers only have to deal with us, not with multiple parties to put an event or a conference together.
“The second reason (for the growing interest in meeting at a Club Med resort) is the lack of hidden cost. It is common for events to have their budget blown due to add-ons. With our all-inclusive feature, an event at Club Med has access to all sorts of activities and all-day F&B without surprise fees.
“Then, of course, we have the Club Med Live entertainment programme. Our artists can create the desired ambience for the group, and event organisers do not have to go out and source for entertainers themselves.”
Club Med Live has been in place for six months, and has amassed 3,000 artists, musicians, poets, and more across its resorts around the world. They not only provide musical entertainment, like DJ sets and singers, but also conduct poetry reading, craft workshops, and more for resort guests.
Harding said that while every resort would have around two Club Med Live artists on site for a fixed period each time, event organisers could consult with resort coordinators for additional entertainers.
She added that Club Med’s Rent A Resort option, which involves booking out the entire resort, is loved by corporate clients for its flexibility to customise resort crew outfits, entertainment, activities, and F&B themes.
While business event take-up and enquiries are rising steadily, it has only been recently that larger corporate group movements have returned.
“It certainly took people a while to build up those results (business performance to quality for rewards) post-Covid,” Harding reasoned.
Club Med Tomamu – Hokkaido recently welcomed an incentive travel event led by a South Korean company. It was the resort’s top-grossing event, as the client activated the Rent A Resort option for 28 days, with thousands of attendees arriving in waves.
In May 2023, a direct-selling company from Taiwan led 523 top achievers to Club Med Kani and its luxurious sister property, Club Med Finolhu Villas for a three-night incentive retreat. While this was not a Rent A Resort activation, the properties were able to apply the client’s corporate branding on site and arrange a private cocktail and theatre usage for the group.
Harding said Club Med resorts are ready for corporate groups, especially those that prioritise sustainable experiences and wellness elements. Event packages feature meaningful activities, such as beach clean-ups and conservation talks, while attendees can participate in fitness pursuits – such as yoga or padel games – together or individually.
Come 1Q2025, Club Med will unveil a “whole new branding for MICE”.
Meanwhile, with Club Med’s expanding property portfolio and extensive property renovations, Harding said corporate clients have a lot more options to choose from. The company welcomed the opening of Club Med Kiroro Peak in 2022 and Club Med Kiroro Grand in 2023, both in Hokkaido, Japan. Club Med Kiroro Peak will be elevated to the Exclusive Collection this December. Club Med Borneo in Malaysia will open end of 2025, along with Club Med Heilongtan and Club Med LongWu in China.
The group’s popular Asian resorts in Phuket, Thailand; Kani, Maldives; Bali and Bintan in Indonesia; and Cherating, Malaysia will also undergo and complete renovations soon.
Gear up for an evening of fun and games as you countdown to the new year with the team at Topgolf Megacity
As the holiday season approaches, Topgolf Megacity in Bangkok is ramping up for the year-end with a series of festive events and promotions.
The premier venue entertainment destination located 20 minutes from Suvarnabhumi Airport, combines sports, entertainment, and hospitality in one state-of-the-art facility, making it an ideal location for events of all sizes.
To celebrate the upcoming festive season, Topgolf Megacity brings back its popular Golden Ball Campaign from November 15 to January 5 and a New Year’s Eve Countdown Celebration to ring in 2025.
A bigger and better Golden Ball Campaign
At least 50 winners each day have a chance to win from over 3,000 prizes when they participate in Topgolf’s Golden Ball campaign
Topgolf’s annual celebration, the Golden Ball Campaign, lets visitors win a variety of prizes simply by participating in games at Topgolf with no minimum spending required.
This year’s campaign introduces a twist – winners have the option to either claim their prize immediately or keep their golden golf ball for a chance at the exclusive grand prize, adding an extra layer of suspense and strategy.
With over 3,000 prizes worth a total of over 8 million baht (over US$237,000) and more than 50 daily winners, the Golden Ball Campaign offers a diverse range of rewards, including the latest tech gadgets such as iPads, AirPods, and the brand-new iPhone 16, as well as premium Callaway golf clubs, a Ryde Culture bike, and even two round-trip business class STARLUX tickets from Bangkok to the USA.
The real coveted prize however, is the grand prize – a package totalling over 5 million baht (about US $148,000). It includes a three-night stay for four at the award-winning HakuVillas in Niseko, recognised as one of Japan’s best boutique hotels, and includes flights for four from Bangkok.
Ring in 2025 with a bang
Look forward to live music performances, energetic DJ sets, and a stunning fireworks display as 2025 approaches
For those seeking an unforgettable way to welcome 2025, Topgolf Megacity’s New Year’s Eve Countdown celebration on December 31, 2024, promises a lively, festive atmosphere that combines sports, music, and social enjoyment. Guests can look forward to live music performances, energetic DJ sets, and a stunning fireworks display as the clock strikes midnight, creating a memorable celebration for friends, family and colleagues alike.
A destination for all
As an entertainment destination for all, Topgolf Megacity offers a unique combination of sport, entertainment and social activities for businesses and leisure groups.
Featuring 102 climate-controlled hitting bays, Topgolf’s golf experience is powered by microchipped balls and 11 outfield targets, allowing guests of all skill levels to enjoy the game in an inclusive, relaxed environment. Each bay is furnished with comfortable seating, so players can focus on having fun, socialising, and competing in a friendly setting.
When guests need a break, the facility’s five bars and restaurants provide a wide range of food and drink options, from Thai food to international flavours, to satisfy all palates. From a casual all-day dining restaurant and beer garden at Patio to the Pink Giraffe open air rooftop bar, Topgolf’s F&B facilities offer delicious food with a generous serving of socialising and fun.
To celebrate the holidays at Topgolf Megacity, Call +66 (0)2 114 1289, email onestopservice@topgolfthailand.com, or visit its website.
More than 200 feng shui masters, practitioners and experts from around the world gathered in Hong Kong last week for the International Feng Shui Convention, an annual event where feng shui knowledge is shared though lectures, presentations and panel discussions.
The event was led by the non-profit International Feng Shui Association (IFSA), and was held at the Royal Pacific Hotel.
International Feng Shui Convention 2024 in Hong Kong was attended by 220 feng shui masters, practitioners, experts and enthusiasts from around the world
This year’s edition, which bears the theme, Feng Shui for Modern Business, marks the convention’s 20th anniversary. Session topics addressed the application of Chinese metaphysical tools in achieving prosperity and harmony in the offices, shops and other commercial enterprises to enhance safety, harmony, health and profitability.
The opening was graced by Kevin Yeung, secretary for culture, sports and tourism of Hong Kong while Hong Kong Tourism Board welcomed delegates with an auspicious lion dance performance.
Ho Chi Ping, Patrick, a highly sought-after speaker and a special consultant on issues relating to China, Chinese culture and religions, sustainable development, energy, geopolitics and geoeconomics, as well as China’s Belt and Road Initiative, kicked off the event on Nov 9 with a keynote lecture on feng shui for modern times.
A popular session this year was an analysis of Hong Kong’s feng shui and the role it plays in the city’s progress. It was led by Raymond Lo of Raymond Lo Feng Shui School, Hong Kong.
Other notable speakers included Tan Khoon Yong of Way Fengshui Group, Singapore; Stephen Skinner of Golden Hoard, the UK; Cristina Groza of Cristina Groza Feng Shui & Bazi Academy, Romania; and Janene Laird of Shengchi-Feng Shui, Australia.
In his address during IFSA’s Annual General Meeting ahead of the convention, IFSA president Darren Ng shared that a research project had recently been concluded to identify the science behind feng shui practice.
“While Feng Shui has been a well-established and effective practice in Eastern countries for thousands of years, the practice of it is only gaining attention in the West in recent years and, still being viewed with curiosity but also skepticism. With expert advice from the International Feng Shui Association in Singapore, the Hanze University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands conducted the first-ever serious scientific study by a Western research institute on feng shui,” said Ng.
Research work that begun in early 2022 had concluded in mid-2024, and findings are now shared on the IFSA website.
A polished urban retreat designed for business travellers, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown combines thoughtful design, seamless service, and exceptional facilities.
The five-star property excels in backing its expansive facilities with seamless service and personalised attention, setting the benchmark for luxury in Bangkok.
His diverse background equips him with a comprehensive understanding of the hospitality industry and a passion for delivering memorable guest experiences.
