The Hyatt Regency Hua Hin has announced a new promotion, offering up to 20 per cent discounts and exclusive benefits for events booked by March 31, 2025.
The offer is valid for stays until October 31, 2025.
Hyatt Regency Hua Hin
The “Open Spaces for Open Minds” promotion aims to attract event planners seeking inspiring venues and impeccable service. Included in the package are complimentary room nights (one for every 30 paid), and suite upgrades (one for every 30 paid rooms). Additional benefits are available for those who meet minimum spending requirements.
The Hyatt Regency Hua Hin boasts over 900m2 of flexible event space, including a grand Ballroom – complete with a dedicated pre-function area – capable of accommodating up to 300 guests. The ground-level facilities are easily accessible and feature a private porte-cochere.
For smaller events, the main function room can be divided into three separate spaces, accommodating groups of 40 to 240. A dedicated boardroom, a stylish drawing room, and outdoor spaces are also available.
Oceania Cruises has appointed Brennan Quesnele as the brand’s new senior vice president of sales, effective February 24, 2025.
Reporting directly to Frank A Del Rio, president of Oceania Cruises, Quesnele will oversee the execution of Oceania Cruises’ sales strategies and partner relationships around the globe, as well as maximising growth opportunities across all trade partner sales channels.
The heads of field sales, strategic accounts, and international sales – Tricia Wolf, Scott Kluesner, and Jason Worth, respectively – will report into Quesnele.
Quesnele joins Oceania Cruises from its sister brand, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), where he held the role of vice president of strategic and national accounts since July 2022. Prior to NCL, Quesnele served in various executive leadership roles within the sales, marketing, and product areas at Flight Centre Travel Group.
Grand Hyatt Mumbai Hotel & Residences has appointed Sumit Datta as hotel manager.
With 19 years of experience in luxury hospitality, Datta brings extensive expertise in guest satisfaction, strategic planning, business operations, and revenue analysis to his new role.
His career includes leadership positions at prestigious properties such as Taj Falaknuma Palace, Taj Lands End, The Leela Palace Jaipur, and Le Meridien Gurgaon.
PPKGBK’s Board of Directors at the rebranding announcement
The Gelora Bung Karno Complex Management Center (PPKGBK) has rebranded the Jakarta Convention Center – which stands on Block 14 of the Gelora Bung Karno complex – as the Jakarta International Convention Center (JICC).
This is amid ongoing unresolved legal disputes with Graha Sidang Pratama (GSP), the centre’s management company.
PPKGBK’s Board of Directors at the rebranding announcement
In line with the rebranding, PPKGBK has announced plans to establish a dedicated business unit to manage JICC operations. During this transition period, the venue will be directly managed by PPKGBK under the leadership of Sri Lestari Puji Astuti, the head of marketing and sales at PPKGBK.
Sri indicated that the focus now was on ensuring operational continuity while honouring all existing contracts.
“We are prioritising clients who have already made reservations or bookings (with GSP), as the event schedule is likely packed until mid-year,” she said, adding that to ensure that existing events are executed smoothly, no new requests will be processed.
The transition has been met with some controversy, with industry players reporting challenges in event organisation.
Speaking at the JICC rebranding announcement, Wahyu Promo Citra’s CEO Sukur Saka pointed out that the new management’s sudden changes to rules and contracts, including pre-event full rental payment deadlines, have created difficulties for event organisers.
Sukur explained that the PEO encountered difficulties coordinating logistics with several different parties, as the company was unsure of their standards and prevented from using its own established vendors.
With unresolved legal issues still pending, industry stakeholders worry that such sudden changes will persist.
Jeffrey Eugene, secretary general of the Indonesian Exhibition Companies Association, said: “This is business; we can’t be given something uncertain, especially when it involves costs, reputation, and responsibility to clients and the public.”
Jeffrey highlighted growing doubts among members regarding the newly-rebranded JICC’s capacity to deliver the expected level of service and management competence.
Although JICC has hired experienced hospitality professionals, Jeffrey pointed out that managing an exhibition venue requires a distinct skill set that goes beyond traditional hospitality experience.
On the other hand, finding viable alternatives to JICC is also a challenge.
“In Jakarta, there aren’t many venues with large spaces, and most of the ones that exist are already fully booked,” Jeffrey stated.
While organisers with events before March 2025 are largely committed to JICC due to time limitations, those planning events after June are already considering alternative locations.
Yudha Imam Sutedja, managing director of Okta Sejahtera Insani, shared that his company is considering moving their upcoming Hospital Expo to another venue.
“It will be a tough decision as JICC’s location is premium, but for us, the quality of services and management competence are key,” he said.
TCEB President Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya speaking at the launch of the Meet Well campaign at AIME 2025; photo by Adelaine Ng
The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) recently unveiled its Meet Well campaign at AIME 2025, an initiative designed to capitalise on the post-pandemic surge in Thailand’s business events sector by addressing the industry’s increasing demand for wellness, sustainability, seamless connectivity, and ROI-driven experiences.
Speaking at AIME 2025, TCEB President Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya confirmed that Thailand has firmly re-established itself as a top regional player. “Last year, we recorded nearly one million business events visitors, and we saw strong growth from key markets like India and China,” he told TTGmice.
TCEB President Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya speaking at the launch of the Meet Well campaign at AIME 2025; photo by Adelaine Ng
He also noted Thailand’s success in exhibition space sales, ranking fourth in Asia, reinforcing its position as a premier business events destination.
The Meet Well campaign places wellness at the forefront, leveraging Thailand’s position as one of Asia’s top wellness destinations to integrate luxury wellness experiences, medical treatments, and holistic retreats into business events.
Connectivity is another pillar, with TCEB promoting city-pairing journeys to enhance delegate experiences, linking major hubs like Bangkok with secondary cities such as Ayutthaya through high-speed rail and well-connected transport networks.
Sustainability also plays a central role, with new low-carbon routes developed in collaboration with the Thai Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association, allowing delegates to participate in sustainability programmes and community-driven projects.
With Thailand’s business events industry projected to grow at 6.2 per cent annually, TCEB returned to AIME with a pavilion for the first time in four years, featuring 12 top-tier Thai exhibitors from Bangkok and Phuket.
However, the demand to participate far exceeded the available space. “More than a hundred Thai suppliers wanted to join us at AIME this year, but we could only accommodate a portion of them,” Chiruit revealed.
As a result, TCEB is eyeing larger delegations and new event opportunities for 2026 and beyond.
“We are back in the game and expanding our participation at international tradeshows,” said Chiruit. He also pointed to research from UFI, the global association of the exhibition industry, which forecasts strong growth in exhibitions and business events across Asia.
Australian event planners are also showing renewed interest in Thailand, with large-scale groups already in discussions. “Some (of those) Australian groups aren’t just in the hundreds but in the thousands,” Chiruit noted, suggesting that Thailand is fast becoming a preferred destination for major corporate and incentive events.
To further streamline international business travel, Thailand has allowed visa-free entry for travellers from over 93 countries, and operates an advanced biometric identification system across six major international airports, expediting arrivals and departures for large groups.
From left: Adelaide Venue Management's Martin Radcliffe; and Operation Flinders' Sarah Leo at the programme
Adelaide Venue Management (AVM), operators of Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide Entertainment Centre and Coopers Stadium, has rolled out a new Community Impact Program.
The programme – an extension the AVM’s ESG Strategy, The Green Print – has been designed to amplify the organisation’s social impact, while also helping inspire, educate and support event organisers with their own event legacy objectives.
From left: Adelaide Venue Management’s Martin Radcliffe; and Operation Flinders’ Sarah Leo at the programme
The programme is built on a set of partnerships with local South Australian organisations across four key areas – Community, Environment, First Nations and Goods Donations – and provides options for event organisers to work with the partners to leave lasting legacies for their events in South Australia.
To coincide with the launch of the programme, AVM has named Operation Flinders as its principal community partner, with affiliate members including Trees For Life, Reconciliation South Australia and Vinnies. The programme also pledges AVM’s ongoing support to local food redistribution centres Faithworks, Foodbank, Hutt St Centre and OzHarvest.
Martin Radcliffe, CEO of Adelaide Venue Management, said that AVM’s Community Impact Program is all about providing a framework and simple, tangible solutions to support the delivery of socially responsible events.
“The events industry – and business events in particular – has an extraordinary power to drive positive change, not only for the sector or speciality related to the event, but also for the communities of the host destination. AVM is driven to maximise positive impact in our community, both through our own team’s work, as well as the initiatives of our clients.”
As part of the programme’s framework, AVM has worked closely with each of its community partners to develop a series of measurable engagement opportunities for event organisers to consider.
For example, event organisers can support Operation Flinders, an organisation providing adventure therapy programmes for young people, by donating registration fees or sponsoring participants.
For environmentally-focused events, AVM has partnered with Trees For Life, offering options like offsetting travel carbon or planting trees for attendees.
Meanwhile, in the First Nations category, AVM works with Reconciliation South Australia to connect organisers with local performers, speakers, and suppliers. AVM will also facilitate goods donations to Vinnies, Foodbank and other organisations, and operate a food distribution programme for unused food items.
Singapore’s Changi Airport has launched a new attraction called the Fit&Fun Zone, which blends fitness and entertainment into an innovative wellness space for travellers.
Said to be the first of its kind in an airport, the Fit&Fun Zone is designed to combat travel lethargy and provide a quick energy boost for travellers of all ages. It is located at Terminal 2 (Transit) Level 3, just above Dreamscape. It is open all day.
Fit&Fun Zone welcomes all travellers all day
Spanning over 400m2, the attraction features five coloured zones. In each zone, travellers can participate in various activities to connect with their bodies, rejuvenate, and take a break from the rigors of travel.
In the Green Zone, travellers can unwind and relax on six pendulum chairs overlooking the soothing ambiance of Dreamscape. The tranquil zone offers a perfect respite for those seeking peace from the bustling airport environment.
The Orange Zone features Spar Pods – elevated soft punching bags hinged by thin ropes – for travellers to release pent-up energy. In addition, the three-dimensional petals structures on the walls can also be jabbed, providing a fun and safe way to destress before their next flight.
For travellers seeking a strength workout, the Pink Zone is the place to be. Four pull down levers, connected to weights ranging from 2kg to 8kg, are linked to a light ball that changes colour when pulled, adding a dynamic visual element to the exercise.
The Yellow Zone features five trampoline pods that are equipped with sensors that play music when travellers step inside. Energetic travellers are welcomed to bounce, dance, and move to the catchy tunes, adding to the lively and joyful atmosphere.
The Blue Zone is ideal for travellers looking for a touch of adventure. The nature inspired, organically shaped cave comes with a rope maze that is designed to spark curiosity and encourage exploration.
Data utilisation can transform venue operations in the competitive business events industry
In the age of Big Data, managing convention and exhibition centres has entered a new era.
Efficiency, profitability, and sustainability are no longer just aspirations, but tangible objectives achieved through effective data collection and analysis. Yet, it is surprising how often the pivotal role of data is overlooked in daily operations, even by internationally renowned venues.
Data utilisation can transform venue operations in the competitive business events industry
Many still fail to adopt smart data management strategies that could improve their ability to operate more effectively. It all starts with knowing what kind of data to focus on.
Event-related data is the lifeblood of any venue. Think about the detailed information needed to ensure every event, whether it is a tradeshow, banquet, or conference, runs smoothly.
Tracking event types, schedules, attendance numbers, and space requirements creates a strong foundation for planning. Catering to special requests, like customised AV setups or specific catering needs, becomes much easier when you have precise records at your fingertips.
And then there is the personal touch, knowing your clients well enough to anticipate their needs. A database that captures their preferences, past interactions, and feedback goes a long way in building trust and ensuring repeat business. Attendees, too, deserve attention. Understanding who they are and how they interact with your venue can make all the difference. Gathering feedback, observing movement patterns, and even analysing demographic details help improve not just the event but, and that gospel is being preached now for quite some time, the entire experience.
On the operational side, the details matter just as much. Knowing how spaces and facilities are used allows for smarter decisions. It is about being proactive, scheduling maintenance during quiet times, ensuring high-demand areas are always ready, and even thinking creatively about under-utilised spaces.
When it comes to staffing and inventory, having accurate data ensures there is never a shortage of what is needed and that teams are deployed where they’re most effective. Vendors play a huge role, too, and keeping detailed records of their contracts and performance ensures consistent quality.
Lately, sustainability has become a critical focus. Monitoring energy use, recycling efforts, waste management, or even better waste avoidance not only helps the environment but also attracts a growing number of clients who care about green practices.
Of course, financial and sales data are just as vital. Knowing precisely where your revenue comes from and what expenses look like allows you to pinpoint what is working and where there’s room to grow. It is fascinating to see how much sales data can reveal – from lead generation to conversion rates, there is so much insight to be gained. Marketing efforts benefit immensely from this, as understanding which campaigns resonate most helps refine strategies. And then there is the competitive edge – keeping an eye on what others in the industry are doing ensures you’re always a step ahead.
Feeling a bit overwhelmed? The good news is that technology is making all of this easier. From CRM and Building Management systems to IoT devices, the tools available today help streamline data collection and turn raw information into actionable insights. When used thoughtfully, these tools can transform operations, making them not just efficient but also more personalised and impactful.
What is clear is that the true value of data lies in how it’s applied. By embracing a data-driven mindset, convention and exhibition centres can adapt to challenges with confidence, deliver exceptional experiences, and set themselves up for long-term success.
It is an exciting time for the industry, and the possibilities are endless for those willing to take the leap.
Mark Schloesser is a senior venue consultant at GainingEdge, bringing 25 years of experience in architecture, real estate management, and business events venue development, consulting, and operations to the role.
Beginning his career in venue management in 1998, Schloesser transitioned into corporate real estate and facility management in 2003, overseeing multiple facilities across the EMEA region. He returned to the business events sector in 2013, leading Deutsche Messe’s International Venue Management & Consulting business.
To date, he has spearheaded numerous international projects, including the Indonesia Convention Exhibition Centre, Guangzhou Tanzhou International Convention Center, Nanjing Airport City Exhibition Center, Xiamen New International Exhibition Center, Jamsil Sports and MICE Complex, and the Yokohama Integrated Resort project.
Revenues are expected to grow over the next two years
UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has released the latest 34th edition of its flagship Global Exhibition Barometer report, which highlights that the exhibition industry will continue to grow revenues globally in 2024 and 2025 by a respective 16% and 18% year-on-year.
Globally, 46% of companies declare that they plan to increase their workforce in the coming six months, while another 51% declare that they will keep current staff numbers stable.
Revenues are expected to grow over the next two years
“Global economic developments” is the top mid-term issue with 20% of answers, followed by “Geopolitical challenges” and “Sustainability / Climate”, 15% each.
There is a clear consensus that the industry is using AI, with 92% of companies stating this. For the first time since this question was introduced a year ago, a majority of businesses state that they are already using this technology in “Sales, Marketing and Customer relations” functions, showing an unprecedented speed of adoption.
“UFI’s Barometer research has provided like-for-like benchmarking on key metrics for 18 years, and this new edition shows positive indicators for the year ahead across all markets, which is heartening to see. However, at the same time, it shows some uncertainty around economic environments and geopolitical challenges, demonstrating we operate in an ever-changing world,” commented Chris Skeith, managing director and CEO at UFI.
“Many of the results validate the various projects UFI are working on in our centenary year, seeking greater recognition for the industry from policymakers, supporting our members to attract and retain the very best talent and help in the continued focus on Sustainability and Climate as all feature highly in the report.”
Size and scope
This latest edition of UFI’s bi-annual industry report was concluded in January 2025 and includes data from 390 companies in 56 countries and regions.
The study also includes outlooks and analysis for 19 focus countries and regions – Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Thailand, the UAE, the UK, and the US – as well as five additional aggregated regional zones.
Operations – space sold
Globally, the level of operations in 2H2024 has picked up for six companies out of 10 (and even seven out of 10 in North America, but only five out of 10 in Asia-Pacific) compared to the year before.
This trend will continue in the coming year with, on average, a percentage of companies reporting an increased activity ranging from 71% in North America, 62% in Central and South America and in the Middle East and Africa, to 60% in Europe and 42% in Asia-Pacific respectively.
In terms of space rented, results show a global progression of 9% for 2024 compared with 2019, but with significant variations at the country level, especially for some of the major global markets: while five countries have lower or comparable levels to 2019: Germany (-12%), China (-8%), France (-2%), Australia and the UK (same), nine have higher levels than the global average: Mexico and Spain (+13%), Italy (+15%), Saudi Arabia (+17%), Brazil and the UAE (+18%), Malaysia (+22%), Argentina (+34%), and India (+40%).
Turnover and operating profits
Revenues increased by 16% on average in 2024, and this trend is expected to continue. In 2025, revenues are expected to grow again by an average of 18% year on year.
These general trends vary from one country to another:
Revenues from 2024 compared to 2023 increased by more than 20% in Argentina (+49%), Thailand (+30%), Mexico (+24%), Brazil (+23%) and Spain (+21%).
Revenues from 2025 compared to 2024 are expected to increase by more than 20% in Argentina (+39%), the UK (+37%), Italy (+34%), Greece (+25%) and Colombia (+23%).
In terms of operating profits for 2024, 82% of the companies declare an annual increase of more than 10%, and 11% declare a decrease or a loss. Similar levels are anticipated for the 2025 operating profits, with 77% planning an annual increase of more than 10%, and 14% reporting a decrease or a loss.
In several markets, all respondents declared an increase of their operating profit by more than 10%: Australia (for 2024), France (for 2024), India (for 2025), Italy (for both 2024 and 2025), Mexico (for 2024), Spain (for 2024), South Africa (for 2025), the UAE (for both 2024 and 2025), the UK (for both 2024 and 2025), the US (for both 2024 and 2025).
Workforce development
Globally, 46% of companies declare that they plan to increase their staff numbers, while another 51% declare that they will keep current staff numbers stable. Those levels follow similar positive ones measured six months ago (48% for both increase and stability).
The highest proportion of companies planning to add staff is identified in Saudi Arabia (100%), the UAE (86%), Malaysia (62%) and the UK (60%).
Most important business issues
For the short term:
The most pressing business issue remains “State of the economy in home market” (23% of answers globally – 22% six months ago – and the main issue in all regions, except the Middle East and Africa, where it ranks second).
“Geopolitical challenges” (16% of answers, compared to 14% six months ago, and the top issue for the Middle East and Africa) and “Global economic developments” (15%, same as six months ago) come in as the second and third most important issues globally.
“Internal management challenges” (12%), “Competition from within the exhibition industry” (11%), followed by “Impact of digitalisation” and “Sustainability / Climate” (both 7%), and “Regulatory / Stakeholders issues” and “Competition with other media” (both 5%) follow.
There is an interesting change in ranking when comparing the most important issues in the short-term versus mid-term:
“Global economic developments” is the top mid-term issue with 20% of answers (compared to the short-term issues, where it ranks third with 15% of answers).
While “Geopolitical challenges” remains the second issue for both mid-term and short-term (with 15% and 16% of answers, respectively), “Sustainability / Climate” jumps to the third position for the mid-term (with almost the same level of 15% as the second one), compared to the seventh position on the short-term (with 7% of answers).
Generative AI applications
Globally, there is an overwhelming consensus that AI will affect the industry, with 92% of companies stating this (+5% compared to mid-2023 when we introduced the question).
The two main areas expected to be most affected by the development of AI are the same in all regions: “Sales, Marketing and Customer relations” (86% globally) and “Research & Development” (82%). These are precisely the areas where generative AI applications are already mostly used and in all regions, with a very fast recent rhythm of adoption:
54% globally for “Sales, Marketing and Customer relations”: + 15% compared to six months ago, and +17% to a year ago
49% globally for “Research & Development”: + 11% compared to six months ago, and + 14% to a year ago.
Other areas expected to be most affected by the development of AI are all selected by most companies for the time in the three successive surveys: “Event production” (62%), “Human Resources” (57%), “Finance and Risk management” and “Other support functions” (both 54%).
The next UFI Global Exhibition Barometer survey will be conducted in June 2025.
Occupying the entire top floor of The Henderson, Cloud 39 boasts Hong Kong’s highest rooftop, column-free ballroom 39 levels above ground.
This landmark building, a striking architectural achievement by the award-winning Zaha Hadid Architects, stands out amid Central’s commercial landscape. Cloud 39’s all-glass design offers breathtaking 270-degree panoramic views of Hong Kong’s vibrant cityscape, and is able to cater to corporate and social events.
Cloud 39
The column-free space encompasses a 186m2 foyer, a 632m2 ballroom, and a 91m2 al fresco terrace. It can accommodate events ranging from small gatherings to mid-sized affairs, with capacities for 400 guests in a theatre-style setup and 500 for cocktail receptions. A versatile multipurpose space can be configured as a luxurious VIP lounge, complete with Victoria Harbour and city skyline views, vanity counters, a reclining salon chair, and a mirror-lined beauty area with elegant floor-to-ceiling petal structures.
Guests arriving by elevator are welcomed into a glamorous foyer featuring a sculpted bar and access to the al fresco terrace, creating a stylish setting for pre-reception cocktails and refreshment breaks. A dedicated banquet kitchen serves Cloud 39, offering Chinese and Western cuisines prepared by an expert culinary team.
Despite its location atop an office building, Cloud 39 prioritises the privacy and convenience of its guests with two dedicated elevators serving the rooftop ballroom and an exclusive lift.
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.
Mark Schloesser is a senior venue consultant at GainingEdge, bringing 25 years of experience in architecture, real estate management, and business events venue development, consulting, and operations to the role.
