In celebration of Deepavali, TTGmice will be taking a break on October 31, 2024.
News will resume on November 5, 2024. Here’s wishing all our Hindu readers a Happy Deepavali!
Auckland secures Computing in Cardiology Conference for 2027
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland has secured the Computing in Cardiology (CinC) scientific conference for September 27, 2027.
This marks the first time the conference will be held in Australasia and only the third time in the Asia-Pacific in its 50-year history.
To be held at the University of Auckland’s Owen G Glen Building, the event is expected to attract around 350 delegates and generate an estimated economic impact of NZ$925,000 (US$552,300) for the city.
The bid was led by associate professor Jichao Zhao from the Auckland Bioengineering Institute at the University of Auckland, with support from Auckland Convention Bureau, which is a division of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, and Tourism New Zealand Business Events.
CinC focuses on computing in clinical cardiology and cardiovascular physiology to improve understanding, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. It also provides a forum for cutting-edge developments at the intersection of clinical practice, cardiac electrophysiology and physiology, engineering, and fundamental research, including the growing role of artificial intelligence in diagnostic support.
Four groups at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute are currently working on cardiac research directly relevant to CinC – cardiac electrophysiology, heart mechanics, cardiac instrumentation, and the Physiome Project.
Zhao added: “This conference plays an important role in nurturing young researchers, post doctorate students and Masters students. They’ll be learning through attending plenary talks and networking functions but will also have the opportunity to present at poster sessions and get guidance from senior researchers.”
Auckland is also home to a core of heart research knowledge including the NZ Centre of Research Excellence, Healthy Hearts for Aotearoa New Zealand – Pūtahi Manawa, which discovers and develops new early diagnostic treatments and strategies to improve heart health inequity; and the National Heart Foundation of NZ, a heart charity that funds cutting-edge research.
Rick Aylett takes the helm at Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust (MCET) has appointed Rick Aylett as the general manager of the upcoming Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre.
This appointment follows Aylett’s’s successful tenure as project director for Nyaal Banyul since 2022, where he has played a pivotal role in the venue’s design and development.
Aylett brings more than 30 years of extensive experience in senior leadership and operations management to this role. His career highlights include five years as head of operations at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, where he honed his expertise in managing large-scale events and operations.
Aylett has successfully led the strategic development and operational delivery of over 60 major international events, including the Commonwealth Games in India, and the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Tokyo to host World Congress of Philosophy 2028
The Japan Federation of Philosophical Societies (JFPS) has revealed that the World Congress of Philosophy 2028 (WCP 2028) will be held in Tokyo.
Expected to draw over 4,000 participants – 3,500 of whom are from overseas – the event will take place at the University of Tokyo over eight days.
The World Congress of Philosophy, a significant global gathering for philosophers, has been held every five years since 1900. Tokyo’s successful bid reflects the city’s growing reputation as a hub for intellectual exchange and its strong commitment to promoting philosophical discourse.
The JFPS’s compelling bid proposal, themed The Thinkers’ Choice, highlighted Japan’s rich philosophical tradition, its active network of research associations, and the unique advantages of hosting international conferences in Tokyo.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau provided financial and in-kind support, further bolstering Tokyo’s bid.
Meetings industry strides towards a more inclusive future
There is a real need to drive access in business events, raise awareness, challenge assumptions, and not be afraid to ask questions to make the industry more inclusive.
These comments were made during the session Challenging the Status Quo 2.0: New Thinking Around Complete Event Accessibility, where Melissa Riley, senior vice president, conventions sales and services, Washington DC Convention and Tourism Corporation shared her own recent experience as a wheelchair air passenger.
The industry needs to ask questions to be thorough in providing the requisite services, she noted. She also emphasised the need to start on the journey and not strive for perfection.
Moderator Alistair Turner, managing director, Ei8ht PR and Marketing, said ICCA was on an accessibility learning curve, but there is optimism.
Compared to a year ago, Duaa Abdel Rahman, accessibility specialist, Zayed Higher Organization for People with Determination, who is visually impaired, said there have now been “positive experiences”. She cited examples of “audio description headsets” and audio-navigational systems.
However, progress is slow and challenges remain, so there is a need to raise awareness and implement solutions, she added.
Meanwhile, Chaica Al Qassimi, UAE ambassador, Down Syndrome International, welcomed the country’s signing of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Lizzy Eaton, director, Oddity Events and Marketing, who began looking into the accessibility question six years ago, said event professionals must be brave to acknowledge that “they do not know all the answers”.
She said the UK will adopt the European Accessibility Act 2025, which focuses on neurological disabilities and how programmes, services, and general experiences have to be designed. This will help the industry better understand the legalities and to embark on more necessary initiatives.
Duaa added that Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism had introduced an accessibility manual, creating a standard for venues and events.
Stronger favour for events that minimise environmental impact and maximise positive change
The global events industry is gradually moving beyond traditional sustainability practices towards a more regenerative approach, where events minimise their negative impact on the environment while actively contributing to the restoration and revitalisation of ecosystems.
This shift was addressed by two industry leaders from the Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement) during an ICCA Congress 2024 session last week.
Bella Shahsuvaryan, changemaker, GDS-Movement, used Coldplay concerts as an example of regenerative events. She related how the band paused touring in 2019 until it found a way to make its concerts more sustainable. On its website, Coldplay lists its regenerative efforts that are part of its Music of the Spheres World Tour, ranging from planting trees per concert goer, to providing power bikes and kinetic dance floors to power the band’s performance every night.
“Such regenerative events are about more than just sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint. They’re about creating a positive impact on both the environment and local communities,” Shahsuvaryan pointed out.
Guy Bigwood, CEO and chief changemaker, GDS-Movement, added: “We’ve seen a growing demand for regenerative events, where people are looking for events that minimise their environmental impact and contribute to positive change through legacy.”
Characteristics of regenerative events include prioritising the well-being of local communities and contributing to social development through job creation, skills training, and charitable initiatives; ensuring that all products and services used in the event are sourced ethically and sustainably; and adopting practices that minimise waste and promote resource reuse, reducing the event’s overall environmental footprint.
“By embracing regenerative principles, event organisers can not only minimise their environmental impact but also contribute to the restoration of our planet and the well-being of future generations,” commented Shahsuvaryan.
ICCA, GBTA chip in knowledge content for Arabian Travel Market
The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) has entered a strategic partnership with ICCA and GBTA to have the latter two step in as knowledge partners to provide in-depth insights and opportunities for the business events and travel sectors.
This collaboration will benefit ATM 2025, set for Dubai World Trade Centre from April 28 to May 1.
During ATM 2025, ICCA will deliver seminars covering a range of topics for the business events industry, while GBTA will outline the prevailing trends in the business travel sector. These seminars will give the industry valuable insights into recent research, innovations, and best practices.
Danielle Curtis, exhibition director of ATM, said: “All of the latest research suggests that the business events and business travel sectors are going from strength to strength. These sectors have always been important verticals at ATM, and the official partnership with ICCA and GBTA for the 2025 edition will take our offering to the next level. By collaborating with these respected industry leaders, ATM aims to deliver even more value and innovation to its attendees and exhibitors.”
Sri Lanka’s largest convention and gaming centre opens
Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, Sri Lanka’s largest hotel and convention centre, recently opened its doors to the public.
This monumental project, a joint venture between John Keells Holdings (JKH) and Melco Resorts & Entertainment, aims to attract both leisure and business travellers from around the globe, particularly business events groups and high rollers from Asia-Pacific.
As the largest and most ambitious private investment in Sri Lanka, Cinnamon Life boasts a sprawling complex featuring 687 luxurious rooms, multiple entertainment venues, and state-of-the-art convention facilities.
The venue’s centrepiece is the Lumina Ballroom, capable of accommodating over 1,860 guests theatre-style. Meanwhile, the Forum offers a capacity of 1,280 in theatre setup, while multiple locations like the Studio, Boardrooms, Cumulus Ballroom, Celestine Ballroom and Podium can accommodate between 200 and 1200 guests at any time.
India, with its growing corporate sector and increasing outbound business travel, is a key target market for Cinnamon Life, according to a spokesperson from JKH. The Middle East, particularly the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, is also emerging as a significant source of business and leisure travellers. Additionally, the venue is attracting interest from major Asian hubs like Singapore and Malaysia, as well as Australia, the UK, and key European countries such as France and Germany.
Nishad Wijetunga, former president of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators, said this development will enhance the product mix in Colombo, as the city has been lacking in entertainment and activity-related events.
Melco Resorts & Entertainment will also manage the exclusive 113-key luxury hotel, Nuwa, and the gaming facilities, which are slated to open by July 2025.
Photo of the day: European Academy of Childhood Disability wins 2024 Incredible Impacts Programme Grant
The European Academy of Childhood Disability (EACD) has been awarded the 2024 Incredible Impacts Programme (IIP) Grant by BestCities Global Alliance and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).
The IIP Grant recognises an international association demonstrating exceptional advocacy for positive global change. This year’s US$20,000 award will support EACD’s “EACD+” programme, which aims to improve the quality of life for people with childhood-onset disabilities by expanding access to sports, culture, and technology.
EACD developed the programme in conjunction with their successful 2024 conference, EACD2024, held in Bruges, Belgium. The grant will enable them to expand “EACD+” to future host destinations and establish an Impact Creation Task Force. This task force will focus on raising awareness of the needs and rights of people with childhood-onset disabilities and advocating for greater inclusion across Europe and beyond.
EACD was one of three finalists shortlisted for the Incredible Impacts Grant, along with the International Hip Preservation Societyand World Association of News Publishers. All three associations presented their submissions at the ICCA Congress in Abu Dhabi, where conference delegates, along with a panel of judges, decided on the final winner.
Incredible Impacts offers two cash awards each year – a main grant of US$20,000 and a seed fund grant of US$5,000. The seed grant was awarded to the International Cartilage Regeneration & Joint Preservation Society in August 2024.
New technology is reshaping attendee experiences, but inclusivity and data protection needs must be met
Augmented and mixed reality (AR and MR) are set to revolutionise the business events sector as the technology matures, becoming more widespread and affordable.
These tools are expected to significantly enhance the delegate experience by enabling event organisers to create immersive environments that transcend physical limitations, projected events professionals.
Speaking at a session during ICCA Congress 2024 in Abu Dhabi last week, Thomas Mauch, business development manager, RAI Amsterdam, showed a video of how Porsche is deploying MR technology through a three-dimensional environment where it is possible for participants to move around and interact with virtual objects and other users by joining remotely from all over the world.
Mauch emphasised that the timeline for AR and MR becoming integral to event experiences is not too far away.
Venue providers will have to make smart investments now to ensure their spaces are equipped to handle these technologies in the near future.
AR and MR technologies will empower event organisers to craft personalised experiences for individual attendees, allowing them to tailor content dynamically in real time. Exhibitors, for example, can adjust their digital displays or product offerings based on a buyer’s preferences or interactions, creating a highly responsive and adaptive environment.
This flexibility makes exhibitions more engaging for exhibitors and event planners, enhancing the overall experience while allowing for seamless, on-the-fly modifications. Furthermore, AR and MR can offer enhanced data collection, giving event organisers and exhibitors deeper insights into attendee behaviour, preferences, and engagement patterns.
Mauch pointed out that the potential benefits of AR and MR are extensive. They can strengthen training and skill development in the medical field, for example, by allowing participants to engage in hands-on learning experiences. In addition, these technologies can revolutionise storytelling, enabling businesses to communicate their narratives in more interactive and memorable ways.
However, during his presentation, Mauch also urged caution. While these technologies hold great promise, it is crucial to ensure they are implemented in ways that are inclusive and accessible.
Not everyone may be comfortable wearing AR or VR headsets, particularly those who experience colour blindness and have sensory sensitivities.
There are also important ethical considerations. With the enhanced data collection capabilities of AR and MR, it becomes critical to protect sensitive attendee information.
Reviews
Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown
A polished urban retreat designed for business travellers, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown combines thoughtful design, seamless service, and exceptional facilities.
A versatile powerhouse
Arena @ Expo, a multipurpose concert hall at the Singapore Expo is a flexible space for high octane concerts and lifestyle events.
Amari Bangkok
The five-star property excels in backing its expansive facilities with seamless service and personalised attention, setting the benchmark for luxury in Bangkok.
