Beer Fest Asia is young but it is recognised as a foremost event in Singapore for all lovers of a good brew and great entertainment. Edward Chia, managing director of Timbre Group, reminds Karen Yue that the event’s tradeshow component is just as critical to its success

This year marks the fifth instalment of Timbre Group’s Beer Fest Asia. Has the event progressed as you had envisioned it would?

Beer Fest Asia has grown into an excellent platform for new beer entrants, often used to launch new beer companies and products. Some established companies, like Asia Pacific Breweries, use this event to test beers that could potentially be distributed in this region, should they be suitable for the Asian palate. Unlike HOFEX and Food&HotelAsia (held in Hong Kong and Singapore respectively and are Asia-Pacific’s key food and hospitality tradeshows) which showcase many products, Beer Fest Asia focuses on the world of beers, from lagers to pilsners to ales. Beer Fest Asia also offers a look at commercial and craft beers.

The event this year had 40-45 exhibitors with 400 different beers from all over the world. We had 30,000 attendees over four days. Up to 15 per cent of that were from Asia. We want to grow this percentage. In the years ahead, we will invest more in regional marketing. In fact, the next phase for us is to increase Beer Fest Asia’s presence and garner more consumer and trade attendees. Most of the trade in Singapore have attended Beer Fest Asia. It is now time for us to encourage more trade attendees from South-east Asia who are interested in marketing new beers to their market.

This is a natural progression for the appreciation of FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods). Consumers always start off with a mainstream brand before desiring something premium and unique. When that transition happens, there is a gap between demand and supply, and Beer Fest Asia helps to create that supply of more varieties of beer. South-east Asia is ready for the evolution of beer consumption.

I imagine the growing population of educated and well-travelled Asians must play a part in this evolution.

Definitely. The increase in education, wealth and middle-class population spurs the demand for a greater variety of higher quality products. South-east Asia has the world’s highest concentration of fastest-growing middle class. As the middle class emerges, trade buyers will have to supply better products. If they don’t, they will lose out on tremendous opportunities.

Beer Fest Asia is an interesting concept. Besides the trade day, the event is a big party with great entertainment.

At a typical trade event, you come, you exhibit, you meet people and discuss business further at meetings later on. This formula works for some industries, like aerospace, where people don’t just walk right up and say, “OK, I’ll buy this jet”. For FMCG companies, it is not enough to just engage the trade; they need to create a relationship with end-consumers because ultimately it is them who drive business.
Therefore we feel that Beer Fest Asia has to be a hybrid event. It has to be a trade event with a huge consumer angle so that exhibitors can build a relationship between their brands and consumers. The event also provides an annual platform that brings true beer lovers together with companies that want to test their new beers.

So the entertainment aspect plays an important role.

Absolutely. It has to be a fun event as beer is a fun product, and people need to experience it in a fun environment. Furthermore, the entertainment component of Beer Fest Asia presents a strong front for event marketing in some Asian countries where beer is a sensitive product. In our regional marketing, we would actually like to harness more of social media, but we realised that in some geography, beer is a word that is censored. You won’t go far with Google and Facebook ads. We have to respect the culture and religion of different countries.

How has the entertainment lineup on consumer days evolved through the years?

Live music goes hand in hand with beers, so we started Beer Fest Asia with a rock stage and later grew to include blues. Beyond live music, we think Asians need to laugh a bit more, so we added a stand-up comedy club three years ago. Besides entertaining people, such content also acts as a marketing tool for exhibitors. A lot of beer brands, such as Guinness and Magners Irish Cider, are co-marketed with comedy. For the past two to three years, our comedy central had Magners as the official beer.
Beer is an interesting product – it needs to be attached to emotions.

Do you think the consumer part of Beer Fest Asia has overshadowed the trade aspect? It is such a popular festival among beer lovers and party-goers.

No. Having one day just for the trade is sufficient for buyers to connect with exhibitors. Like most trade events, Beer Fest Asia acts as a platform for buyers and exhibitors to introduce themselves to one another, and further their discussions later on.

Although the event has only one trade day, we have not forgotten the importance of having a strong trade element, and are continuously investing in strengthening the event’s value for exhibitors. We have added new components over the years, one of them being the Asia Beer Awards which sees an assembly of professional brew masters and established industry players judging participating beers. The awards provide an additional marketing tool for beer companies, as they can later promote their award-winning brews.

We also featured a whisky tent this year, as we believe that beer and whisky go hand in hand. We had three or four whisky companies showcasing their products in an air-conditioned tent with lounge seating and rock and jazz bands.

The consumer part of Beer Fest Asia does not overshadow the trade aspect because both are not mutually exclusive. Buyers are also consumers of beers and they must themselves enjoy what they eventually list in their restaurants, bars and hotels. We see them returning after the trade day as consumers. Remember – it is the consumer that drives FMCG demand, and it is in the interest of every beer company to make sure their beers and brands are exposed to the consumer. That creates the latent demand that encourages restaurants, bars and hotels to list their products.

Furthermore, the sale of beers during the consumer days allows exhibitors to recover some of their cost of participation. There is also nothing better than letting consumers experience the beer for themselves.

Beyond Beer Fest Asia and your hugely popular Timbre Rock & Roots, is Timbre Group looking to grow its events portfolio?

We are now at a phase where we are no longer looking to grow new events, but are instead focused on scaling our existing ones. Our priority now is to take successful events and bring them to other cities in the world. Having said that, we will consider opportunities to develop new events.

In the case of Beer Fest Asia, we find that it is now well positioned for South-east Asia. Therefore, we would like to develop a beer festival for North Asia and make the event more accessible for trade buyers in that part of the region. We are looking at destinations like Shanghai and Hong Kong.

How close are you to materialising this North Asian version of the festival?

We have identified a couple of partners and are looking at some venues. The toughest part is in identifying the right location for the event.

Will the North Asian event be a replica of what you have in Singapore?

We will replicate the current model, as it is successful. Beer will still be the focus, and entertainment will complete the whole experience. It is best not to reinvent the wheel. Coming up with the event idea is often simple. It is the execution – ensuring that everything goes smoothly and that content is perfect and draws people – that is the most challenging.

One can always dream. If you had all the resources at your disposal now, what sort of event would you create, and why?

(Long pause, with a smile) Oh, I believe in the power of festivals. I love them, as they bring people together. If I had all the resources in the world, I would create a festival that combines the best music of all genres and the best food and beverage. Food and drinks feed the body and music feeds the soul. Human beings are communal creatures, so the best event will have to be one that can pull everyone from different countries, cultures and backgrounds together.

Edward Chia

No. Not here, not in Asia. There are no events in this region that bring together different cultures through music, food and drinks. There are great dining events and music events here, but not a single one that offers music, food and beverage components at an equally high standard. You are more likely to find a wonderful music festival with so-so dining options, or a great dining event with average music and entertainment. Why? Because it takes a lot of resources to create something like that. It is also a very risky project because the event will need a lot of people (in attendance) to make economic sense.

Asia is a very fragmented region due to different cultures, religions and languages, so it takes a lot of effort to bring everyone to a single location. It requires immense resources and stamina to build such an event. In Singapore, where the cost of doing business is very high, events must draw huge (attendee) numbers and be very profitable from the get-go. Organisers do not have the time to grow the event slowly, or to experiment and tweak it along the way. Organisers must get the right mix and succeed right from the start.

By Karen Yue, Xinyi Liang-Pholsena, Lee Pei Qi, S Puvaneswary, Mimi Hudoyo, Feizal Samath, Rohit Kaul, Natasha Dragun and Marianne Carandang

There’s no rest for the ambitious and companies need to come up with exciting ways to inspire their top achievers towards higher targets in the coming year. Here are 36 motivating travel ideas:

01 Set up an opulent camp close to Kilimanjaro

Tortillis Camp, overlooking Kilimanjaro mountain

Celebrate your winners in one of the best visions presented by nature. Tortilis Camp, which spans the western half of Amboseli, a national park known for its spectacular views of the majestic Kilimanjaro and for having some of the largest elephant population (1,000 of them) in Africa. Its 16 tents are large, with king or twin beds and elegant en suite bathrooms. Along with two family houses, Tortilis Camp offers the best of low-impact, high-comfort tourism.

Tortilis Camp, which has hosted conferences before, can be hired entirely by a corporate group. Dining areas can be transformed into conference venues and recreational and networking programmes can be tailored. Delegates can enjoy game drives, guided walks, sundowners and bush meals inside the park, as well as spa treatments after all that activity.

Capacity: Maximum 40 pax for camp buyout
Email: info@chelipeacock.co.ke
Website: http://tortilis.com/

02 Around the world in 19 days

This extravagant idea will see your top achievers travel the world in 19 days in a private jet with Abercrombie & Kent founder, Geoffrey Kent. Along the way delegates will visit some of Kent’s favourite places and discover new ones with the pioneering expedition leader. Cruise the Amazon, gaze at the enigmatic moai of Easter Island, spot game on the Maasai Mara and enjoy a celebratory gathering in Kent’s adopted home of Monaco.

This is luxury travel at its finest, complete with five-star accommodation, restaurants and tours along the way. It comes with a cool price tag of around US$79,995 per seat.

Capacity: No more than 40 pax
Website: www.abercrombiekent.com

03 Experience a tea-flavoured colonial past of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s tea culture has not evolved much over the last century – tea is harvested, manufactured and drunk exactly the same way. And in Sri Lanka’s central region, where it is all tea country, one can follow firsthand the entire production process. Accommodate your winners in a colonial bungalow in the plantation and have them wake up to a traditional English breakfast served by butlers in a sprawling garden or inside a quaint British cottage. They may also enjoy a game of tennis, croquet or polo.

Capacity: At least four guests
Email: malik.fernando@dilmahtea.com
Website: www.teatrails.com

04 Recharge in the foothills of the Himalayas

Ananda in the Himalayas, A Destination Spa does more than invite guests to relax and rejuvenate through the ancient Indian wellness regimes of ayurveda, yoga and vedanta and its collection of 80 spa treatments. The property’s prime location in the tranquil Himalayan foothills, overlooking the peaceful Ganga, set guests’adrenalin pumping through activities such as white-water rafting and a jeep safari in the Rajaji National Park. Incentive organisers can also plan a mini golf tournament and cooking classes for winners who prefer a slower pace.

Capacity: Minimum 10 pax; maximum 50
E-mail: reservations@anandaspa.com
Website: www.anandaspa.com

05 Mingle with the Maori

In an experience tailored for top-level executives, the programme begins with a helicopter flight from Auckland to Lake Rotoiti in central North Island of New Zealand. Upon landing, delegates will receive a full traditional Maori welcome when entering Marae village. Accompanied by the hosts, they will walk through the bushes and collect a variety of native plants used in indigenous cooking. Later, famed Maori chef, Charles Royal, will prepare lunch through a traditional hangi, a method of cooking using heated rocks buried in a pit oven. On Lake Rotoiti, delegates can paddle a waka, a traditional Maori canoe. Come late afternoon, another helicopter flight takes delegates to the exclusive Huka Lodge, where numerous heads of state have visited before. Take in the lush landscapes and enjoy a wine-tasting dinner in the evening.

Capacity:  Maximum 30 pax
Email: sales@dmAsia.travel

06 Be part of a wedding celebration in 1920s Sri Lanka

Travel back to the 1920s and be part of the wedding celebrations of the daughter of Mudalier Gajaman, a fictitious character. Set in the British colonial times, this extravagant event is re-created in the historical Galle Fort in southern Sri Lanka. Aristocrats, chieftains, clans and commoners will pay homage and join in the feast. The incentive group becomes a part of the experience, playing the role of the couple and Mudalier Gajaman, dressed in different ceremonial attire of that era. The groom and groomsmen arrive on caparisoned elephants while the bride and her retinue arrive in a thirikkale, a refined bullock cart. A wedding ceremony, traditional folk games and entertainment acts depicting different social and cultural backgrounds of Sri Lanka complete the wedding party, making it perfect for winners who desire an out-of-this-world experience with plenty of pictures to take home.

Capacity: At least 10 pax
Email: rukmal@361edge.lk
Website: www.mice.lk

07 A spiritual meeting in Myanmar

Meet a Burmese spirit medium who will put up a performance to connect with the land of the nats (spirits), offering a very colourful and somewhat unusual experience for incentive groups. On arrival, participants meet the spirit medium and his team of dancers (usually with the aid of four to six people). The troupe will start dancing while the medium goes into an increasingly vigorous dance to reach a kind of “trance” – at this point, guests are invited to dance along and ask questions.

This is ideal for any group curious about the exotic cultures of Asia, or Asian groups who want to experience something different and unique in Myanmar.

Capacity: Minimum two pax; maximum 30
Email: myanmar@khiri.com

08 Step into a Russian space station

Grant your winners the rare opportunity to visit a Russian space station. Guided by a trainer, delegates will get to see the astronaut training centre and witness the process of training and space simulation, as well as have a conversation with an astronaut.

Capacity: Minimum 10 pax; maximum 100 (divided into smaller groups during the facility tour)
Email: eddy@synergyproduction.net
Website: www.synergyproduction.com

09 Take over Sydney’s Taronga Zoo

With its enviable location on the verge of Sydney Harbour, Taronga Zoo wows at the best of times, offering dramatic Harbour Bridge views and access to some of the world’s wildest animals. Through its Roar & Snore sleepover programme, your incentive winners can enjoy all that to themselves once the zoo closes and the last patron leaves. Kick off the evening with sunset cocktails and canapés as the sun sets, followed by a roast dinner and an up-close-and-personal session with the zoo’s friendliest residents. Later, retire into safari tents furnished with single and double beds. Rise the next morning to a glorious sunrise and the roar of a lion or trumpet of an elephant, and embark on a behind-the-scenes tour of the zoo before the public streams in.

Capacity: Minimum one pax; maximum 34
Email: roarandsnore@zoo.nsw.gov.au
Website: www.taronga.org.au

10 Solve a murder mystery in the Misty Mountains

Now, who doesn’t love a whodunit mind-boggler? Take your top achievers to the luxurious Cameron Highlands Resort in Malaysia for an exclusive murder mystery adventure set in the 1960s.

Murder Mystery in the Misty Mountains is based on the story of Jim Thompson, the legendary American businessman known as the Thai Silk King who mysteriously disappeared while holidaying at the Moonlight Bungalow in Cameron Highlands in March 1967. The experience begins two weeks before the event, when guests typically receive their invitations and character briefing.

The cool highland climes, misty mountains and lush foliage set the stage for the mystery, as guests arrive at the resort in limousines. Pre-dinner cocktails by the fireplace at the Highlands Bar provide a sophisticated entry into the evening; guests come dressed to the nines, sporting furs, trilbies and lace elbow gloves.

Once the formalities are over, the fun begins in the elegant Dining Room. Murders are committed and weapons are found in between courses, with a good dose of blackmailing on the side. Guests rush through the halls of the colonial-style property, looking for clues. The evening culminates in the voting and selection of Best Performer, Super Sleuth, Best Costume and Wealthiest Player.

Capacity: Single murder mystery – 20-35 pax;
double murder mystery – 40-60 pax
Email: events@ytlhotels.com.my
Website: www.cameronhighlandsresort.com

11 Work out Cirque du Soleil-style

Have your top achievers work up a hearty appetite before their award dinner with a fitness session hosted by current and ex-Cirque du Soleil performers. Classes at Shine Alternative Fitness in Las Vegas invite participants to try their own hand at antigra-vity yoga and pilates, aerial skills, pole dancing, extreme boxing and gyrotechnic. Performing downward-facing dog (or adho mukha, a yoga pose) in a silk hammock suspended from the ceiling or swinging through the air like a circus performer has a way of bringing people together. Participants will get a good laugh and workout at the same time.

Capacity: Minimum one pax; maximum 30
Email: info@shinealternativefitness.com
Website: www.shinealternativefitness.com

12 Blaze a trail in Scotland

Here’s a tour of Scotland’s most beautiful castles with a twist. The four-day tour will see incentive winners blazing a trail down scenic Scottish roads in Ferrari and Porsche cars as they explore private castles such as Glamis Castle, Skibo Castle and Eilean Donan Castle. Not only will they enjoy exclusive access into these historical architectures, a team of Michelin-starred chefs will await at one of the castles with a banquet of world-class cuisine. One of the entertainment highlights will be a special performance by popular string quartet, Bond.

Capacity: No more than 10 pax/drivers
Email: john@johnbsutherland.com

13 Escape to a private island

Oh, what bragging rights one would get from having an entire island to oneself! Create a private party destination for your incentive winners by renting Pulau Pangkil Kecil, a luxury tropical island located close to Singapore and Indonesia. The island offers nine individual driftwood palaces, a bar, a pool, a treehouse and sea sports equipment such as kayaks and snorkelling gear. A team of 20 staff is also at your disposal, along with the necessary sound system to support your event. The island facilitates teambuilding activities too.

Capacity: Minimum two pax; maximum 10
Email: direct.enquiry@pangkil.com
Website: www.pangkil.com

14 A tale of Italian gourmet food and swanky cars

If you are planning to reward your incentive winners with a trip to Italy, pencil Parma into the itinerary. Showcase the Italian city’s two key highlights – its culinary traditions and love for fast cars.

Accademia Barilla, based in Parma, hosts a five-day gourmet tour of the city and neighbouring Modena. The tour includes classes in the Accademia Barilla kitchens where participants will learn to cook authentic Italian specialties, opportunities to sample local produce such as Prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano Reggiano, Aceto Balsamico di Modena and Lambrusco wine, and a visit to the Ferrari and Maserati headquarters.

Capacity: Small groups only
Email: info@academiabarilla.it
Website: www.barilla.com /www.academiabarilla.com

15 Gain access into a sacred chamber

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, Sri Lanka is a popular attraction, but few can access the inner chamber where the tooth relic of Buddha is housed. To date, only a few locals and foreign dignitaries such as visiting heads of states or royalty have set foot within. The good news is, an exclusive visit to the inner chamber can be arranged for high-profile incentive groups.

Capacity:  At least five pax
Email: lsrdharma@sltnet.lk
Website: www.lsr-srilanka.com

16 Silence is golden and refreshing

Whisk your stressed out top achievers away from the city into the serene enclave of The Banjaran Hotspring Retreat in Ipoh, Malaysia. Sign them up for the Silence Therapy, which is led by the retreat’s in-house wellness practitioner and held in the Meditation Cave – a natural granite and limestone formation. The treatment focuses and detoxifies the mind through silence, appropriate breathing techniques and contemplation. Accommodation here is a treat through villas that come equipped with plunge pools and sunken Jacuzzi with piped geothermal hotspring water. Delegates can also master the art of making Labu Sayong, a traditional pottery, under the tutelage of local artisans, and enjoy a themed dinner at Jeff’s Cellar.

Capacity: Maximum 30 delegates
Email: Info.kl@thebanjaran.com
Website: www.thebanjaran.com

17 Fly to dinner at a hilltop vineyard

Following an afternoon tour of Brown Brothers Milawa Vineyard in Victoria, Australia, hop onto a helicopter for a ride over the region’s vineywards and arrive at the Banksdale Vineyard, set atop a hill 485m above sea level.

Chilled prosecco, canapés and a breathtaking view awaits. Hear about the art of winemaking from a Brown Brothers wine expert. As the sun sets, retreat under the vineyard’s harvester shed that has been dressed up for a spectacular and private dinner party.

Brown Brothers Milawa Vineyard’s Epicurean Centre restaurant, known for its award-winning cuisine, will supply the gastronomic delights for the evening. Feast on dishes made from the freshest produce from the Milawa Gourmet Region.

Email: info@brownbrothers.com.au
Website: www.visitwangaratta.com.au/pages/brown-brothers-prosecco/

18 Cycle up to Inle Lake

For visits to Inle Lake in Shan State, Myanmar, instead of coach transfers upon arrival at Heho Airport, incentive winners can hop on a mountain bike and journey to their destination. Pedal through the mostly flat and downhill terrain, passing through the stunning Pa’O tribal area with patchwork of green and yellow fields, and have a picnic lunch along the way.

The biking trip can range between two and four hours, with water and helmets provided. Traditional countryside games can be included to offer more fun along the way.

The programme is suitable for delegates who enjoy a more active itinerary and desire a new way of seeing a destination.

Capacity: Minimum two pax; maximum 30
Email: myanmar@khiri.com

19 Get high on chocolate

Pop into Bali’s first organic chocolate factory, POD, which sits high in the hills, some 90 minutes from Conrad Bali. The programme begins with a tour of the hillside farm. Hear from a POD representative about what is being done to revive Bali’s chocolate trade and how the factory is working closely with disadvantaged local farmers. Delegates are guided through the chocolate-making process which begins with identifying the cacao flower. At the end of the journey, delegates will get to see how the hotel’s chef makes chocolates and then try their hand at making their own. This insightful journey can be paired with a meeting.

Capacity: Minimum 10 pax; maximum 40
Email: harrytandjung@ConradBali.com
Website: www.conradbali.com

20 Invest in a natural, healthy reward

Perfect for overworked top achievers, a trip to The Farm at San Benito in Batangas, the Philippines, will help to set guests’ mental and physical well-being back on track. Winners will get a health check and explore different ways to improve their well-being, be it through a detoxifying diet, exercise (such as yoga, plyometrics, pilates) or spa treatments. The Farm also offers Philippine-style hilot massage.

For more variety in the programme, incentive organisers can include a visit to Tagaytay Ridge and the historic town of Taal, where at Villa Tortuga winners can dress up in vintage Filipino costumes and take a photograph for keepsake.

Capacity: Up to 20, to be accommodated across 10 luxury villas
Email: info@thefarm.com.ph
Website: www.thefarm.com.ph

21 Take a cultural cruise down the Marang River

Incentive groups staying at Tanjong Jara Resort in Terengganu, Malaysia, a 99-key resort that is designed to reflect the elegance of 17th century Malay palaces, can enhance their destination experience with a cruise along the Marang River. The seven-kilometre cruise will give guests a chance to spot a variety of wildlife such as monkeys, river crabs and sea eagles. Disembarking at a jetty, guests will explore a Malay village where residents still practise ancient methods of food preparation and handicraft. End the day at the resort with a private buffet by the beach with entertainment provided by gamelan musicians.

Capacity: Minimum three pax; maximum eight
Email: travelcentre@ytlhotels.com.my
Website: www.tanjongjararesort.com

22 Arrive in Shan State in style

For incentive winners that are travelling through Myanmar’s Shan State, make the journey a special one by chartering an entire train for your group, decorating it with flowers and spicing it up with entertainment on board in the form of traditional dancers and masseurs. Don’t forget to keep the cocktails flowing throughout the journey.

Capacity: Minimum 30 pax; maximum 200
Email: myanmar@khiri.com

23 Big adventures in the mountains of Canada

Incentive winners with a taste for adventure and luxurious living will take well to the Revelstoke Mountain Resort in Canada, which is set in the heart of the world’s best heliski terrain. Winners can fly into the wilderness in a helicopter or ride the lift to the top of the tallest ski hill in North America. The impressive timber-framed building houses eight stately suites and can host elegant dinners in its 16-seat dining room, which comes with conference facilities or a casual gathering in the kitchen. Facilities include a cinema and an outdoor hot tub with views over the Columbia River and Monashee Mountains.

Capacity: No more than 16 guests
Email: sales@bighornrevelstoke.com
Website: www.bighornrevelstoke.com

24 So you think you can dance like a K-pop idol?

Your winners sure can, after taking dance lessons at the Seoul Global Culture & Tourism Center in Myeongdong where they will learn from a professional instructor how to dance like their favourite South Korean idols to the latest K-pop tunes, and recreate the sleek moves seen in music videos.

Classes can be customised to suit the profile of participants and are available every Friday from 16.00, until October.

Capacity: 20-30 pax per class
Email: seoulcenter3789@gmail.com
Website: seoultourism.kr/2013/eng/#step2_1

25 Visit a fishing community in Maung Shwe Lay

Spend a day in a local fishing village south of Ngapali Beach, the premier seaside destination in Myanmar. In this remote area hardly visited by tourists, incentive groups can have a day of meaningful activities, from teambuilding fun on the beach to assisting a host family in their lunch preparations to participating in communal activities such as painting and garbage collection with local school kids.

Capacity: Minimum two pax; maximum 60
Email: myanmar@khiri.com

26 High-country life in New Zealand

Kick off the trip with a private Douglas DC-3 flight to Queenstown, followed by a helicopter ride to Minaret Station. Here, winners can experience life on a high-country farm home to cows, sheep and deers, and get the chance to work with specially trained sheep dogs. Continue by helicopter to the glacier for a pre-lunch glass of champagne, after which a mountain-kitchen lunch is served at the Minaret Station, famed as New Zealand’s only luxury tented lodge located in a stunning glacial valley above Lake Wanaka.

Capacity: No more than 20 pax
Email: sales@dmAsia.travel

27 Party in a gallery of famous art pieces

In Canberra, the National Gallery of Australia is home to some of the country’s – and the world’s – most impressive art works, housed in cutting-edge, and recently remodelled, spaces. Guests can enjoy formal and informal cocktails and dinner gatherings in a range of spaces, including the Turrell Skyspace, Gandel Hall, Members Lounge and the Sculpture Garden. The greatest lure of this idea is that incentive winners will have access to some of the world’s most exclusive artworks in the gallery – minus the crowds.

Capacity: Seated 60-350 pax; standing 100-900
Email: events@nga.gov.au
Website: nga.gov.au/venuehire

28 Reflections at Bongeunsa

Seoul may be one of the most technologically advanced cities in the world, but it has not left its rich history behind. In the the capital city’s affluent Gangnam district stands Bongeunsa, a major Buddhist temple founded in 794 that draws both worshippers and tourists alike.

Allow your top achievers to experience the monastic life here through a tea ceremony, Seon (Zen) Meditation and other activities. Programmes can run for two hours or over two days. Perhaps, at the end of the experience, your top achievers may gain some new perspectives of life.

Capacity: Minimum five pax; maximum 30
Email: bongeunsa@templestay.com
Website: www.bongeunsa.org/eng/index.asp

29 Night at the Sarawak Museum

Transport your event to the glory days of the White Rajahs – the British adventurers who came to rule Sarawak. Dubbed the oldest museum in Borneo, it was built in 1891 to house and display local crafts and specimen collected by famous naturalist, Alfred Wallace.

Special arrangements can be made in advance for incentive winners to have a cocktail event within the museum, followed by a guided tour of the museum and ending with an intimate dinner set among ancient relics and ruins inside the museum’s main gallery.

Capacity: Between 40 and 50 delegates
Email: info@sarawakcb.com
Website: www.sarawakcb.com

30 Rock to the rhythms of the rainforest

The annual Rainforest World Music Festival held in Sarawak every July has earned international acclaim and recognition for blending the best of world music with a gig in the jungles of Borneo. Over two days and three nights, world-class musicians from four continents play to their hearts’ content to an international audience at the Sarawak Cultural Village.

Incentive organisers can contact Sarawak Tourism Board to arrange a private concert featuring visiting musicians or to conduct a special music workshop.

A hospitality suite can also be arranged in advance through the assistance of the bureau so that top achievers can enjoy performances at the festival in comfort, with food and beverage served through the day, as well as little extras such as the chance to get up close with the musicians.

Capacity: 50-100 pax
Email: info@sarawakcb.com
Website: www.sarawakcb.com

31 Celebration at seventh heaven

The Sky Terrace at Chin Swee Temple up in Malaysia’s Genting Highlands has often been used by event planners desiring a unique venue, but Resorts World Genting, which markets the space, has come up with an elaborate event idea suitable for incentive groups.

Set 1,500m above sea level, the dinner will begin with a welcome performance by a traditional lion dance, stilt walkers and fire eaters. Guests will be served a welcome cocktail/mocktail, and be invited to explore various stalls where they can try their hand at local activities such as batik printing and henna drawing. These stalls will be kept open throughout the evening. Entertainment will come in the form of musical performances as well as a possible guest appearance by an international artiste (subject to availability).

A 12-foot firecracker will be lit to symbolise the start of dinner, which is a special feast of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Beverages will flow through the night.

Every guest will get a hand-made wooden plaque as a table gift, and on these guests will write their wishes and hang them up at the gazebo for good luck.

The finale of the event will be a spectacular fireworks display. An additional surprise will be a parting gift of a personalised traditional Chinese costume for every guest.

Capacity: Minimum 100 pax; maximum 500
Email: imice@rwgenting.com
Website: www.rwgenting.com

32 Say hello to the aborigines

Indulge your winners in a private and intimate tour of the aboriginal lands of Arnhemland, located in the middle of Australia’s northern coast, led by a guide who is the only white man trusted by the aborigines to bring visitors to their ancestor’s sacred land. He will lead guests to ancient rock art he had discovered, some dating thousands of years old.
This exclusive programme is ideal for incentive winners who want to uncover more about the history of Australia, through the eyes of an experienced guide who will bring them to places inaccessible to others.

Capacity: No more than six people
Email: enquiry@travelplanner.com.sg

33 Meet Jeju’s last mermaids

One of the many gems in Jeju, South Korea is the community of haenyeos – women of the sea. These hardy women dive for a living from a very young age, without the use of oxygen tanks to as deep as 15m in search of shellfish, sea cucumbers and fish. Most can hold their breath for up to two minutes, and would dive four to five hours each time.

But these gems are fast disappearing, as the job is difficult and dangerous and not attractive to young women today. There are 4,800 haenyeos in Jeju now. In the southern village of Beophwan in Seogwipo, there are only 100 left – 60 are active divers and the rest have retired due to old age and poor health. The oldest active haenyo in Beophwan is 85 years old.

A conversation with one or two haen-yeos can be arranged for your incentive group through the Jeju Haenyeo Experience Centre in Beophwan or the Jeju Convention & Visitors Bureau. The centre also has a gallery with photos and diving equipment used by haenyeo of the past, but advance notice must be given should a visit be desired.

Close by the centre is a seafood restaurant operated by these divers, where an affordable seafood feast with cold soju can be enjoyed. For a fee, visitors to the centre can also don cotton diving attire worn in the early days and take a dip in shallower waters of the ocean.

Email: sean@jejucvb.or.kr
Tel: (82-64) 739-1232 (for the Jeju Haenyeo Experience Centre)

34 Luxury living in Yala National Park

Pack your winners off to a five-star adventure on the border of the Yala National Park in southern Sri Lanka.

Customised tents offer guests luxurious accommodation and each comes with a separate dining tent attached.

Food is prepared by cooks from customised kitchens that are equipped to ensure that beers are cold, an endless supply of ice is available at all times and all that a guest may need is kept fresh.

In the day, your winners can discover Sri Lanka’s abundant wildlife on land cruisers led by guides and trackers of Kulu Safari, and indulge in a breakfast on the river.

The experience is a rare privilege and helps participants gain a greater understanding of and appreciation for nature.

Capacity: 10 pax per group
Email: andrea.h@lk.diethelmtravel.com
Website: www.diethelmtravel.com/srilanka

35 Take in an aerial view of Kuala Lumpur

Give your incentive guests an unobstructed bird’s-eye view of the captivating Kuala Lumpur city skyline, as they zip across the skies in a helicopter. From up there, guests can see the contrast between the magnificent skyscrapers and the buildings of the colonial days, and perceive the vast development of the Malaysian capital. Knowledgeable pilots are on hand to double up as tour guides.

Capacity: No more than four pax
Email: enquiry@travelplanner.com.sg

36 Local feast down the Nam Ngum River

When opulent dinners of foie gras and champagne no longer charm top achievers who have seen it all, it is time to deliver a dining experience that only the locals are privy to. Tha Ngon, some 25km from downtown Vientiane, Laos and sitting on the banks of the Nam Ngum River, a tributary of the Mekong River, marks the start of a memorable floating feast.

MICE People, which organises this dining event, describes Tha Ngon as a scenic spot that sits at the foot of an old steel bridge, bringing to mind a vision of the famous bridge over Thailand’s River Kwai.

Arriving at Tha Ngon, incentive winners can select their desired dishes from kitchens on the mainland – dishes can also be pre-ordered by the planner – and then board a chartered pirogue with a thatched roof. Once food, along with local beer, tropical cocktails/mocktails and fresh fruit juices, are brought onboard, the pirogue will be taken up river and then set adrift. With the engines shut off, the group can enjoy their local feast in serene, breezy surroundings.

“Blind tasting” games and karaoke sessions can also be planned for groups that prefer a more festive dining experience.

Capacity: Small pirogues take eight-10 pax; larger ones take up to 36 pax
Email: hello@mice-people.com
Website: www.mice-people.com