Event planners have to find new ways to keep attendees engaged
A new report from event technology provider EventsAir reveals that nearly half of event professionals are struggling to keep attendees engaged amid increasing distractions and digital fatigue.
The study, based on responses from over 370 event professionals and interviews with industry leaders, found that 42.7% cite attendee engagement as a major concern. Budget limitations also remain a significant hurdle, with 63.5% of respondents identifying financial constraints as their biggest challenge in 2025.
Event planners have to find new ways to keep attendees engaged
Despite the rise of virtual and hybrid events, in-person events continue to be highly valued, with 95.4% of event professionals rating them as either very or moderately important. The report also highlights the increasing importance of high-quality content, cited by 79.7% of respondents as the single most crucial factor for event success.
Technology plays a vital role in modern event planning, with 79.3% of professionals utilising event management software.
“The global events market is undergoing unprecedented change, driven by technology, shifting attendee behaviours, and new industry challenges,” said Renee Elliott, chief customer officer at EventsAir. “We invested in producing this important report to provide event planners with a clear understanding of these transformations, empowering them to adapt, innovate, and excel in this dynamic environment.”
The full report is available for download on the EventsAir website.
Cathay has solidified its commitment to Hong Kong by becoming the exclusive Founding Travel Partner of the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP), the city’s new state-of-the-art sports and entertainment landmark.
The announcement was made at a ceremony held at the KTSP on February 24, 2025, attended by key figures from both organisations.
Kai Tak Sports Park with Cathay on its facade
KTSP, set to be the largest integrated sports and entertainment hub in Hong Kong, will collaborate closely with Cathay to deliver world-class experiences to a global audience.
The partnership will introduce several key initiatives, including the Cathay-branded West Bridge, an aviation-themed immersive experience connecting the Sung Wong Toi MTR station with Kai Tak Stadium; World Flyer, a scaled-down representation of Kai Tak Airport’s facilities, providing an educational space for community interaction; and sponsorship of “Rong Rong Square” and “Veni, Vidi, Vici” projects that will further elevate the visitor experience.
Cathay will also support the highly anticipated Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, which will be held at KTSP for the first time from March 28-30, 2025.
Cathay’s chief customer and commercial officer, Lavinia Lau, said: “Having been Cathay Pacific’s home for over many decades, the old Kai Tak Airport holds a cherished place in not only our hearts, as it is where our journey began, but also those of everyone who grew up in Hong Kong. In many ways, our return to Kai Tak as the exclusive Founding Travel Partner of KTSP is a testament to Cathay’s evolution from an airline to the leading premium travel lifestyle brand we are today. It also symbolises our unwavering commitment to the continued growth and development of Hong Kong as a world-class city.
“Through strategic collaboration with KTSP, we hope to bring together visitors from all over the world to our home by creating immersive experiences that enhance its international profile and celebrate its rich heritage. The exciting line-up of sporting and cultural mega-events at KTSP will surely boost tourism and inspire the people of Hong Kong.”
From left: Energy Industries Council’s Nur Faazila Datuk Mohamad Sadik, and Mohd Azman Nasir; premier of Sarawak’s Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Abang Openg; and Energy Industries Council’s Awal Mu’awaluddin
The EIC CONNECT Energy Borneo 2025 took place recently in Kuching from February 25-26, 2025, at the Hikmah Exchange Event Center.
The conference revolved around three central themes: Net Zero as a Catalyst for Economic Prosperity, Enhancing Energy Security in the Region, and Regional Interconnectivity and Cooperation.
From left: Energy Industries Council’s Nur Faazila Datuk Mohamad Sadik, and Mohd Azman Nasir; premier of Sarawak’s Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Abang Openg; and Energy Industries Council’s Awal Mu’awaluddin
The HRD Corp Claimable event featured 90 expert speakers from 16 countries, including key figures driving South-east’s energy transition. With over 1,000 delegates in attendance, the event facilitated over 150 curated B2B meetings and showcased innovations from more than 50 exhibitors. Over 20 panel sessions delved into critical topics such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, and Borneo’s role in a sustainable energy future.
Stuart Broadley, Energy Industries Council (EIC)’s CEO, said, “This conference is about action. By fostering cross-border collaboration, we aim to turn Borneo’s energy vision into reality”.
EIC CONNECT Energy Borneo 2025 was organised by the EIC in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Sarawak (MEESty), and supported by Business Events Sarawak, as well as the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau.
Deputy minister for MEESty, Haji Hazland bin Haji Abang Hipni, concluded, “Sarawak’s commitment to net-zero by 2050 drives our support for events that unite regional stakeholders. I am very pleased to see the regional turnout of government and industry players attending this conference. This shows our serious commitment in synergising Borneo’s dynamic power within the ASEAN region.”
Sissi Lignou (in black and yellow) standing together with the IAPCO Council 2025
Sissi Lignou, CEO of AFEA Congress in Athens, Greece, has been named president of the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO).
The announcement was made at the IAPCO Annual Conference and General Assembly held in Taipei from February 21-23, 2025.
Sissi Lignou (in black and yellow) standing together with the IAPCO Council 2025
Lignou’s two-year term as president follows her election as president-elect in 2024. She will now lead the association, overseeing its strategic direction, ensuring compliance with regulations, advocating for the global meetings industry, and driving IAPCO’s continued growth.
Outgoing President, Sarah Markey-Hamm, transitions to the role of immediate past-president and will chair IAPCO’s Committee of Ethics.
In other council news, two existing members, Nicola Testai of OIC Group (Italy) and Jason Yeh of GIS Group (Taiwan), were re-elected for another two-year term. All other current council members are mid-term and will continue their service.
Rooms My generously-sized 44m2 Studio Guest Room at Lanson Place Causeway Bay was a testament to the hotel’s recent, extensive renovation.
While the hotel first opened in 2005, it closed in November 2022 and underwent a complete transformation, emerging with a stylish new look by renowned French interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon. My room featured a fresh colour palette of pale yellow, while other rooms in the hotel offer the same updated design in pastel blue and celadon green, reflecting the modern design aesthetic found in Rochon’s other notable projects, such as the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills and The Peninsula Shanghai.
Tastefully furnished, my room boasted a plush queen-size bed, a large closet, and a comfortable living area complete with a two-seater couch and two TVs – one for the bedroom and another for the living space. This living area also conveniently housed the Nespresso machine and fridge. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the skyscrapers outside. Meanwhile, the chic, marble-clad bathroom was a haven of luxury, featuring Dyson hairdryers and Codage bath amenities.
I admired the housekeeping team’s meticulous attention to detail. My clothes were impeccably folded, loose cables were neatly coiled, and thoughtful touches, like a calming lavender spray, were left bedside to ensure a good night’s sleep. A pillow menu is also available, should the four provided not live up to standards.
I also enjoyed the delightful welcome treat – a pair of bite-sized pineapple buns, each cradling a cold slab of butter and sweet pineapple jam.
MICE facilities The hotel offers two on-site meeting rooms, designed with warm tones and curved lines, complemented by designer furniture, and lighting.
Additionally, about a third of Lanson Place Causeway Bay’s accommodations are designed with longer-stay corporate guests in mind, requiring a minimum two-week stay. These larger rooms offer the added convenience of a modest kitchenette.
Other facilities There is a gym, and a chic yoga room (complimentary classes are available), both of which are located on the fifth floor. Another thoughtful amenity, and one rarely seen in luxury properties, is the guest laundry room equipped with several washers and dryers – a feature I personally appreciate and wish were more commonplace.
Salon Lanson, the hotel’s sole restaurant and bar, commands the entire first floor. The restaurant encompasses a stylish bar and dining area, and extends to a small outdoor balcony. While breakfast is a guest-only affair, Salon Lanson also caters to lunch and dinner crowds.
Breakfast at Salon Lanson is a semi-buffet with the added option of an à la carte dish. While tempting choices like eggs Benedict and croffles were available, I could not resist the wonton noodle soup – I am in Hong Kong after all. The seemingly simple bowl held a delightful surprise: a rich, double-boiled broth, delightfully chewy thin yellow noodles, and two plump, succulent prawn dumplings.
Hotel guests can also enjoy Cocktail Hour every evening; the menu rotates daily. Three tipples – inspired by Hong Kong’s neighbourhoods – are featured every day, each with a story displayed on a beautifully-illustrated postcard.
Service The service was impeccable from start to finish. I was impressed by the seamless check-in, where the staff not only clearly explained the Wi-Fi password but also offered helpful suggestions for finding the city’s best roasted goose.
Verdict For me, Lanson Place Causeway Bay was a true escape. Stepping inside felt like shedding the city’s hustle and bustle, and entering a world of refined tranquillity. I would love to stay again when I am next back in Hong Kong.
Number of rooms 188 rooms, including six penthouses
Miyajima’s five-storey pagoda; Miyajima is a small island in Hiroshima Bay; photo by Rachel AJ Lee
With the spotlight on Osaka Expo 2025, cities to Osaka’s west – like Hiroshima and Kobe – are also out in full force promoting themselves as suitable incentive and conference destinations to the Asia-Pacific market.
Samuel Peter, general manager, Hilton Hiroshima, told TTGmice: “The upcoming Osaka Expo 2025 is an incredible opportunity to grow our business events portfolio. The goal is to promote Hiroshima as an ideal location for post-Expo corporate meetings, incentive trips, and cultural excursions, leveraging the Expo’s international platform to showcase Hiroshima’s unique offerings.”
Miyajima’s five-storey pagoda; Miyajima is a small island in Hiroshima Bay; photo by Rachel AJ Lee
Hilton Hiroshima’s business to leisure ration at the moment is 30 per cent business events, and 70 per cent leisure. However, “much of our MICE business is domestic”.
As such, Peter pointed out that the property is working on strengthening its visibility across the Asia-Pacific region, with a particular emphasis on key markets such as South Korea and China.
“With direct flights introduced in 2024 from these two destinations, we’re well-positioned to attract more regional visitors. These markets, along with Singapore, not only have strong ties to Japan, but also show a growing interest in Hiroshima as a tourism destination,” he explained.
Similarly at Grand Prince Hiroshima, the property’s general manager, Hirase Haruo, wants to attract more groups from the Asia-Pacific region, even as the property already welcomes a sizeable number of domestic business events.
He shared: “As a hotel with experience in hosting international conferences including the G7 summit, we are receiving more MICE enquiries than ever before, but there is still a long way to go.”
Haruo is hopeful that airlines in the region will launch or relaunch international direct flights to Hiroshima, but in the meantime, the hotel will encourage those interested in the destination to use the Shinkansen.
To further boost international awareness among corporates, Hilton Hiroshima and Grand Prince Hiroshima have outlined plans to participate in international trade shows, as well as conduct individual sales calls to key markets, and work closely with DMCs.
Takeomi Murakami, supervisor, MICE Promotion Department, Hiroshima Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), agreed with Haruo, stating that Osaka is only two hours away by Shinkansen. Still, the CVB is actively trying to get airlines to reinstate more direct flights from cities around Asia-Pacific.
“We used to have a number of direct flights, from places like Bangkok and Singapore. These have not returned, but Hong Kong will be back this year. We also have a new connection to Vietnam, as well as direct flights to China and South Korea. Visitors can also access Hiroshima from Fukuoka Airport,” he elaborated.
For 2025, Murakami shared that the CVB’s target are international incentive groups from Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, with the destination already popular among corporates from South Korea and Taiwan, as well as international conventions or conferences of 300 to 500.
Hiroshima, the largest city in the Chugoku region, is no stranger to hosting medium-size international conferences and conventions, with around 10 such business events held annually.
In 2024, the International Conference Center Hiroshima welcomed major conventions such as the 30th International Conference on Health Promoting Hospitals and Health Services (950 pax), IEEE Asian Solid-State Circuits Conference 2024 (350 pax), and the 24th International Conference on Photochemical Conversion and Storage of Solar Energy (600 pax).
For incentive groups of 50 or more international participants that stay a night in Hiroshima, Hiroshima CVB will prepare welcome gifts, as well as subsidies up to a maximum of 300,000 yen (US$1,919). Murakami added that Sake barrel opening ceremonies, and kagura, a traditional Japanese dance, can also be arranged.
Nearer to Osaka, theatrical attraction, átoa, is a new aquarium and art facility in Kobe, that offers eight different zones for corporate events.
The átoa attraction in Kobe combines aquarium and art; photo by Rachel AJ Lee
Masaki Takei, project manager of the business planning department, Aquament Co., parent company of átoa, opined that such “an attractive facility is in demand in the international market, but it is not realistic” for the attraction to approach overseas markets on its own. As such, the attraction works closely with Japan National Tourism Organization, Hyogo Tourism Headquarters, and Kobe Tourism Bureau.
On how átoa is leveraging Osaka Expo 2025 to grow its corporate events business, Takei shared that the company has “registered with the Expo Cooperative Business Program” and is ready to accept visitors.
“Kobe is very close to Osaka, only 30 minutes by train, and can be visited on a day trip. However, compared to Osaka and Kyoto, I feel that the city is not (on the radar for many), and I would like to promote the attractiveness of Kobe and encourage visitors to visit the city and átoa,” he pointed out.
Moreover, with the 10,000-seater Glion Arena slated to open in the spring of 2025, the city would definitely warrant more attention, Takei said.
Aside from the arena, Kazuya Sugano, general manager of Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel, is optimistic the business events industry in western Japan will continue to grow, buoyed by the integrated resort that will open in Osaka in 2029.
However, Sugano opined that the hotel industry needs to invest in training staff with specialised business events skills to address the current talent shortage.
Tarek Beheiry has been appointed to the role of general manager of INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit.
The new role is his first with Meliá Hotels International. He joins the team after working as the regional general manager of Ennismore New Zealand and general manager at SO/Auckland. Before that, he was the general manager at Mondrian Seoul Itaewon.
The seasoned hospitality professional with more than two decades’ industry experience also worked as a general manager at both W Koh Samui and Hotel G Singapore.
The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali has appointed Marco Di Pasquale as its new hotel manager.
With over 25 years of experience in the global hospitality industry, Di Pasquale career took off under the mentorship of Michelin-star chefs such as Giorgio Locatelli, Alain Ducasse, and Gordon Ramsay, where he played a pivotal role in launching and managing some of the world’s most distinguished hotel dining experiences, including Hassler Hotel Rome, St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Conrad Seoul, and Conrad Manila.
Most recently, Pasquale was the director of operations at Conrad Manila.
Results highlight growth in travel volume and spend; AI awareness, sustainability adoption and workforce shifts also among key findings
Professionals in the business travel industry look forward to an engaged and productive year, according to the first Business Travel Outlook Poll of 2025 by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA).
While shifting economic conditions, geopolitical concerns and technology-driven changes continue to be areas of uncertainty, the poll results show an overall positive industry trajectory with almost half (48%) of travel buyers expecting their companies to take more business trips in 2025, and nearly 20% more (57%) anticipating increased travel spending this year.
Results highlight growth in travel volume and spend; AI awareness, sustainability adoption and workforce shifts also among key findings
Other findings around NDC, technology and AI integration, corporate sustainability commitments, workforce and hiring challenges, and developments in workplace expectations point to an innovative and inclusive industry that continues to advance and adapt.
“As business travel continues to evolve, travel professionals must navigate a landscape shaped by technology transformation, geopolitical factors and sustainability imperatives,” said Suzanne Neufang, CEO, GBTA. “The year’s first poll underscores an optimistic yet measured approach as companies balance growth with strategic investments in innovation, workforce needs and sustainability efforts.”
Now in its 36th edition, the poll reflects responses from almost 800 business travel professionals worldwide, offering significant insights into the trends, challenges and future expectations for global business travel.
Here are some of the key findings:
Looking back: business travel gains momentum as a whole
The year 2024 was a good year for business travel, with seven in 10 (71%) travel buyers reporting an increase in their company’s business travel bookings compared to 2023. This result is even better than the earlier projections reported in GBTA’s January 2024 Outlook Poll, when nearly three in five (60%) travel buyers expected more business travel in the upcoming year.
Business travel spending was also higher in 2024 than anticipated, with nearly four in five buyers (77%) indicating their company’s spend increased last year. Comparatively, two-thirds (67%) of buyers anticipated an increase when asked at the start of 2024.
Regional differences
North America (NORAM) led the way with growth in 2024 with four in five (81%) travel buyers there reporting their business travel spend increased last year.
Asia-Pacific (APAC) led global business travel spend growth last year, with more than three in four (78%) buyers from that region reporting a higher volume of trips compared to 2023 – including 30% who saw a significant increase.
2025 business travel predictions
Regionally, anticipated business travel spending varies, but is positive overall with 48% predicting more volume and 57% more spend in 2025 vs. 2024. APAC travel buyers reflect the most optimism with 63% indicating they are planning to spend “more” or “a lot more” in 2025, followed by NORAM travel buyers at 57%.
European buyers are somewhat more cautious when it comes to both anticipated travel volume and spend. One-third (37%) of European buyers expect increased trip volume – the lowest of any region – while fully half (50%) anticipate “more” or “a lot more” spending. On the cautious side, nearly one in five (19%) foresee a decline in their company’s business travel volume in 2025.
Half of the buyers from NORAM (50%) are optimistic about their company’s business travel volume and say their company is planning “more” or “a lot more” trips this year.
Travel buyers expect sales and account management trips will account for more than one-quarter (27%) of their company’s travel spend on average. Other anticipated key types of travel include internal company meetings (21%), conferences and tradeshows (14%) and service trips (13%).
Key industry trends & challenges for 2025
Even with expected growth in business travel this year, poll results indicate companies remain cost-conscious and selective when making business travel decisions. Additionally, the industry continues to prioritise technology and AI integration, while sustainability and workforce-related efforts are shaping corporate travel policies. And although hybrid work remains the dominant travel industry workplace model, in particular for buyer companies, more companies will enforce stricter return-to-office policies in 2025.
Specifically:
For travel programmes, AI adoption remains slow with only 34% of buyers saying their program plans to incorporate AI in significant ways this year.
Nearly one-third (30%) of buyers are reevaluating or changing their TMC in 2025, with four in 10 (39%) citing dissatisfaction with TMC technology and 37% citing service quality concerns as key reasons. Additionally, 20% mention their TMC’s difficulty with NDC bookings as a reason they are considering a change.
One-third (33%) of buyers expect increased investment in planet-focused sustainable travel practices, with APAC (55%) and Europe (46%) leading these efforts. Meanwhile, 29% of companies plan to increase support for people-focused initiatives, though 25% of buyers are unaware of their company’s people-focused initiatives.
The buyer-side of the business travel industry’s hiring landscape remains competitive with just 16% of travel buyers planning to add staff within their travel programmes in 2025.
On the other hand, travel supplier, TMC and tech companies are hiring, with four in 10 (41%) supplier and TMC respondents planning to add staff this year. However, NORAM lags, with one-third (35%) of supplier/TMC respondents expecting their company to add staff this year, compared to almost half (45%) of European suppliers and TMCs.
Respondents from all regions say key barriers facing the entire industry in finding qualified candidates in 2024 included unattractive salaries (54%), inadequate budgets for new roles (40%) and a growing demand for remote work (42%), which is a direct contrast with efforts by some corporations to limit remote positions. Notably, nearly half (47%) of supplier/TMC respondents cite remote work preferences as a key barrier, indicating a widening gap between workforce expectations and employer policies (see below).
Remote work policies continue to evolve. Even though half (51%) of GBTA stakeholders say their companies have not changed their policies from 2024, one-third (32%) report their companies have made work from home (WFH) policies stricter by requiring employees to be in the office more often. Supplier/TMC respondents (34%) are about equally likely as buyers (31%) to say their company implemented stricter WFH policies over the past year. However, suppliers and TMCs had stricter policies to begin with, as shown in last January’s GBTA Business Travel Outlook Poll.
Hybrid work schedules are most prevalent in Europe, where more than three-quarters (77%) of business travel professionals report their company has a hybrid work policy for 2025, followed by APAC (62%), LATAM (58%) and NORAM (51%).
The Queen’s Wharf precinct in Brisbane has been attracting a growing calendar of events since its official opening in 4Q2024, with over 150 already confirmed for this year at The Star Brisbane’s Event Centre.
Daniel Finch, CEO of The Star Brisbane, told TTGmice that the 2,000m2 ballroom – which can be split into five separate rooms – has hosted diverse events ranging from product launches to tradeshows since its opening.
Aerial view of The Star Brisbane
“We are also seeing conference organisers take advantage of the wider precinct to elevate delegates’ experience, whether it’s winding down with cocktails and live music at LiveWire, or providing the ultimate Brisbane welcome with sunset drinks at Sky Deck – 100 metres above the river,” he said.
Over the past year, visitors spent a record A$10.7 billion (US$6.7 billion) in Brisbane, with more than 50 million nights spent in the city.
“The city’s visitor numbers are growing faster than both Australia and Queensland overall, and we’ve seen record numbers from international markets like Canada, the US, Indonesia, South Korea and New Zealand,” Finch shared.
This is attributed to the strong comeback of direct flights from these major markets.
He elaborated: “One of the biggest wins has been the launch of new direct flights from Seoul, leading to a massive 44 per cent jump in South Korean visitors.
“American Airlines’ new non-stop service from Dallas-Fort Worth to Brisbane – a fantastic partnership with Qantas – has also taken off. Given that Dallas-Fort Worth is American Airlines’ largest hub with connections to over 200 destinations across the US, it’s no surprise this route has contributed to record visitors from North America.”
Moving forward, securing more direct international routes will be a key focus for Brisbane Airport and industry stakeholders, as the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games looms closer.
“As Brisbane gears up for the 2032 Olympics, every new direct route is a win – not just for tourism, but for small business, events and continued investment across Queensland,” said Finch.
A surge in visitors from Melbourne and Sydney is driving a boom in domestic tourism, contributing to a 20 per cent year-on-year rise in domestic business travel over the past year.
“In the past, corporate travellers would typically head coastal for a post-conference holiday, but business travellers are now staying longer in Brisbane to experience all that the city has to offer,” noted Finch.
When asked about the partnership with the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Finch said that they are seeing “fantastic momentum.”
“Brisbane is taking a city-wide approach to attracting major international conferences, and our partnership with BCEC is a key part of that strategy. These large-scale events are years in the making, and the work we’re doing now will see Brisbane reap the benefits well into the future,” he elaborated.
Other city-wide infrastructure that has improved accessibility include the opening of the Brisbane Metro, new pedestrian and cycling bridges, such as the Neville Bonner and Kangaroo Point Green Bridges, and upgrades at the Brisbane Airport.
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.
